Barrier-Free New Year Parties! A Complete Guide to Choosing Restaurants for Wheelchair Users

When thinking of the first event of the new year, many people might imagine a "New Year's party." It's a gathering to celebrate the beginning of a new year, so it should be a place where everyone can participate without hesitation. However, for wheelchair users, many restaurants present a high barrier to participation.

This time, we will explain the challenges wheelchair users face in restaurants and how to find barrier-free dining options. We will also introduce websites that list barrier-free restaurants that you can use right away, so please take a look.

1. Why "Barrier-Free Restaurants" Are Needed Now

One reason why "barrier-free restaurants" are needed now is that the number of people who require barrier-free facilities is increasing.

Currently, there are about 2.5 million people with physical disabilities, including wheelchair users, in the country, and the number of elderly people has exceeded 29% of the population.

Since many people feel anxious about buildings and transportation, the demand for barrier-free restaurants is naturally increasing. Having a barrier-free dining establishment provides both physical and psychological comfort. When choosing a venue for a New Year's party, be sure to pay attention to the barrier-free features of the establishment.

1-1. Four Common Challenges Wheelchair Users Face in Restaurants

When wheelchair users visit restaurants, they often encounter the following four challenges.

• ① Steps at the entrance or the slope gradient
  
  

When people hear "barrier-free," they often first think of steps at entrances. This is often the first hurdle when searching for a restaurant.

Ideally, there should be no steps at the entrance or inside the store. A flat design is reassuring not only for wheelchair users but also for elderly people with weak legs and parents with strollers.

However, it's important to pay attention to even small steps or slope gradients. What may not seem like a significant step to someone standing can be challenging for a wheelchair user to overcome. Additionally, if a ramp is provided to eliminate steps, a steep slope can make it impossible for wheelchair users to enter on their own.

Such differences in perspective can often lead to "misunderstandings". It's reassuring to confirm with participants or the store in advance, using photos of the entrance, for example.

• ② Width of aisles inside the store
  
  

Restaurants where wheelchair users dine need to have sufficient aisle width.

In addition to moving in and out of the store, there may be times when a 180-degree turn is necessary, such as when going to the restroom or paying the bill. Ensure that there is ample space in front of the register and between tables so that everyone, including other patrons, can comfortably use the store.

• ③ Height and shape of tables and chairs
  
  

Surprisingly, tables and chairs can also be obstacles.

For wheelchair users, table seating is preferable to tatami seating. Moreover, even with table seating, the height of the table must allow the wheelchair's knees to fit under it. If the table is too low for the knees to fit, the distance between the wheelchair and the table becomes too large, making it difficult to eat.

Additionally, some restaurants have chairs fixed to the floor or only high tables and high chairs. In such cases, dining in a wheelchair is not possible. Checking the seating arrangements in advance can be considered a more thorough preparation.

• ④ Availability of barrier-free restrooms
  
  

Many people tend to overlook this, but it's essential to check the restroom situation when choosing a restaurant.

Restaurants with barrier-free restrooms that can accommodate wheelchairs are still very few. If there is no barrier-free restroom in the establishment, it's ideal to at least check if there are nearby facilities or convenience stores with barrier-free restrooms.

• ⑤ Access from the nearest station
  
  

It's not widely known, but access to the restaurant can also be a challenge.

Even if the restaurant itself is barrier-free, if the ground around the restaurant is uneven or there are steep hills, it becomes difficult for wheelchair users to move around. Additionally, if the nearest station lacks an elevator and access via other routes is challenging, this can also be an issue. In such cases, choosing another restaurant or arranging a taxi might be necessary.

2. How to Choose a "Barrier-Free Restaurant" Without Fail

2-1. Checklist to Confirm When Choosing a Restaurant

As mentioned earlier, there are many items to check when choosing a restaurant for a meal with wheelchair users. In particular, the following five items should be thoroughly checked in advance. Be sure to check them when selecting a restaurant.

• Check if there are no steps at the entrance or inside the store
• Ensure there is sufficient aisle width for wheelchair access
• Confirm that the seating allows for wheelchair access
• Check for the presence of a barrier-free restroom
• Consider road information and access in the surrounding area
  
  

2-2. It's Best to Inquire Before Making a Reservation

That said, it's quite challenging to investigate in such detail on your own. Often, such detailed information is not publicly available from the store, so it's best to directly confirm with the store in advance.

Information obtained through direct inquiry is reliable and provides reassurance for wheelchair users.

3. [For Organizers] Creating a Venue Where Wheelchair Users Can Enjoy with Peace of Mind

3-1. Wheelchair Users' Real Experiences: "Thoughtful Considerations"

In addition to building accessibility, there are many thoughtful considerations that help wheelchair users. Here are some "thoughtful considerations" received from other participants or store staff that were appreciated.

• Matching eye level

Wheelchair users have a lower line of sight compared to standing individuals, often having to look up at others. When entering a restaurant, many wheelchair users appreciate the subtle gesture of someone "naturally crouching to match their eye level."

• Verbal cues during assistance

When wheelchair users visit a restaurant, many staff members are happy to assist and support them. Among these, providing verbal cues such as "moving forward a bit" or "turning left" offers reassurance to those receiving assistance.

3-2. Consideration for Seating Arrangements on the Day

While choosing the right restaurant is important, paying attention to seating arrangements on the day is also crucial.

For example, securing a seat near the restroom or a spacious area for wheelchair users is considerate, but focusing solely on this can result in creating distance from other participants, making it difficult to join in conversations.

If that happens, it becomes challenging to enjoy the event, even if they participated. The seating arrangement for wheelchair users requires a balance between convenience and ease of conversation.

4. Advantages and Disadvantages of Different Types of Restaurants