5 Accommodations Actively Engaged in Universal Tourism!

"Because I'm in a wheelchair, because I need assistance, traveling might be difficult..." Many people may have felt this way and given up on traveling.

However, now a new form of travel called "Universal Tourism" is spreading, allowing everyone to enjoy travel.

Universal Tourism is a style of travel where everyone, including the elderly, people with disabilities, pregnant women, and families with infants, can enjoy lodging and transportation with peace of mind. In Japan, about one-third of the population falls into this category, and barrier-free inns, hot springs, and hotels are emerging one after another.

In this article, we have carefully selected six advanced accommodations and services that will make you feel "I can go here!" It will help you find the perfect place to stay for a worry-free travel experience.

Please use this as a reference for planning your next trip.

1. Introducing accommodations such as hotels and inns that can be enjoyed by people with disabilities or illnesses

"I want to enjoy hot springs and inns even in a wheelchair," "I'm worried about whether I can stay safely,"—to address these concerns, the hotel and inn industry is adopting the concept of "Universal Tourism."

Currently, many facilities are improving their environments from three perspectives: "hardware," "software," and "information dissemination," ensuring that people with disabilities or illnesses can travel with a sense of safety and anticipation.

• Hardware improvements
  Efforts to remove physical barriers, such as eliminating steps and installing ramps and handrails, have become common. Additionally, more inns and hotels are widening doorways and equipping bathrooms and toilets that are wheelchair-friendly.
  
• Software improvements
  The quality of hospitality continues to improve.
  Special meals for allergies or chronic illnesses, buffet portioning services, communication support through sign language or writing, and assistance from service care workers are available. These considerations for invisible aspects will ease travel anxieties.
  
• Information dissemination efforts
  Official websites and brochures are also evolving.
  Efforts to enlarge text and choose easy-to-understand language are spreading. With detailed information available in advance, planning trips becomes easier, and you can enjoy your destination without worries.

The following article is also helpful for people with disabilities looking for hotels and inns.

Reference:

2. Five Accommodations Committed to Universal Tourism

2-1. Glamping Facility "Flat Glamping Nagasaki" Produced by Medical Professionals with Medical Staff On-Site

"Even if I need medical support, I want to spend time in nature."

Fulfilling this wish is "Flat Glamping Nagasaki" in Nagasaki Prefecture.

This glamping facility, produced by medical professionals, has a theme of "Making Travel More Flat," with all dome tents designed to be barrier-free. Additionally, staff with physiotherapy qualifications are always on-site, allowing wheelchair users and those needing medical care to stay with peace of mind.

With thoughtful amenities like bed rails, welfare equipment rentals, covered BBQ spaces, and ostomate-friendly toilets, you can enjoy nature comfortably. Enjoy special moments with the breathtaking views of Nagasaki.

【Basic Information】

• Address: 1812-17 Nagaura-cho, Nagasaki City, Nagasaki Prefecture, 851-3212
• Phone: 095-885-2300

【User Reviews｜Rating: 4.7 (Jalan)】※3 is the median

• The staff's attentiveness was very pleasant, and I was able to spend my time comfortably!
  
• The staff's response was excellent! They delivered anything needed promptly and always responded with a smile, which was very impressive!
  
• I was impressed by the wide bathroom and toilet accessible by wheelchair, with heating and cooling, accommodating a wide range of people.

If you want to know more about Flat Glamping Nagasaki, the following article is also helpful.

Reference:

Reference: Flat Glamping Nagasaki

2-2. Enjoy Hot Springs in a Wheelchair! "Hakone Kowakien Yunessun Mori no Yu"

"I want to enjoy hot springs even in a wheelchair."

Making this hope a reality is the popular inn "Hakone Kowakien Yunessun Mori no Yu" in Hakone.

A special room, limited to one room, was created through a major renovation, allowing guests to enter the hot spring while in a wheelchair. This provides a new option for those who had given up on hot springs.

There are reports from wheelchair-using travelers who have experienced it, and it is highly rated for its comfort and coziness. Experience a hot spring trip where everyone can truly relax.

【Basic Information】

• Address: 1297 Ninotaira, Hakone-machi, Ashigarashimo-gun, Kanagawa Prefecture, 250-0407
• Phone: 0460-82-4126

【User Reviews｜Rating: 3.7 (Jalan)】

• The temperature of the water, both in the indoor and open-air baths, was just right and perfect.
  
• The quality of the hot spring was good, with a temperature that wasn't too hot, allowing for a long, relaxing soak.
  
• The open-air bath surrounded by greenery was very quiet and soothing.

A video of a wheelchair traveler's bathing experience is also informative.

Reference: Hakone Kowakien Yunessun Mori no Yu｜Hakone All Mountains

Reference: Hakone Kowakien Yunessun Mori no Yu

2-3. "Support Inn Minamichita" with Lift-Equipped Jet Baths and Assistance Services by Inn Staff

"Even if I need assistance, I want to relax at an inn."

Fulfilling this wish is "Support Inn Minamichita" in Aichi Prefecture.

As Japan's first welfare inn, it offers hospitality that addresses each guest's concerns. All rooms have sliding doors for easy movement, and care beds and assistance services by staff are available upon request.

The bathhouse is tatami-floored to prevent slipping, and the private jet bath with a lift allows guests to enjoy bathing safely with staff assistance. Meals include chopped food and allergy-friendly options, and the barrier-free access from Meitetsu Kowa Station eases travel concerns.

【Basic Information】

• Address: 21-1 Uchiumi Isshiki, Minamichita-cho, Chita-gun, Aichi Prefecture, 470-3321
• Phone: 0569-89-8011

【User Reviews｜Rating: 4.8 (Jalan)】

• During the reservation process, they asked about meal preferences and bed orientation in detail, allowing us to approach the day with confidence. The entire facility is barrier-free, allowing wheelchair movement, and our 1-year-old child could stay safely.
  
• The staff, who are well-trained in hospitality, the delicious food, the safe and spacious bath, and the clean rooms were all excellent.
  
• Traveled with my wheelchair-bound mother. The service was good, and the food was delicious.

Reference: Support Inn Minamichita

2-4. "Naniwa Issui," Winner of the Gold Award in International Universal Design

"I want to stay at an inn recognized as a pioneer in universal design."

"Naniwa Issui" in Shimane Prefecture is an advanced barrier-free inn highly rated both domestically and internationally.

Its outstanding efforts were recognized, earning it the Gold Award at the IAUD International Design Award 2020. It has been focusing on barrier-free design for over 16 years, with a basic no-step design throughout the facility.

Rooms equipped with bath lifts and shower chairs, and spacious rooms where wheelchairs can turn around, are among the many facilities available.

Additionally, for a fee, bathing assistance by helpers can be arranged. With well-equipped facilities and warm support from the staff, you can spend a relaxing time with peace of mind.

【Basic Information】

• Address: 63 Chidori-cho, Matsue City, Shimane Prefecture, 690-0852
• Phone: 0852-21-4132

【User Reviews｜Rating: 4.9 (Jalan)】

• Early in the morning, when I informed a male staff member that I was going out, he called the elevator and opened the automatic door at the entrance ahead of time. I was impressed by the consideration to not burden us, which I think is not easy to do in the morning.
  
• Traveled with a family member with physical disabilities, and the staff was very kind.
  
• Used with my elderly mother. She has difficulty walking and uses a walker, so the wide space at the room entrance and private dining room was very appreciated.

Reference: Naniwa Issui

2-5. Enjoy the Spectacular View of Sakurajima! "SHIROYAMA HOTEL Kagoshima" with Bathing Assistance

Overlooking the magnificent scenery of Sakurajima and Kinko Bay, "SHIROYAMA HOTEL Kagoshima" is a renowned hotel in Kagoshima.

The universal room, equipped with a no-step design and electric reclining beds, offers a spacious and comfortable relaxation space.

In 2021, the private hot spring was renovated with a universal design, and bathing assistance services by specialized staff are available.

Meals cater to paste foods, allergy-friendly, and vegetarian menus, with communication support through writing and multilingual assistance. You can enjoy your trip to Kagoshima with peace of mind, along with the stunning views.

【Basic Information】

• Address: 41-1 Shiroyamacho, Kagoshima City, Kagoshima Prefecture, 890-8586
• Phone: 0570-07-4680 (Reservation Center)

【User Reviews｜Rating: 4.5 (Jalan)】

• The staff's response was appropriate, and I was helped by borrowing a cane and wheelchair for moving inside the hotel. They even provided a shuttle to the parking lot on the way back. The service was outstanding.
  
• As expected of the No.1 hotel. The service was excellent, and the view from the open-air bath and breakfast were the best!
  
• I always stay at this hotel when visiting Kagoshima. The hot spring with a view of Sakurajima is the best! And the breakfast is also excellent.

Reference: SHIROYAMA HOTEL Kagoshima

3. [A Must-See for Wheelchair Users] IKKEL, a Site Featuring Information on Barrier-Free Hotels and Inns