6 Recommended Accessible Tourist Spots in Tokyo: Enjoyable for Wheelchair Users

For wheelchair users, rain might be the biggest barrier when going out. I, the author, feel the same way.

During my school days, I used to wear a raincoat for bicycles to commute, but I often ended up getting wet.

Could it be that the lack of opportunities for people with disabilities to go out is partly due to the weather?

"I want to enjoy sightseeing in Tokyo, but is it okay on a rainy day?" "Are there any barrier-free tourist spots in Tokyo?"

This article is a life hack to solve such questions and concerns.

We hope that through this article, the hurdles for people with disabilities to go out will be lowered, allowing them to enjoy Tokyo sightseeing more.

2. Six Recommended Barrier-Free Tourist Spots in Tokyo

2-1. Tokyo Trick Art Museum

The first place we introduce is the "Tokyo Trick Art Museum," where you can enjoy art that uses optical illusions.

This museum features trick art with an Edo theme, and depending on how you take photos, you can capture mysterious images.

Even wheelchair users can blend into the artworks, making it a perfect spot for Instagram-worthy photos.

Reference: Tokyo Trick Art Museum

2-2. Maxell Aqua Park Shinagawa

Next, we introduce "Maxell Aqua Park Shinagawa."

Located inside the Shinagawa Prince Hotel, just a 2-minute walk from Shinagawa Station, it is an entertainment aquarium that combines the latest technology in sound, light, and visuals.

One of the most popular attractions is the "Jellyfish Rumble."

It features a mystical space where jellyfish swim gracefully, accompanied by lights and music that match the season.

The facility is fully equipped with barrier-free access, and some attractions are wheelchair accessible.

While wheelchair users often face limitations in accessing attractions, Maxell Aqua Park Shinagawa offers a place where you can share the same experience with family and friends.

Staying at the Shinagawa Prince Hotel and spending time at the adjacent "Maxell Aqua Park Shinagawa" could be a delightful plan.

Reference: Maxell Aqua Park Shinagawa

2-2. Tokyo Skytree Town

"Tokyo Skytree Town" is a complex facility centered around the Tokyo Skytree, commercial facilities, and office buildings, complete with an aquarium and dome theater.

The Tokyo Skytree, recognized by Guinness as the tallest tower in the world at approximately 634 meters, is also barrier-free. Except for Floor 445, each floor is equipped with multi-functional restrooms, and the observation corridor features gentle slopes, making it accessible for wheelchair users.

Additionally, the commercial facility "Tokyo Solamachi" houses a variety of restaurants, fashion and miscellaneous goods stores, and services within the building. It connects to Oshiage Station on the basement third floor, allowing visitors to enjoy the facility without ever having to go outside, even on rainy days.

It's a perfect spot for Tokyo sightseeing, where you can shop during the day and enjoy a panoramic night view.

Reference: Tokyo Skytree Town

2-3. SKY CIRCUS Sunshine 60 Observatory

Next, we introduce the "SKY CIRCUS Sunshine 60 Observatory." With the concept of transforming from a "view-only observatory" to an "experience-based observatory," it offers eight different activities to enjoy.

The popular attractions include "TOKYO Bullet Flight" and "Swing Coaster," where you can fly around Tokyo using VR. In addition to dynamic visuals, you can experience 4D effects such as wind pressure and vibrations. However, unfortunately, these are not accessible to wheelchair users or some individuals with disabilities.

Nevertheless, there are other attractions like the "Infinite Scape," a tunnel made entirely of mirrors, and "SKY PARTY," which combines human movements with 3DCG, offering visual experiences.

The observatory is filled with content that allows you to enjoy using all your senses.

Reference: SKY CIRCUS Sunshine 60 Observatory

2-4. LEGOLAND® Discovery Center Tokyo

"LEGOLAND® Discovery Center Tokyo" is an indoor theme park using LEGO bricks.

It features 11 attractions, including "Miniland," a diorama of Tokyo made with over 1.6 million bricks, and the "LEGO® Factory," where you can experience how plastic becomes bricks.

Located about a 2-minute walk from Yurikamome "Odaiba-Kaihinkoen Station," it offers good access, and there is a café inside where you can spend a relaxing time.

The facility is designed to accommodate various disabilities, making it a recommended spot for children with disabilities. Why not visit with your family?

Reference: LEGOLAND® Discovery Center Tokyo

2-5. Tokyo Trick Art Museum

The last place we introduce is the "Tokyo Trick Art Museum," where you can enjoy optical illusions.

This museum features trick art with an Edo theme, and depending on how you take photos, you can capture mysterious images.

Even wheelchair users can blend into the artworks, making it a perfect spot for Instagram-worthy photos.

Reference: Tokyo Trick Art Museum

3. Enjoy Sightseeing and Going Out on Rainy Days with a Wheelchair!

Many wheelchair users may find going out on rainy days challenging.

Wheelchairs are wide, and using just an umbrella often isn't enough to stay dry. Additionally, for electric wheelchairs, getting wet can significantly increase the risk of malfunction.

There are convenient rain gear options for wheelchair users.

One such item is the "Wheelchair Umbrella."

It's a product that covers the entire wheelchair with an umbrella, similar to a stroller canopy, to keep it dry. It is designed for easy attachment and detachment, addressing the need for quick installation.

Once attached to the wheelchair, users can open and close the umbrella themselves. This eliminates the need for someone else to hold the umbrella, allowing users to go out independently whenever they like.

Reference: Wheelchair