The Ultimate Travel Guide for Wheelchair Travelers: 9 Travel Support Companies and Helpful Websites!

Are there people who find it difficult to travel due to disabilities or illnesses?

This time, we introduce companies and organizations that support such challenges.

Through barrier-free travel, you can create comfortable and enjoyable memories with family and friends. We hope this will be a helpful reference for those considering travel.

1. What are the challenges in making travel barrier-free?

For wheelchair users, physical barriers can pose significant obstacles when traveling.

When I travel, I research barrier-free information on public transportation, tourist spots, and accommodations, and plan meticulously before departing. Even if the accommodation is barrier-free, there are often cases where bathing is not possible.

Additionally, there are challenges in terms of limited information.

In unfamiliar places and new communities, the internet might be your only source of information. However, barrier-free travel information is still limited.

Here are three specific challenges in making travel barrier-free.

1-1. Understanding access conditions

When traveling, knowing what modes of transportation are available for access is crucial.

While it's convenient if the location is accessible by car, some places can only be reached by ferry or plane.

Therefore, understanding access conditions is very important. If using public transportation, be sure to thoroughly understand the barrier-free conditions up to boarding and the facilities inside the vehicle.

For tips on traveling by Shinkansen with a wheelchair, refer to

Reference:

1-2. Checking for accessible restrooms at travel destinations

If you need to use the restroom at your travel destination, many tourist spots and major stations have accessible restrooms, providing peace of mind.

However, smaller tourist spots may not have accessible restrooms.

Checking the availability of accessible restrooms in advance allows you to plan accordingly, such as using the restroom beforehand.

Recommended methods for finding accessible restrooms include using smartphone apps, accessible restroom maps, or map applications.

1-3. Booking a barrier-free hotel

When traveling with a wheelchair, choose a hotel that is wheelchair accessible.

It's important that the hotel entrance has ramps for easy movement and that elevators are designed for easy use by people with disabilities.

In the guest room, it's crucial to have minimal steps in the bathroom and handrails, ensuring a comfortable space for people with disabilities.

As an example of a hotel with excellent barrier-free facilities, we introduce Toyoko INN's Heartful Room®

Reference:

2. Top 5 Travel Support Companies for Wheelchair Travelers

2-1. TRAVEL DOCTOR

Doctor talking to a patient: "TRAVEL DOCTOR" is a travel company created by doctors to fulfill wishes that were given up due to illness.

To ensure you can enjoy your trip with peace of mind, medical staff will support your travel.

Reiya Ito from Travel Doctor realized that many patients in medical settings wish for a final trip.

He believed that with the support of doctors knowledgeable in both medical and travel fields, such wishes could be fulfilled, aiming to be a "doctor who fulfills the last travel wish."

Therefore, they prioritize the travel that the person "wants" over the travel that is "possible." They also feature planning for emergency responses in collaboration with medical institutions nationwide.

Reference: "TRAVEL DOCTOR"

2-2. Grit Inc.

"Grit Inc." is a medical-specialized travel support service founded by two nurses with experience in advanced emergency medical centers.

The logo is inspired by a window, reflecting the founders' desire to provide a service that connects people who have given up on going out due to disabilities or illnesses with the outside world.

Unlike regular travel support, having a nurse accompany you allows even those with high medical dependency, such as those using ventilators or oxygen concentrators, to enjoy travel with peace of mind.

They also own an ambulance, allowing you to safely travel to your desired location while lying on a stretcher.

"I wanted to do something one last time"

They have heard many regrets from patients and families at the end of life.

Because of this, they support wishes to be fulfilled at the end of life. That is the travel support service of Grit Inc.

Reference: "Grit Inc."

Grit Inc. is also introduced in the following article. 

Reference:

2-3. Yume Tourist Kitami

"Yume Tourist Kitami" in Kyoto Prefecture supports travel by considering each traveler's concerns based on the concept of universal design.

During the meeting, be sure to communicate any points that require consideration, such as "needing assistance with bathing" or "having food allergies."

Yume Tourist Kitami's barrier-free custom tours are request-based tours that can be freely planned, allowing you to travel with family, colleagues, or anyone you want to be with on a private trip. Various options are available, allowing you to create your ideal travel plan.

With a certified caregiver (Kyoto Travel Supporter) and a qualified attendant accompanying you, you can travel with peace of mind.

Whether traveling to or from Kyoto, they practice the "Kyoto Tourism Action Standards," a new vision of Kyoto tourism formulated by Kyoto City.

Reference: "Yume Tourist Kitami"

2-4. H.I.S. Universal Tourism Desk

H.I.S. Co., Ltd.'s "H.I.S. Universal Tourism Desk" has staff with knowledge of caregiving, welfare, and sign language to support your travel.

For wheelchair users, "Barrier-Free Tabinowa" is recommended. Dedicated attendants assist with getting in and out of vehicles and provide wheelchair support on slopes.

By using the Travel Assistance Volunteer System, you can enjoy traveling with the support of volunteer staff, even if you're alone.

Additionally, "Shuwa Tabi Nakama" offers tours accompanied by staff proficient in sign language, ensuring that even those with hearing impairments can receive guided tours without anxiety. They also offer customized barrier-free travel options.

Reference: "H.I.S. Universal Tourism Desk"

2-5. Japan Care Travel Supporters Association

A caregiver speaking to a wheelchair user: The "Japan Care Travel Supporters Association" trains caregivers who support travel and matches them with travelers.

By obtaining the "Travel Caregiver^TM" qualification offered by the association, you can accompany package tours as an attendant and provide a wide range of support, from planning the trip to assisting with meals and bathing.

As a qualified professional, you can be entrusted with peace of mind and create enjoyable memories.

Reference: "Japan Care Travel Supporters Association"

3. Useful Websites for Enjoying Barrier-Free Travel

3-1. "Yukoyuko Net" introducing numerous accommodations

"Yukoyuko Net" picks up accommodations with elevators in the building and handrails in the baths, ensuring that wheelchair users and people with disabilities can stay with peace of mind.

Moreover, it is packed with information about the accommodations and surrounding areas that can only be found here.

Even those who are anxious about visiting a place for the first time can enjoy their trip with confidence.

They introduce accommodations nationwide, with about 2,000 barrier-free options. You're sure to find a place that suits your desired destination.

Additionally, there are coupons available for booking through Yukoyuko Net, so why not take advantage of them?

Reference: Yukoyuko Net

3-2. "Kaigo Ryoko Net" for traveling with selected staff

"Kaigo Ryoko Net" is a travel and barrier-free tourism reservation site for those who need care or have disabilities.

The greatest attraction of "Kaigo Ryoko Net" is the ability to travel with staff who have qualifications such as nurses and care workers. The staff accompanying the trip are not only knowledgeable but have also passed training in greetings and hospitality, ensuring you can enjoy your trip with confidence.

Additionally, Kaigo Ryoko Net has a doctor specializing in infectious diseases and infection control who checks from a medical standpoint whether you can enjoy your trip safely and securely.

Some might worry about the cost of such comprehensive services. For those concerned, the site offers free consultations.

Why not start with a free consultation?

Reference: Kaigo Ryoko Net

3-3. "YadoQ" for finding accommodations with detailed conditions

"YadoQ" is a service that allows you to search for accommodations with detailed conditions.

For example, you can search for handicap rooms or universal rooms with low beds and handrails designed for people with disabilities, as well as barrier-free accommodations and hotels.

They particularly introduce rooms that can accommodate wheelchairs, providing detailed information such as whether wheelchairs can be used in the bath or during meals, and whether there are ramps at the entrance or within the facility.

They also introduce accommodations nationwide that offer comfortable and accessible spaces for wheelchair users, so you're sure to find the perfect place for you.

Reference: YadoQ

3-4. "iconavi" mobility support portal site

iconavi is a service focusing on the essential action of mobility in daily life.

With the concept of enabling everyone to go where they want, it provides useful information for free.

It is attractive because it offers information that ensures you don't have to give up on mobility, even as you age or face disabilities.

It's very convenient to obtain information on demand transportation and community buses in major cities nationwide.

Additionally, they introduce travel companies offering barrier-free travel as various mobility resources in column format, providing a wealth of information for people with disabilities.

Furthermore, reviews of actual experiences like "Tried Riding iconavi" are continually being added.

The "iconavi Supporter" system suggests that more information may be added in the future, making it a service to watch.

Reference: iconavi｜iconavi

4. In Conclusion 

How did you find this article on barrier-free travel?

We hope that universal tourism, where everyone can enjoy travel, becomes widespread and that travel becomes a familiar experience for everyone.