10 Accessible Fall Foliage Spots for Wheelchairs and Strollers

4. [Kansai and Chugoku Region] Barrier-Free Autumn Foliage Spots

4-1 [Kyoto] Kiyomizu-dera Temple

The area around Kiyomizu-dera has many slopes, making it challenging for wheelchairs and strollers due to the steep inclines. There is no parking on the temple grounds, but it is possible to enter by car from the entrance of Chawan-zaka (Disaster Prevention Road), and you can be guided close to the main hall. It is advisable to confirm the conditions of use with the temple office in advance.

The temple grounds can be navigated in a loop via a well-maintained route without steps. The official website also provides information on barrier-free routes, so please make use of it. However, please be aware that there are gravel paths and slopes along the route, so visitors are advised to exercise caution while visiting.

There are multiple barrier-free restrooms on the temple grounds, and strollers can navigate the grounds along the same route as wheelchairs. However, wheelchairs are not available for rent.

Reference:For Those Visiting by Wheelchair | Otowa Mountain Kiyomizu-dera

【Basic Information】 ・Address: 1-294 Kiyomizu, Higashiyama Ward, Kyoto City, 605-0862 ・Phone: 075-551-1234 ・Night Special Viewing: November 21 (Saturday) to November 30 (Monday), 2026 (No reservation required) ・Viewing Hours: 6 AM to 6 PM 　　　　　　※During the night special viewing period (November 21 to 30), the temple closes at 9:30 PM (last admission at 9 PM) ・Admission Fee: Adults 500 yen, Children (Elementary and Junior High School) 200 yen 　　　　Free for the person and one accompanying person with a disability certificate or rehabilitation handbook ・Official Website: https://www.kiyomizudera.or.jp

4-2 [Shiga] Metasequoia Avenue

Metasequoia Avenue in Shiga Prefecture features a row of metasequoia trees stretching approximately 2.4 kilometers (about 500 trees), creating a scenic avenue. Visitors can enjoy the changing scenery through the seasons, including fresh green in spring, deep green in summer, autumn foliage, and snowy landscapes in winter. The peak season for autumn leaves is typically from late November to early December. According to the tourism association, the autumn leaves do not turn bright red like maple leaves but take on hues of brick red and brown.

When walking along the avenue, visitors can use the parking lot of the agricultural park "Makino Pic Land." Makino Pic Land has designated parking spaces, accessible restrooms, and wheelchairs available for rent within the facility. Please note that parking on the street is prohibited as the avenue and its surroundings are residential roads.

【Basic Information】
・Address: Makino Town, Takashima City, Shiga Prefecture
・Phone: Biwa Lake Takashima Tourism Association 0740-33-7101
・Illumination: None (only streetlights at night)
・Parking: Free parking at Makino Pic Land (temporary free parking lots will be set up in the surrounding area during the autumn foliage season)
・Official Website:https://takashima-kanko.jp/spot/metasequoia.html

4-3. [Hiroshima] Shukkeien Garden

Shukkeien Garden, located in Hiroshima City, Hiroshima Prefecture, was built in 1620 by the lord of the Hiroshima domain, Asano Nagamasa, as a garden for his villa. The garden was designed by Ueda Sōko, a samurai known for his tea ceremony skills. Despite being in the center of Hiroshima City, it offers seasonal natural beauty..

The best time to see the autumn leaves is typically from late November to early December, and night illuminations are also held during the cherry blossom and autumn foliage seasons.

Although the grounds are not paved, the "wheelchair accessible areas" indicated on the garden map can be used by wheelchair users. The entrance is almost flat, and a pamphlet introducing the paths accessible by wheelchair is available at the entrance of the garden.

Barrier-free restrooms are located on the east side of the office building, equipped with baby beds, large beds, and ostomate facilities.

The reception desk is high, but staff are said to be flexible in accommodating visitors.

【Basic Information】

・Address: 2-11 Kamihonmachi, Naka Ward, Hiroshima City, 730-0014

・Phone: 082-221-3620

・Illumination Period: 2026 dates not announced (2025 dates were November 22 to December 1)

・Opening Hours: 9 AM to 5 PM (from September 16 to March 15; last admission at 4:30 PM)

　　　　　　※Extended hours are planned during the illumination period

・Admission Fee: General 350 yen, University Students 150 yen, Free for High School Students and below

　 ※Free for those over 65 years old, and holders of disability certificates, war injury certificates, rehabilitation handbooks, or mental health welfare handbooks (issued by Japanese municipalities) and their caregivers. Public proof is required

・Parking: Available (29 cars; 400 yen for the first hour, 200 yen for every additional 30 minutes), with 2 spaces for accessible parking
　　　　 ※Parking fees are waived for those with a disability certificate

・Wheelchair Rental: 2 units (free, no prior reservation required)

・Official Website:https://shukkeien.jp/

You can also check barrier-free information for your local area or travel destination in an article summarizing barrier-free information sites in Kansai.