Travel Support Services That Ensure People with Disabilities and Seniors Don't Have to Give Up on Travel! Popular Tourist Areas in the Kanto Region Are Also Accommodating

Did you know that you can enjoy traveling more comfortably by using hotels and restaurants that have obtained the Travel Support and Mobility Support, and Heart Barrier-Free Certification System for wheelchair users and other people with disabilities!?

There are increasing measures and services that allow people with disabilities to enjoy trips to see the nature of the four seasons or visit places they've always wanted to go with peace of mind.

The Japan Tourism Agency has established the "Heart Barrier-Free Certification System" for service industries such as hotels and restaurants to support efforts towards heart barrier-free environments that are easy for people with disabilities to use.

Reference: Heart Barrier-Free Certification System in Tourism Facilities | Japan Tourism Agency

On the other hand, since not all routes to destinations are barrier-free, using "Travel Support" and "Mobility Support" services can make travel safer for wheelchair users and people with disabilities.

Travel support and mobility support services include assistance with transportation for wheelchair users, help with meals and restroom use, and other necessities for people with disabilities during travel.

Additionally, when using support services, compatibility with the support person accompanying the person with disabilities is also important. Knowing various travel support and mobility support companies makes it easier to find a company that suits the individual with disabilities.

This page provides plenty of information on tourism and barrier-free options around the Kanto area. It can be used as information for residents of Kanto to enjoy nearby attractions or for those living in rural areas to enjoy sightseeing trips to Kanto with peace of mind.

Reference: Survey Results for People with Disabilities | Ministry of Land, Infrastructure, Transport and Tourism

1. Challenges Faced by Wheelchair Users and Other People with Mobility Difficulties

For places you visit daily, like schools or workplaces, you might not have much trouble reaching your destination even with a wheelchair or disability.

However, visiting a new place is very challenging for people with disabilities, and they rarely go alone. The biggest challenge in mobility for people with disabilities is traveling to "new places" like on a trip. Support service information can make these first-time visits enjoyable.

Travel support and mobility support services are companion-based, supporting "travel" to new places for people with disabilities. Companion-based support services can expand the possibilities of life for people with disabilities, making it crucial to know as much information as possible for a happy life.

Especially for those who are bedridden, choosing a highly specialized support service company is necessary to enjoy travel safely.

A reliable support service company, Grit Co., Ltd., leverages its experience working in an advanced emergency medical center.

Reference: Grit Co., Ltd.

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From the barrier-free information site Flat., we also introduce must-read pages for a successful wheelchair travel.

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2. Travel Support and Mobility Support Services that Eliminate Barriers in Travel

2-1. Travel Support and Mobility Support Services for Hakone and Yugawara Areas

There are increasing travel support and mobility support services that allow wheelchair users and other people with disabilities to enjoy travel safely.

One such service, Ashigara Barefoot in Odawara City, Kanagawa Prefecture, offers travel support that even the elderly and people with disabilities can enjoy safely, and the "Onsen-Helper" supports hot spring bathing in Hakone.

Ashigara Barefoot provides support for both day trips and long-term travel, allowing for travel schedules that suit the user's convenience.

Since it is a non-insurance service, be sure to make reservations and communicate your situation and requests in advance to receive better service.

Reference: Tourism Division 'Ashigara Barefoot'

"Yume Tabi" offers travel with care services for people with disabilities and the elderly, incorporating travelers' wishes and accompanied by certified care workers and social workers.

Yume Tabi started as part of Akioshi Co., Ltd., which originally opened a hot spring facility in Sapporo, and began offering care travel and outing support services. It is headquartered in Sapporo City and also has a Tokyo office.

This service supports areas from Hokkaido to around Kanto, including the Hakone and Yugawara areas. Inquiries and applications can be made through the "Travel Consultation Page" on the Yume Tabi website.

Reference: Travel Consultation | Yume Tabi

2-2. Travel Support and Mobility Support Services for Yokohama and Minato Mirai Areas

Kanagawa's tourist spot "Minato Mirai" is full of attractions!

• Yokohama Red Brick Warehouse District
• Yamashita Park
• Yokohama Chinatown
• Osanbashi Pier
• Cup Noodles Museum

There are so many fun spots that you can't visit them all in one day.

"Japan Care Travel Service" offers care-accompanied sightseeing travel services, supporting both day trips and overnight stays. Veteran helpers accompany you for hot springs, sightseeing, events, and more.

Support for the elderly, wheelchair users, and people with disabilities includes home or facility visits and counseling for a thorough service experience.

Contact Form

Reference: Japan Care Travel Service

"Support Yokohama" provides mobility support services for people with physical, mental, and intellectual disabilities. Volunteer drivers use registered welfare vehicles or private cars to support the mobility of those who find it difficult to go out. It's convenient for people with disabilities living in Yokohama and Minato Mirai areas to use easily.

Contact Form

Reference: Support Yokohama / Welfare Paid Transport | Certified NPO Yokohama Mobility Service Council

2-3. Travel Support and Mobility Support Services for Tokyo Area

Tokyo offers a plethora of attractions, so it might be a good idea to explore them in order.

First, there's the "Tokyo Skytree" and "Asakusa Kaminarimon," which are iconic symbols of Tokyo tourism.

For wheelchair users and people with disabilities, the key points to be cautious about when touring Tokyo are:

• High crowd density
• Complex transfers

In Tokyo, mobility support for wheelchair users and people with disabilities is provided by local governments. Application is required for use.

Additionally, there is a push for the "Accessible Tourism" project to ensure that wheelchair users, other people with disabilities, and the elderly can enjoy sightseeing comfortably.

The Accessible Tourism Portal Site is packed with support organizations and barrier-free information, providing necessary support information for people with disabilities and the elderly to enjoy sightseeing in Tokyo with peace of mind.

Reference: Tokyo Accessible Tourism Portal Site | Tokyo Metropolitan Government Bureau of Industrial and Labor Affairs

The barrier-free information site Flat. has compiled barrier-free information for the Kanto region, so please refer to it as well.

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2-4. Travel Support and Mobility Support Services for Chichibu and Kawagoe Areas

The Chichibu and Kawagoe areas in Saitama Prefecture offer enjoyable experiences with shrines, temples, and traditional streetscapes. Kashiya Yokocho, lined with candy shops, is a highlight of Kawagoe's tourist attractions, allowing you to enjoy a nostalgic candy tour.

"Saitama Welfare Service Co., Ltd." offers a wide range of welfare care services. By using their services regularly, you can travel with peace of mind with care helpers during trips.

Reference: Saitama Welfare Service Co., Ltd.

"Social Welfare Corporation Time Kyoseikai" provides mobility support, accompaniment support, and home care. As a company that supports the daily lives of people with disabilities, it offers services including mobility support.

Reference: Social Welfare Corporation Time Kyoseikai

2-5. Travel Support and Mobility Support Services for Fujikawaguchiko, Yamanakako, and Narusawa Village Areas

Touring around Fujikawaguchiko offers opportunities to enjoy nature's beauty in different seasons with its many lakes. You can also spend time enjoying art at museums and galleries.

"Tokyo Sanpo" provides care support from Tokyo to your travel destination. They support travel for wheelchair users, other people with disabilities, and the elderly.

Inquiries to Tokyo Sanpo can be made by phone or through the contact form.

Contact Form

Reference: Tokyo Sanpo with Care Travel Service

Additionally, each municipality offers affordable care-accompanied mobility support.

Reference: Mobility Support Project (Users) | Setagaya City

2-6. Travel Support and Mobility Support Services for Kusatsu Onsen, Ikaho Onsen, Shima Onsen, and Manza Onsen Areas

Hot spring travel can genuinely improve symptoms if the spring quality matches your condition, making hot springs a traditional treatment method.

"Kokoro no Tsubasa" supports hot spring travel for wheelchair users and those needing assistance. They comprehensively provide travel support for people with disabilities, including arranging barrier-free facilities and local helpers.

For more details on "Kokoro no Tsubasa Barrier-Free Tours," please inquire.

Contact Form

Reference: Kokoro no Tsubasa Barrier-Free Tours

Additionally, municipalities provide mobility support to hot springs. Application is required, so please contact the municipality.

Reference: Kusatsu City Disability Mobility Support Project | Kusatsu City

2-7. Travel Support and Mobility Support Services for Nasu and Nikko Areas