Name Change for Nearby Station of Castle Embroiled in Accessibility Controversy
From Kyodo via The Japan Times, Barrier Free Japan January 8 2023 NAGOYA – The Nagoya Municipal Government hoped toContinue Reading
Category: Tourism
Japan’s Ministry of Land, Infrastructure, Transport and Tourism campaign highlights proper use of facilities and promotes “barrier-free minds”
The Ministry of Land, Infrastructure, Transport and Tourism has established appropriate facilities and equipment such as barrier-free toilets, parking facilities for wheelchair users, elevators in passenger facilities, and priority seats in vehicles so that those who truly need them can use them when they need them. The Ministry will carry out a campaign to promote the use of these facilities and promote “barrier-free minds.”
In preparation for the ultimately spectator-less Paralympics, Japan’s hotels made efforts toward more accessible facilities
Hotel Kazusaya in Nihombashi, Tokyo, reopened in summer last year following a major refurbishment carried out in sync with the original schedule of the 2020 Tokyo Olympic and Paralympic Games. The doorways of its guest rooms have been resized to 85 centimeters wide. At the stage of planning, the doorway width was set at 75 centimeters. But in 2019, the Tokyo metropolitan government amended its relevant ordinance for hotels. Under the new standard, the doorways of rooms in newly built hotels or newly added facilities must be “a minimum of 80 centimeters in breadth,” so that wheelchairs can get through the doorway easily.
A new service in Nagano for wheelchairs and caregivers for people with disabilities
The voluntary organization “Minami Shinshu Outing Team” With “” created by the Achi Hirugami Tourist Bureau in Chisato Achi Village and “Kafune Nursing” in the north of Iida City rents and assists wheelchairs equipped with the towing assistance device “JINRIKI”.
ANA and JAL airlines propose ‘hospitality guidelines’ for elderly and people with disabilities amid pandemic
The guidance states, amongst other issues that when it is necessary to transfer a wheelchair user from a seat to their wheelchair, that the hands of the personnel dong so will be disinfected.
Nikko City introduces mascot ‘Kisuge-chan’ to support enterprises by people with disabilities
Nikko City has announced a new mascot character to support efforts such as expansion of workplaces for people with disabilities. It will be used in the packaging of products handled by persons with disabilities and sales promotion events.
Kyoto to Require Barrier-Free Rooms at All New Hotels
Current rules require only entrances, hallways and shared bathing areas at lodging facilities to be barrier-free. The new rules will also cover areas between room entrances and beds, and entrances to restrooms, bathing rooms and washrooms, requiring hotel operators to provide sufficient space for wheelchairs to pass through.
Akashi City explores ideas regarding tourism for people with disabilities
“In Akashi City, Hyogo Prefecture, a walking tour was conducted to consider the ideal tourist destination for people with disabilities, caregivers, and healthy people while visiting local landmarks with wheelchair users.”
Barrier Free Japan 