Kyoto Universal Tourism Concierge

Frequently Asked Questions (FAQ)

Question List

About Sightseeing

About Dining and Accommodation Information

About Transport

About Support Information

Q&A

About Sightseeing

[Question] I am going to take my 90-year old mother to Kyoto by bullet train, but I do not what to do once we arrive, so I would appreciate some advice. Also, I would like to ask you for care support during our sightseeing stay.
[Answer] If your inquiry is straightforward, a Kyoto Universal Tourism Concierge will be able to answer (http://kyoto-universal.jp/en/concierge/). Alternatively, you might like to consult the Kyoto Traveler Supporter volunteer group that charge for support provided. [Data PDF]
[Question] Are there any sightseeing courses that can be enjoyed by wheelchair users and visually impaired people?
[Answer] There are some interesting sightseeing courses featured on this homepage. Please take a look. (http://kyoto-universal.jp/en/index.php?id=list)
[Question] Which World Heritage sites in Kyoto can I visit in a wheelchair?
[Answer] The places where wheelchairs can actually enter are limited, but the following is a list of temples, shrines and other sites that are equipped with wheelchair friendly toilets.
[Question] Is it possible to watch geisha dancing from a wheelchair?
[Answer] Yes, there are wheelchair friendly areas in the Kaburenjo Theater.
[Question] I want to go to Kyoto to watch the Gion Festival. Are there admission-paid seats for wheelchair users?
[Answer] There are no designated wheelchair seats, but if you book in advance (Tel/homepage), and state that you use a wheelchair, seating can be arranged for you (same for Aoi Festival and Festival of the Ages [Jidai-Matsuri]).
[Question] Please tell me if the temples I intend to visit have wheelchair friendly toilets.
[Answer] You can search for toilet information at the barrier free info page of this site (http://kyoto-universal.jp/en/universals/). If you include the name of a sightseeing destination (temple, shrine, facility) in your search, information of nearby toilets will be provided as well.
[Question] I would like to know the entry charges to the temples I want to visit in Kyoto.
[Answer] You can search for charges for all the temples, shrines and facilities you would like to visit at the barrier free info page (http://kyoto-universal.jp/en/universals/).
[Question] I would like to ride the Sagano Scenic Railway, so could you tell me how to make a booking?
[Answer] There are spaces for four wheelchairs provided on each train trip. First, purchase an advance ticket at a JR Ticket Office, and then contact Sagano Scenic Railway (http://www.sagano-kanko.co.jp/index.html) by phone to confirm whether the availability of wheelchair spaces. Note that the Torokko-Arashiyama Station has steps, so it is best to board at Torokko-Sagano Station or Kameoka Station.

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About Dining and Accommodation Information

[Question] I am a staff member at a welfare facility for the elderly and I would like to know if there is a place close to Kyoto Station where a group of wheelchair users could eat?
[Answer] The restaurants that can cater to a group of wheelchair users are limited. The underground shopping mall, department stores and hotels have comparatively flat floors and are equipped with wheelchair friendly toilets, so dividing into small groups and dining in restaurants in those areas may be a good solution. However, it would be a good idea to contact a Kyoto Universal Tourism Concierge (http://kyoto-universal.jp/en/concierge/) for advice.
[Question] Are there any ryokans where wheelchair users can stay?
[Answer] You can check accommodation facilities at the barrier free info page (http://kyoto-universal.jp/en/universals/). There are sections on available facilities for each accommodation.
[Question] Are there any hotels in Kyoto that have electrical care beds?
[Answer] You can check accommodation facilities at the barrier free info page (http://kyoto-universal.jp/en/universals/). There are sections on available facilities for each accommodation.
[Question] I would like to know if there are any hotels with shower chairs.
[Answer] You can check accommodation facilities at the barrier free info page (http://kyoto-universal.jp/en/universals/). There are sections on available facilities for each accommodation. However, these chairs vary (some may or may not have chair backs), so if you are not sure from the info provide, please contact a Kyoto Universal Tourism Concierge (http://kyoto-universal.jp/en/concierge/) for advice.

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About Transport

[Question] Can you tell me how best to get around the Kyoto Station complex by wheelchair?
[Answer] See (http://kyoto-universal.jp/en/traffics/advice.php) for details on how to change trains at Kyoto Station.
[Question] I have a disability card, so could you tell me if there are discounts on buses and subways for card holders?
[Answer] Yes, there are discounts for disability card holders. The discounts vary depending on disability type and severity, so please check the following link to find out what is available on subways and city buses. People from outside of Kyoto also are eligible for discounts. (http://www.city.kyoto.lg.jp/kotsu/cmsfiles/contents/0000020/20388/fukushi.pdf)
[Question] I would like to know if the temples I will visit in Kyoto have parking spots for wheelchair users.
[Answer] Please check the parking info for the temples, shrines or facilities you will visit on the barrier free info page (http://kyoto-universal.jp/en/universals/).
[Question] I will be visiting Kinkaku-ji Temple, so do you know if it has car park?
[Answer] Yes, Kinkaku-ji Temple has a carpark. Most major temples, shrines and facilities have their own carparks. And, for those that do not, nearly all locations have coin-operated parking spaces nearby.
[Question] I use a wheelchair and I would like to know if can get around Kyoto just using buses and subways?
[Answer] All subway stations are equipped with elevators, so moving around in stations is smooth.
As for City Buses, at present, the latest bus models are all designed with low floors for easy access by wheelchair, and such buses run on nearly all routes; however, there are still some routes where high-floor buses still run.
Because of repairs and maintenance, it is difficult to set low-floor bus timetables, so, at present, there are no such timetables. However, to check the type of bus on particular routes on the actual day of travel, contact either the inquiry desk of the route you wish to take, or the Kyoto City transport department via the following link. (http://kyoto-universal.jp/en/traffics/)

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About Support Information

[Question] I would like to know where I could undergo dialysis while visiting Kyoto.
[Answer] Please discuss your needs with your own family doctor and then contact a Kyoto Universal Tourism Concierge (http://kyoto-universal.jp/en/concierge/member.php).
[Question] Is there somewhere in Kyoto where I can rent a wheelchair?
[Answer] There are three wheelchairs available at the Kyoto Tourist Information Center (Kyo-Navi) on 2Fl of the Kyoto Station Building (on the north-south free passageway) (http://www.kyokanko.or.jp/kyonavi_open.html) and other privates services rent out various care related equipment, so please contact a Kyoto Universal Tourism Concierge (http://kyoto-universal.jp/en/concierge/member.php).
[Question] My father has hemiplegia. And, we intend to visit Kyoto, but would like to ask for help with bathing.
[Answer] Help can be provided during your stay by the Kyoto Traveler Supporter volunteer group that charge for support provided. Here is some info on them. [Data PDF]

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