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Wheelchair access on the bullet train
One of the joys of holidaying in Japan is travelling on the world famous bullet train - and the good news is that it's accessible for all.
Since it first opened in 1964, the Shinkansen or "bullet train" has become just as synonymous with Japan as Mount Fuji, sumo and sushi. With currently 2,400 kilometres of track, the bullet train line acts as the back bone of the country linking the northern tip of the main island, Honshu, to the southern reaches of Kyushu Island. What's more the Shinkansen has excellent accessibility for wheelchair users.
Boarding the train
We recommend getting to the bullet train station a good 15 minutes before departure. All stations have disabled toilets and you may have time to pick up a bento lunchbox for your journey.
You'll need to show your tickets at the gate, and then a member of staff will lead you through the station and up to the platform by elevator. When the train arrives (always ruthlessly punctual), the member of staff will lay out a small ramp and guide you onto the train. Handily in Japan train floors are at the same level as the platforms - no awkward steps up as is often the case in the UK! Crucially, the member of staff will phone ahead to your destination station so someone will be waiting for you on arrival to repeat the process in reverse. Now that's service!
On the train
We will always make advance reservations for all your bullet train journeys. Each train has a special private room that we will book for you. The room is big enough to manoeuvre in a wheelchair and up to two travel companions so you can travel together in relative privacy. Just keep your eyes peeled for that Fuji view!
The private room is close to the train's accessible toilet. Again it's not huge and requires a tight 180° turn, but we reckon it's a lot better than most UK equivalents.
For more information email us: [email protected] or call: 303 952 0379
Important notice: We are pleased to be able to offer so many amazing experiences in Japan. However, we are sorry that we can only include these as a part of a full Japan holiday package which includes your accommodation and transport alongside the experiences presented in this section of the web site.
Wheelchair access on the bullet train
Available throughout Japan
Other Accessible Travel experiences
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Half day private guide service in Tokyo (wheelchair accessible)
There is no better way to get to get that extra insight into Tokyo than to have the company of an expert local guide.
Inside Japan UK office
Inside Japan US office
Inside Japan Australia office
Inside Japan - Japan office
