Accessible Japan: The Access Dispatch 09/29

Your monthly round up from your friends at Accessible Japan!

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Sep 29, 2025

こんにちは from Tokyo!

October is almost upon us, and with it we’re set to enjoy the fairest weather of the year in Japan. Typhoon season is over, and the summer heat is simmering down, which means it’s an ideal time to explore much of Japan and revel in that Autumn air.

Accessible Japan’s founder, Josh, was in Osaka for the Osaka World Expo this past weekend. And while we have some exciting content to share relating to his trip in the coming weeks, here are a couple of snaps to whet the appetite, including the impressive life-sized Gundam statue!

A collage of six photos from the Osaka World Expo 2025. Top left: a giant white Gundam robot statue set against a blue sky. Top middle: people exploring a dimly lit exhibit with a statue in traditional Southeast Asian attire and rice stalks on display. Top right: performers dressed in colorful cultural costumes on an outdoor stage with a bright patterned backdrop. Bottom left: a vast wooden pavilion with tall beams and people walking through. Bottom middle: an illuminated modern installation at night featuring mirrored structures with glowing circular displays. Bottom right: a wide view over the expo grounds at sunset, showing pavilions, pathways, and visitors.

Which pavilion at the Osaka World Expo had, not one but two toilets with ceiling hoists? Find out soon!

Navigating Japan with Autism: 10 Useful Tips!

Meet Cece — a US student living in Tokyo who enjoys exploring Japan while managing life with autism. In this thoughtful piece, she shares 10 personal tips to help make traveling in Japan easier and more enjoyable — from using noise-cancelling headphones on crowded trains and discovering quiet side streets, to allowing yourself breaks. Her advice is practical and personal, reminding us that travel is about pacing and having fun, not rushing to see everything.

A quiet street in Japan with a narrow sidewalk running alongside a traditional temple wall topped with ornate roof tiles. Cherry blossom trees in full bloom rise above the wall, scattering petals onto the path. A silver Suzuki van is parked on the street beside orange traffic cones, and power lines run overhead. In the upper left corner, a circular inset shows a smiling woman with brown hair.

Airport Accessibility in Japan

You can find all the information you’ll need to navigate each of Japan’s major airports on our website. From access to perks and from assistance information to service dogs, we’ve done our best to leave no stone unturned.

Get the lowdown

Osaka Hotel Recommendation: The Lutheran

In keeping with the aforementioned Osaka World Expo 2025, this month, we thought we’d showcase one of our listed accessible hotels in Osaka.

A collage of four photos of Hotel the Lutheran in Osaka. The top left shows the modern exterior entrance lit warmly at night. The top right shows a bright, minimalist guest room with a double bed, wooden floors, and simple furnishings. The bottom left highlights a wide hallway with handrails along the wall, suitable for accessibility needs. The bottom right shows a spacious accessible bathroom with grab bars, a roll-in shower with a curtain, and a toilet designed for ease of use.

Hotel the Lutheran is situated in central Osaka, just a 1-minute walk from Tanimachi Yonchome Station. Built above the Japan Evangelical Lutheran Church Osaka, the hotel features lighting and color schemes chosen to promote a sense of healing.

Find out more

Did you know? There are KitKat flavors you can only find in Japan?
Japan is famous for its huge variety of KitKat flavors, many of which are region-specific and tied to local specialties. From matcha green tea in Kyoto, wasabi in Shizuoka, to purple sweet potato in Okinawa, each flavor is a nod to regional culture and cuisine — making KitKats as much a souvenir as a snack.

Why not try some from one of our sponsors, Tokyo Treat!

(Using our affiliate link doesn’t cost you a thing and a portion of the sale goes to supporting our work!)

Our Monthly Quiz!

We’re down to the penultimate question — only one more after this before it’s time to solve the mystery word!

This month’s question:

What is the name of the popular Japanese martial art that focuses on using an opponent’s energy against them, often through throws and joint locks?

Remember:

An extra clue will be dropping online very soon, so keep your eyes peeled.
Don’t forget to check back on previous newsletters in case you missed a question!

🎁 The first correct answer wins an Accessible Japan T-shirt!