The Access Dispatch: Even MORE Posts Galore!

From farflung destination reports to brand new hotel listings for you to check out.

Accessible Japan, Josh Grisdale, and Anthony William

Jan 28, 2026

Hey, everyone! How are you all finding 2026 so far? You may have noticed that this is our first newsletter since November, so we have a lot to fill you in on, including fresh articles and hotel listings. How about we dive straight into it?

Wheelchair Access Guide to Dazaifu Tenmangu and Fukuoka

Image 1 alt text: A traditional Japanese dining room with dark wood tables and chairs, framed artwork on the walls, and large windows opening onto a leafy garden courtyard. Image 2 alt text: A scenic shrine garden with a curved red bridge crossing a reflective pond, surrounded by trees and traditional wooden buildings. Image 3 alt text: An accessible bathroom with a roll-in shower, bathtub, grab bars, handheld shower, raised toilet, sink with clearance underneath, and a blue shower chair. Image 4 alt text: A modern hotel room with two twin beds, soft lighting, floor-to-ceiling curtains, and a small sitting area with a round table and armchair.

See our piece on navigating Fukuoka and the historic Dazaifu Tenmangu Shrine from a wheelchair user's perspective. From the incredibly accessible transit links at Hakata Station to the thoughtful amenities at the Miyako Hotel, discover how this vibrant city makes exploring Japan’s history and famous street food culture easier than ever.

Make your Japan trip easier and more meaningful — choose Mobal for SIMs, eSIMs, or pocket Wi-Fi. Your purchase helps support Accessible Japan’s mission and education projects in Malawi - and it doesn’t cost you anything extra.

Back to Tottori: Accessibility Progress in Japan’s Quietest Prefecture

Image 1 (indoor scene): Alt text: Interior of a large museum atrium with a circular metal walkway surrounding a glass-walled central structure topped by branching tree-like sculptures. Curved staircases descend on the left, and colorful displays and mascots are visible on the lower floor. Image 2 (outdoor scene): Alt text: View of a wide sandy dune stretching along a coastline with calm blue ocean behind it, seen from above green trees and buildings under a partly cloudy sky.

Learn more about one of Japan's quietest prefectures, which offers nothing short of a masterclass in modern hospitality, whilst not skimping on the access. From iconic sand dunes to riding on the newly upgraded Yakumo Express, this location offers a stress-free alternative to the country's busier tourist hubs.

Need to rent a powered chair or scooter whilst in Japan? Rent a WHILL power chair or scooter and get moving with ease. Booking via our link helps support what we do at Accessible Japan!

Japan Accessibility Travel Kit (2026)

Planning a trip to Japan with a disability can feel overwhelming – different accessibility standards, unfamiliar transportation systems, and a language barrier. This Japan Accessibility Travel Kit is designed to remove that anxiety.

A New Way to Find Accessible Dining in Japan: Tabelog Launches Multilingual App

Finding the perfect restaurant in Japan just got a lot easier for international visitors. Tabelog, the country’s most popular restaurant search and reservation platform, has officially launched its multilingual smartphone app for iOS and Android.

Find out more

DID YOU KNOW?

Japan is home to the world's oldest continuously operating business, Kongō Gumi, a temple-building company that has been in business since 578 AD.
Do you think it was accessible back then? 😂

New Hotel Listings:

HOTEL Hoshitori Terrace Sekigane

HOTEL Hoshitori Terrace Sekigane is an inclusive onsen resort in Tottori with accessible rooms, dog-friendly stays, and a rooftop terrace for stargazing in a protected dark-sky area. Guests can relax in natural hot springs and enjoy elegant kaiseki meals made with local ingredients like Tottori wagyu and crab.

Image 1 alt text: An accessible bathroom with a natural stone soaking tub, grab bars, handheld shower, and a pink mechanized shower chair lift positioned beside the bath for wheelchair transfers. Image 2 alt text: A spacious Japanese-Western style guest room with twin beds, warm lighting, wood furniture, and a raised tatami platform decorated with a floral arrangement.

Uncover more

Looking for a travel agent specializing in accessible travel in Japan? Check out our list of travel agents here: ACCESSIBLE TRAVEL AGENTS

Ace Hotel Kyoto

Ace Hotel Kyoto combines a renovated landmark from the 1920s with striking contemporary design, establishing a vibrant cultural center featuring art, events, and exceptional dining in the city center. Renowned for its dedication to LGBTQ+ inclusion, accessibility, and pet-friendly policies, this award-winning hotel provides chic rooms, considerate services, and an inviting environment for every guest.

Get the details

Discussion about this post

Ready for more?