The Access Dispatch: June '25

Your monthly curated update of news, views, and interesting stuff, courtesy of Accessible Japan!

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Jun 13, 2025

Hey everyone! Well, this is pretty new. Some of you may have noticed an increase in correspondence from us over the past few days — and that’s because we’ve migrated to Substack, so from now on, we’ll be sending out The Access Dispatch from here! What that essentially means is that, in addition to our usual monthly updates, you’ll periodically receive emails from us when a new article is published on our website or if we have something important to share. (There is nothing needed on your part, but if you are a Substack user, you can follow us on the app as well.)

Two women dressed as geishas walk down a narrow, rain-soaked alley in Japan, each holding a bright red traditional umbrella. They wear ornate kimonos with floral patterns and wooden sandals, and the wooden buildings around them add to the historical atmosphere. — Strolling through Kyoto’s rainy lanes, protected by vibrant red umbrellas.

We’ve made it to June, which means one thing for sure… It’s time for tsuyu (rainy season), but don’t worry, whilst some showers are to be expected, there shouldn’t be a constant downpour. It is the start of summer, after all! It does mean you might want to make sure you have an umbrella on hand, just in case - something which we touched upon in one of our latest articles. (See next section).

Moving Around Tokyo: Tips for Ambulatory Disabled Travelers

Aerial view of Tokyo’s bustling Shibuya Crossing, with crowds of people walking in all directions across the iconic diagonal crosswalks surrounded by tall buildings and traffic. — Shibuya Crossing: where Tokyo’s energy moves in every direction at once.

Getting around in Tokyo can be stressful, which means doing so as a person who is ambulatory disabled can be a real challenge. In this article, we address many of the questions people have regarding navigating the complex Tokyo Metro system, including using escalators and stairs, knowing when to ask for assistance, and making your way through crowded areas. We also cover maneuvering with an umbrella and tackling the world-famous Shibuya Scramble!

Read on our site

Accommodation Spotlight: Hotel Vischio Kyoto by Granvia

Hotel Vischio Kyoto by Granvia offers modern, comfortable accommodation just a 2-minute walk from Kyoto Station and close to popular attractions like Kyoto Aquarium and Toji Temple. The hotel features a restaurant, public bath, sauna, fitness center, and free internet, along with accessible facilities including a Universal Twin room with an adapted bathroom and a unisex accessible toilet on the first floor.

A modern and spacious hotel room with twin beds, a seating area with armchairs and a chaise lounge, a flat-screen TV, and large windows with sheer curtains. The accessible bathroom features grab bars, a handheld showerhead, and a shower chair. — This stylish, accessible hotel room offers a spacious layout with twin beds, a comfortable seating area, and a bathroom equipped with grab bars and a shower chair, perfect for a relaxing and inclusive stay.

Find out more

DID YOU KNOW? Ōkunoshima, a small island in the Inland Sea of Japan, is nicknamed "Rabbit Island" because it’s home to hundreds of friendly, free-roaming rabbits! 🐇

And Finally… Did You Think We Forgot About Our Quiz? :P

Just because we’ve switched to Substack doesn’t mean our quiz is wrapping up. We’re on question three now, and hopefully, you've got the answers to questions one and two. If not, one last time: What traditional Japanese garment is often worn at festivals and ceremonies, especially by young women? And: Which slippery, snake-like fish is a popular (and pricey) delicacy in Japan, especially when grilled with sweet soy sauce and served over rice?

This month’s question: What's the Japanese name of the two-wheeled passenger carts sometimes seen across Japan? There is even an accessible one in Asakusa?

Don't forget: take the first letter from each of the three questions so far and keep them safe! Eventually, you’ll be able to form a word with all the questions asked, and the first person to reply with the correct answer wins an Accessible Japan T-shirt!