If we could travel the world with Braeden using a Shinkansen (otherwise known as a Bullet Train) we would find travel so much easier. Not only are Japan’s famous trains a fast and efficient way of travelling between cities, they are also wheelchair accessible. On my recent trip to Japan Braeden wasn’t travelling with me but I was keen to check out the accessibility on the Shinkansen. So, when I hopped on one of the trains from Kyoto to Nagano, I made a beeline for the accessible compartment to see how wheelchair users are accommodated. What I discovered about the Shinkansen’s accessibility impressed me.
Shinkansen review – wheelchair accessibility
The Shinkansen has a reputation for its punctuality and I can confirm after several train trips every one departed on time – in fact, to the minute. The high-speed railway network efficiently links regions around Japan making it a convenient and time-efficient way of travelling.
While we were travelling in reserved seating in a non-accessible carriage I made my way through the carriages to the accessible compartment. There I found the entry door to be much wider than that in the other compartments making access easier. A ramp is provided for wheelchair users to get on board and is managed by train staff.
Shinkansen facilities will vary between trains but the one we were travelling on offered a variety of options for wheelchair accessible seating including a wheelchair space alongside two other seats. This is a companionable option when travelling with friends and family on the train and the one we would use if travelling on the train with Braeden.
My only concern about Braeden on a Shinkansen is that his excitement would exceed acceptable noise levels in Japan!
A belt is provided for securing the wheelchair in place for travel.
I also noted the availability of spaces suitable for two wheelchair users travelling together. These spaces also offer lovely large windows to watch the passing scenery.
Lastly, there is also a private accessible seating space which is essentially a room which can be reserved for travel. This room is reservable for wheelchair users, from the signage it would seem it is targeted for use by those using power wheelchairs. If the room is not reserved it can also be used by breastfeeding mothers and by anyone not feeling well but only after checking with JR train staff.
Within this compartment there is an accessible bathroom. The space is larger than the other bathrooms on the train but it is tight on circulation space. Press button entry and an enlarged entrance provides an ease of access.
Like the majority of accessible bathrooms in Japan this space is multi-purpose offering baby change facilities as well as facilities for those travelling with a disability. Grab rails are provided and a sensor flush button for the toilet which operates with a wave of a hand.
As I’ve already mentioned, the space is tight so obviously it won’t suit all wheelchair users but it is good to see accessibility being considered. Hopefully in future iterations this space can be designed to be larger.
I noticed that in the majority of accessible bathrooms in Japan ostomate facilities are provided (these are facilities for those using a stoma pouch) including on the Shinkansen. A separate wash basin is available at waist height for disposing of waste from a stoma pouch.
Booking wheelchair accessible seating on a Shinkansen
We purchased our tickets at the train stations on our day of travel but wheelchair users are advised to book at least two days in advance. Train routes like Tokyo to Kyoto offer an incredible number of train services per day so it may be less crucial to have a booking in advance but given there are only a few wheelchair train spaces, if a traveller needs to remain in their wheelchair I’d suggest booking in advance to ensure you get the time you want. If you are flexible with your timing and don’t travel at peak hour I am sure this assists with booking on the same day. You can read more about booking wheelchair seating on this website.
Japan is an orderly country and part of keeping that order is the public adhering to rules. One rule is around the size of luggage acceptable on the Shinkansen without a luggage reservation. Luggage racks are provided, like overhead lockers on a plane so you need to be able to lift your luggage to store it on the racks. You may take two pieces of luggage on board free of charge. For each bag the total of the length, width and height must not exceed 250 centimetres and the weight must be no more than 30kgs. The Shinkansen seating offers generous legroom and we were able to keep our bags with us comfortably. If your bags exceed the sizing allowed for free you need to reserve luggage space on the Shinkansen. This is an area on the train where you can stow your bags.
The Shinkansens offer a quiet, clean and enjoyable way to travel between cities in Japan. We found train stations in Japan to be incredibly busy and a little chaotic, so plan ahead and arrive well in advance of your train’s departure time. That extra time will allow you to find lifts to access platforms, ask for directions and navigate the crowds. Of course many use the extra time to buy some food to take on the train journey. The frenzy around picking up a box of food to take on board is quite something. It’s part of the experience.
If you are keen to read more about our adventures in Japan you can catch up with these –
Finding ourselves in a Japanese police station
And if you are keen to compart China’s bullet train to the Japanese Shinkansen, you can read my review here.
