Supported languages

English, Japanese, Korean, Chinese

Tour Overview

This tour takes you through two World Heritage sites that are considered the "face" of Kyoto, as well as a food shopping street with a 400-year history, all via a barrier-free route.

First, head to Nijo Castle. Free electric-assist wheelchairs are available for rent, allowing you to admire the 3,000 screen paintings in the Shogun's residence, "Ninomaru Palace," from your wheelchair. Next, visit Kinkaku-ji Temple. The golden reliquary hall reflected in Kyoko Pond is one of Kyoto's most famous sights. You can access the best viewpoint by wheelchair. For lunch, enjoy a food tour of Nishiki Market, "Kyoto's Kitchen," sampling Kyoto pickles, dashi-rolled omelets, and matcha sweets.

This special tour, which ensures barrier-free routes at every spot, is especially recommended for those who had given up on visiting Kyoto because they thought, "I can't go to Kyoto because I'm in a wheelchair."

Tour Highlights

• Nijo Castle is Kyoto's No. 1 barrier-free World Heritage Site. Free rental of electric-assist wheelchairs is available, and the Ninomaru Palace has a dedicated wheelchair entrance.

• A panoramic view of Kinkaku-ji Temple's golden reliquary hall across Kyoko Pond. One of Kyoto's most famous views, accessible from a wheelchair.

• Nishiki Market is known as "Kyoto's Kitchen." Enjoy a food tour of Kyoto's gourmet offerings in this arcade lined with over 130 shops.

• The three spots are concentrated in northwestern Kyoto to the central area. Travel time is short, allowing ample time to enjoy each location.

• Accessible restrooms are available at all locations. Guides have already mapped the locations of the restrooms.

itinerary

*Depending on the cruise schedule, the itinerary may be rearranged, or some destinations may be omitted.

Examples of accessible locations

Nijo Castle

Built in 1603 by Tokugawa Ieyasu as lodging for the shogun in Kyoto, this castle is the historical stage where the 15th shogun, Yoshinobu, declared the "restoration of imperial rule" in 1867, bringing an end to the 264-year Edo shogunate. The Ninomaru Palace, a national treasure, houses over 3,000 screen paintings by the Kano school, and is also famous for its "nightingale floor" that makes a sound when walked on. It was registered as a UNESCO World Heritage Site in 1994. Its single-story, strolling-style structure makes it one of the most wheelchair-accessible World Heritage Sites.

Accessibility Information

• Kyoto's tourist attractions are the most accessible.

• Free rental of electric-assist wheelchairs is available (approximately 5 available, first-come, first-served basis, no reservations).

• Entering the Ninomaru Palace is via a wheelchair-accessible ramp beyond the Karamon Gate. You will then transfer to a specially equipped wheelchair (the passageway is wide).

• There are three wheelchair-accessible restrooms (in front of Midori-no-en, in the rest area in front of Seiryu-en, and in the rest area on the Honmaru-goten side).

• The site is flat with little difference in elevation.

Kinkaku-ji Temple (Rokuon-ji Temple)

Its official name is "Rokuon-ji Temple." It originated as Kitayama-dono, built in 1397 by Ashikaga Yoshimitsu, the third shogun of the Muromachi shogunate, and was converted into a Zen temple after Yoshimitsu's death. The sight of the gold-leafed reliquary hall reflected on the surface of Kyoko Pond is known worldwide as an iconic symbol of Kyoto. After being destroyed by arson in 1950 (the subject of Yukio Mishima's novel "The Temple of the Golden Pavilion"), it was rebuilt in 1955. In 2020, the gold leaf was replaced for the first time in about 20 years, and it has regained its brilliance.

Accessibility Information

• Wheelchair access is available to the best viewpoint across the Mirror Lake, immediately after entering the park.

• Wheelchairs are available for rent (no reservation required).

• Wheelchair-accessible toilet available (with heated bidet seat, ostomy facilities, and universal bed).

• Wheelchair accessible parking available.

• There are gravel paths (electric wheelchairs recommended).

• The route after the viewpoint involves stairs, so we will guide you back the way you came.

Nishiki Market

Known as "Kyoto's Kitchen," Nishiki Market is Kyoto's premier food marketplace with a history spanning over 400 years. Over 130 shops line the approximately 390-meter-long arcade, offering a wide variety of Kyoto's unique ingredients and prepared foods, including Kyoto pickles, yuba (tofu skin), fresh fish, dashi-rolled omelets, and matcha sweets. The popular way to enjoy the market is to grab some food to go and enjoy it while strolling around.

Accessibility Information

• The main street is paved and wheelchair accessible.

• With an arcade roof, you can enjoy it even in rainy weather.

• Some alleys are narrow, so the guide will primarily lead you along wider streets.

• To avoid the busy lunch hour, we recommend arriving in the early 12 o'clock hour, which is a relatively less crowded time.

• Multipurpose restrooms: Available inside and around Nishiki Market.

About Guide Services

The driver will also serve as your guide. Please note that depending on parking conditions, it may not be possible to provide guidance outside the vehicle. Also, please be aware that the number of languages ​​spoken may be limited.

If you require a dedicated guide, we can arrange this for you. Please feel free to contact us.

Please read before making a reservation.

• Please inform us of the wheelchair size and weight (manual/electric) when making your reservation.

• The journey from Kobe Port to Kyoto takes approximately 1 hour and 30 minutes (2 hours during traffic congestion). The itinerary may be adjusted depending on traffic conditions.

• During the cherry blossom (March-April) and autumn foliage (November) seasons, the order of visits may be changed due to crowds.

• Since electric wheelchairs at Nijo Castle are available on a first-come, first-served basis and reservations are not accepted, we plan to visit first thing in the morning.

• The itinerary may be adjusted depending on weather and traffic conditions.

• The event will be held even in the event of rain.

• To ensure smooth communication on the day of the event, please be sure to register for WhatsApp or LINE.

Cancellation Policy

Up to 48 hours prior: Full refund

24-48 hours prior: 50% refund

Within 24 hours: No refunds.

Enjoy worry-free, barrier-free travel with Flat Travel!

Are you giving up on traveling because of your age or physical concerns?

Flat Travel offers barrier-free travel that can be enjoyed with complete peace of mind by those who require care, the elderly, and their families. We provide total support from pre-departure preparations to your return home, tailored to each customer's physical condition and requests.

• Barrier-Free Planning (Free Creation):
  We create plans that incorporate detailed barrier-free information not found on general travel websites. We also adjust the frequency of breaks and travel times to minimize physical strain.

• Experienced caregivers and nurses can accompany you on your trip,
  providing professional care such as wheelchair transfers, bathing and toileting assistance, and meal support. This reduces the burden on your family and ensures a safe and comfortable journey.

• 24-hour support system:
  In the event of any health problems or other issues during your trip, you can contact our support team via LINE. Depending on the situation, we can also arrange consultations with doctors, providing expert backup.

Important Notes