Japan EDIA Resources

• Tokyo’s public transportation system is increasingly accessible for students with physical disabilities and mobility issues. The Greater Tokyo Area is served by several operators, including JR East, Tokyo Metro, Toei Transportation, private railway companies, and local bus networks. Accessibility features and step-free routes vary by operator, station, line, platform, and exit. Most major train and subway stations are equipped with elevators and escalators, and many stations have step-free routes between street level, ticket gates, and platforms. However, not every station, transfer route, or exit is fully step-free, and an accessible route may require a longer or indirect path through the station.  
• Yellow tactile paving, known as tenji blocks, is widely installed to help passengers with visual disabilities identify walking routes, platform edges, stairs, elevators, and other station features. Tokyo Metro stations may also include slopes, Braille information boards, accessible toilets, stairlifts, priority seating, and intercoms for contacting station staff. The Tokyo Metro barrier-free station search allows travellers to search individual stations for elevators, step-free “one-route” access, accessible toilets, stairlifts, and mobility-scooter access.  
• For further planning, students can consult Tokyo Metro’s barrier-free station search, Tokyo Metro’s overview of accessible facilities, and JR East’s English-language website. Accessible Japan’s guide to wheelchair-accessible trains and subways may also be used as a supplementary, non-governmental planning resource. Students should confirm accessibility directly with the relevant transportation operator because station conditions and available routes may change. 
• The Tokyo Metro also uses both English and Japanese on its subway stops and maps, making it easier for travellers to navigate the subway. The Tokyo Metro has an online guide on how to use its subway system, including how to read the station numbers and an interactive English-language subway map and station guide. Each Tokyo Metro line is identified by a letter and colour, and each station has a letter-and-number code. Students should note that Tokyo Metro is only one part of the Greater Tokyo transportation network and that transfers may involve JR, Toei, or private railway lines with separate station maps and fares. 
• The Toei Bus map provides information about routes operated by the Tokyo Metropolitan Government. Students should check the accessibility of the specific route and stop before travelling, as boarding conditions, curb access, and the amount of space available for mobility devices may vary. Buses and trains can also become extremely crowded during morning and evening rush hours, which may create additional barriers for students with mobility, balance, sensory, fatigue, or pain-related concerns. 
• Most people prefer to navigate Tokyo with public transportation as it is fast, reliable, and accessible. However, taxis are another option for those who need to get around, especially after midnight when most railway and subway services have ended. Taxis can be boarded at designated taxi stands, hailed on the street where stopping is permitted, requested through a hotel or restaurant, or booked through an application. There has been an increase of taxis with wheelchair ramps and special seats that rotate outwards for easier boarding. However, not all taxis are equipped with ramps. To book a taxi in Japan, you can use the GO taxi app, which allows passengers to enter a pickup point and destination, view vehicle information, and pay through the app where available. International credit cards and Apple Pay are accepted through the service, although additional app or pickup fees may apply. 
• Although much of central and eastern Tokyo is highly urbanized, the terrain is not uniformly flat. The Tokyo Metropolitan Government’s description of the city’s topography identifies lowlands in eastern Tokyo and along river valleys, tablelands across areas including Shibuya, Shinjuku, Setagaya, Meguro, Shinagawa, Minato, and Chiyoda, and mountainous terrain in western Tokyo. Students may therefore encounter hills, steep streets, stairs, pedestrian bridges, uneven pavement, long underground passages, and substantial walking distances within large stations.  
• Even where destinations are technically accessible by public transportation, students should anticipate extensive walking throughout the program. Large stations often require significant walking between platforms and exits, and field trips may involve prolonged periods of standing, stair climbing, and outdoor movement. 
• The climate in Japan is different throughout various regions. The climate in Tokyo (located in the Kanto/Koshin region) is temperate with hot, humid, and rainy summers. The Summer Abroad Japan program happens during May, which is Spring in Japan. According to the Japan Meteorological Agency’s 1991–2020 climate normals, Tokyo has an average daily high of 23.6°C, an average daily temperature of 18.8°C, and average relative humidity of 68% in May. Average May rainfall is approximately 139.7 mm. Temperatures may be warmer or cooler than these long-term averages, and rain is possible throughout the program. It is important to plan for the warmth, increasing humidity, rain,  and changing spring temperatures by packing breathable and light layers, cotton clothing, a light waterproof jacket or umbrella, comfortable water-resistant walking shoes, sun protection including sunscreen and hats. Students should carry water, take breaks during extended walking activities, and monitor the daily forecast. A light sweater or jacket may also be useful for cooler mornings, evenings, and strongly air-conditioned indoor spaces. 
• Weather conditions may require modifications to field trips and program activities. Students should be prepared for prolonged periods outdoors in both rain and sunshine and should pack appropriate footwear and rain gear. 
• Students will stay in a hotel in the Greater Tokyo Area. Features such as a step-free entrance, elevator access, accessible bathrooms, roll-in showers, grab bars, bed height, and sufficient space for a wheelchair or other mobility device cannot be guaranteed until the hotel has been selected. Japanese hotel rooms may also be smaller than students expect in Canada. Students who require an accessible room or specific room features should contact the Summer Abroad Diversity & Inclusion Program Coordinator as early as possible so that availability can be explored with the hotel. 
• We encourage you to reach out to the Summer Abroad Diversity & Inclusion Program Coordinator (summerabroad.edi@utoronto.ca) about any mobility-related requirements or accommodations as soon as you receive your program admission. We strongly encourage you connect with the Summer Abroad office to discuss your needs before applying your Summer Abroad program. We will work closely with you to plan your experience abroad, taking into consideration your accessibility needs.  

Departing from Canada  

Sunflower Status  

Canada is a Sunflower-Recognized country. Which means, you can find individuals and organizations across various sectors who are trained to understand the meaning of the sunflower lanyard.  

Airports  

Canada has 27 airports that are sunflower recognized. 

Students based at the University of Toronto are encouraged to visit Pearson Airport for departure. 72 hours before departure, students should visit the airports accessibility webpage and contact their mobility and accessibility customer service for more information regarding specific accessibility support.  

 Airlines  

 There are many airlines that depart or arrive in Canada.  

While we recommend Air Canada and West Jet, students are required to research the best airline for their situation. Summer Abroad has no official partnership with any airline.  

Arriving in Japan 

Sunflower Status  

Japan does not have a physical sunflower presence in the country. Which means you may interact with people who are unfamiliar with what the sunflower means.   

That being said, you will still be able to receive accessibility support as you travel abroad. 

Airports  

Students who are travelling to and from Japan will be able to find the following airports that offer accessibility supports:  

Fukuoka Airport 

Haneda Airport  

Naha Airport 

Students are encouraged to visit the airport accessibility webpage for more information on specific accessibility supports at least 72 hours before departure. 

  Airlines  

There are many airlines that depart or arrive in Japan.  

Students are encouraged to check out our Sunflower Recognized Airlines Resources page for more information about the accessibility supports particular airlines offer and best tips.  

For more information check out Hidden Disabilities Airports and Airlines Around the World. 

• Japanese society’s cultural perspective towards mental health has often been surrounded by stigma and taboo, as mental health problems have often been viewed as a sign of personal weakness, a perspective that that has discouraged individuals from seeking help. Japan is also influenced by the “hone/tatemae” culture that promotes the maintenance of harmony, making it difficult for Japanese people to express their true feelings. Students may therefore encounter less open discussion of mental health or different attitudes toward counselling and treatment. Perspectives vary between individuals, and students should not assume that these attitudes represent all Japanese people or health care providers. 
• However, Japan continues to make significant progress to improve mental health awareness and support, such as government initiatives to respond to mental health issues. For this reason, if you require mental health support while abroad, it is important to remember that these stigmas come from a cross-cultural difference, and do not stem from ignorance.Students should be aware that arranging appointments with English-speaking medical or mental health providers may take time, and immediate availability should not be assumed. 
• If you have an existing or anticipated mental health condition that may affect your participation in a Summer Abroad course, please contact your Accessibility Advisor and the Summer Abroad office as early as possible, ideally before applying. Early planning gives the University and its international partners more time to explore appropriate academic and non-academic supports.  
• Students who require disability-related accommodations must register with U of T Accessibility Services and request a tailored Letter of Accommodation for Summer Abroad.  
• Summer Abroad students also have access to International SOS services through the University of Toronto, which can assist with locating medical and mental health professionals abroad and provide medical, security, emotional and logistical support. However, appointments may take time to arrange, and English-language providers may have limited availability. International SOS should therefore be treated as an additional in-country resource rather than a substitute for advance accommodation and continuity-of-care planning.  
• If you anticipate ongoing mental health needs, speak with your family doctor, counsellor or other healthcare provider before travelling to develop a continuity-of-care plan. Bring an adequate supply of prescribed medication, confirm that it is legal at the destination, and consider whether telehealth follow-up is available. For questions about the tailored Letter of Accommodation process, contact summerabroad.edi@utoronto.ca.    

• Same-sex sexual activity is legal in Japan, but legal protections for 2SLGBTQ+ people are not equivalent to those in Canada. The Equaldex profile for Japan notes that protections against discrimination based on sexual orientation and gender identity vary by region and that Japan does not have comprehensive national protections in all areas. Tokyo has local measures intended to address discrimination based on sexual orientation and gender identity. Public displays of affection are generally less common in Japan among couples of any sexual orientation. Students can use their judgment based on the setting but are not expected to conceal their identity during the program. 
• Japan does not currently recognize same-sex marriage nationally. The Tokyo Partnership Oath System allows eligible couples to receive a partnership certificate, but it is not legally binding and does not provide the inheritance, family-registration, or other rights associated with marriage. Japan’s national Act on the Promotion of Public Understanding of the Diversity of Sexual Orientation and Gender Identity promotes awareness and understanding but should not be treated as equivalent to comprehensive anti-discrimination legislation or marriage equality. 
• Tokyo has the biggest LGBTQ+ community in Japan, and hosts Tokyo Rainbow Pride, a weeklong festival with LGBTQ+ friendly events every year in late April/early May. The International LGBTQ+ Travel Association’s Japan guide identifies Tokyo as having Japan’s largest visible LGBTQ+ community, particularly around Shinjuku Ni-chōme, and notes that Tokyo Pride is generally held in late April or early May. This visibility does not mean that all settings in the Greater Tokyo Area will be equally affirming. Students may encounter limited understanding of gender diversity, misgendering, binary gender options on forms, or reluctance to discuss sexual orientation and gender identity openly. 
• Attitudes and perceptions towards 2SLGBTQ+ students in different regions of Japan may differ from those in Tokyo. Students travelling independently outside the Greater Tokyo Area should not assume that the level of LGBTQ+ visibility or available community resources will be the same. Students who have concerns about names and pronouns, rooming, gendered facilities, being outed, or navigating a particular program activity should contact SDGO before departure.  
• Students travelling with a passport containing an “X” gender identifier should verify entry and transit requirements before purchasing flights. The Government of Canada’s guidance for 2SLGBTQI+ travellers states that Canada cannot guarantee entry into or transit through another country with an “X” identifier. Airline, immigration, or travel-booking systems may also require travellers to select either male or female. Students should contact the Consulate-General of Japan in Toronto, their airline, and the authorities of any transit country, and share any potential documentation concerns with the Summer Abroad Office as early as possible. 
• Summer Abroad is committed to providing a supportive and inclusive environment for all students, and support students of all sexual orientations and gender identities. If you have any concerns or require support regarding your 2SLGBTQ+ accommodations, please do not hesitate to reach out to us, so we can assist you in finding additionalresources as well as explore your accommodation options.  You may also contact the U of T Sexual & Gender Diversity Office via sgdo@utoronto.ca  

• Women travelling alone in Japan may be subject to some forms of harassment. The Government of Canada’s Travel Advisory for Japan specifically notes that inappropriate physical contact may occur on crowded subways and trains. This form of non-consensual touching is commonly referred to as chikan. Students should remain aware of their surroundings during rush hour and move to another part of the train if they feel uncomfortable. 
• There are women-only train cars during rush hour. According to Tokyo Metro, women-only cars operate on selected lines during weekday morning rush hours, generally until approximately 9:00 or 9:30 a.m. Availability and operating times vary by line, and designated boarding areas are marked on the platform. If harassment occurs, students should move toward other passengers, notify train or station staff, and contact program staff. Call 110 to report an immediate crime or request police assistance; the Tokyo Metropolitan Police Department indicates that English-language assistance is available when calling 110. 
• Emergency contraception is available in Japan without a prescription, but only from participating pharmacies with an authorized pharmacist. Over-the-counter sales began on February 2, 2026. Students can use the Japanese Ministry of Health, Labour and Welfare’s current list of pharmacies authorized to sell emergency contraception. Not every pharmacy carries it, and the Ministry recommends calling before visiting to confirm that the medication is in stock and an authorized pharmacist is working. English-language service is not guaranteed. 
• If you experience sexual harassment or feel uncomfortable while you are abroad, you can reach out to Summer Abroad and Safety Abroad for help, and they will help connect you with U of T resources including the Sexual Violence Prevention & Support Centre. For more information on how Safety Abroad can support you in a crisis, please click here to view Safety Abroad’s resources (under “sexual harassment & violence” and “in a crisis.”) 

• The Greater Tokyo Area is particularly international. The Tokyo Metropolitan Government reported approximately 772,000 foreign residents in Tokyo as of October 1, 2025. Students may therefore encounter people from many national, linguistic, and cultural backgrounds, particularly around universities, major stations, and central neighbourhoods. However, diversity does not eliminate racial prejudice or discrimination. 
• Racialized students may be assumed to be foreign based on their skin colour, facial features, clothing, name, or accent, regardless of their citizenship or ability to speak Japanese. Experiences may include staring, intrusive questions, assumptions about nationality or language ability, racialized comments, or different treatment in shops, restaurants, nightlife venues, or other public settings. Curiosity may explain some interactions, but students are not expected to excuse conduct that feels discriminatory or unsafe. Japan’s Ministry of Justice recognizes that discrimination against foreign nationals and exclusionary speech based on ethnicity or nationality remain human-rights concerns. 
• People in Greater Tokyo may be more accustomed to international residents and visitors than people in smaller or less-visited communities. Outside major urban and tourist areas, racialized students may attract more attention and encounter fewer English-language services, but this should not be interpreted as evidence that all smaller communities are less welcoming. Experiences will vary by location, setting, and individual interaction. 
• Students who experience racial harassment, denial of service, or another concerning incident should move to a safe location and contact program staff. They may also contact Japan’s multilingual Human Rights Counseling for Foreigners service. Students concerned about how their racial, ethnic, Indigenous, national, or cultural identity may be perceived can speak confidentially with the Summer Abroad Diversity & Inclusion Program Coordinator before departure or during the program. 
• If you feel unsafe or experience racism during your time in the Summer Abroad program, we encourage you to report the incident immediately to the Summer Abroad office or reach out to the On-Site Coordinators, who will contact U of T Safety Abroad to provide immediate support, including connecting you with U of T Resources such as the Anti-Racism and Cultural Diversity Office (ARCDO). 

• Shinto and Buddhism are Japan’s most prominent religious traditions. Many people participate in customs or ceremonies associated with both traditions rather than identifying exclusively with one religion. Christianity and smaller Muslim, Hindu, Jewish, and other faith communities are also present. The Agency for Cultural Affairs’ Religious Yearbook provides an official overview of religious organizations and traditions in Japan. 
• The Greater Tokyo Area has churches, mosques, Hindu temples, Buddhist temples, Shinto shrines, synagogues, and other places of worship. However, English-language services may be limited, and some congregations require advance registration or identification from visitors. Service times may also conflict with classes, field trips, or other mandatory program activities. Transportation to places of worship is not automatically included in the Summer Abroad program. 
• Muslim students can consult the official Tokyo Muslim Travelers’ Guide 2026-2027, which identifies mosques, prayer spaces, restaurants, shops, and accommodations in Tokyo. Tokyo Camii in Shibuya is a major mosque and community centre that holds daily, Friday, and Eid prayers. Students should confirm prayer times, visitor expectations, and transportation before travelling. 
• Tokyo has a small but established Jewish community. The Jewish Community of Japan offers religious services and community activities, but visitors must contact the organization in advance before attending. Chabad Tokyo also provides Shabbat services and community programming. Advance registration, identification, and security screening may apply. 
• If you are looking for religious accommodation support during your Summer Abroad program, such as religious observations that may conflict with academic activities and field trips, please contact the Summer Abroad Diversity & Inclusion Program Coordinator in advance. Summer Abroad will work closely with you to ensure that your religious observance needs are accommodated to the best of our ability, creating an inclusive environment that respects and values your faith while planning and participating your Summer Abroad experience.  

• Halal and Muslim-friendly restaurants are available throughout Greater Tokyo. Students can use the official Tokyo Muslim Travelers’ Guide 2026-2027 and the Japan National Tourism Organization’s Muslim Travelers guide to identify options. Japan does not have one central halal-accreditation authority, so “Muslim-friendly,” pork-free, or alcohol-free should not automatically be interpreted as halal certified. Students who require certified halal food should confirm the certification body, ingredients, and kitchen practices directly with the restaurant. 
• Kosher-certified food and restaurants are considerably more limited and generally require advance planning. The Jewish Community of Japan offers kosher meals in connection with some community and Shabbat activities. Chabad Japan’s Kosher Japan guide lists kosher meals, groceries, and selected imported products available in Tokyo. Students should contact the organization or food provider in advance because reservations, advance orders, or delivery arrangements may be required. 
• Vegetarian and vegan options are widely available in Tokyo, particularly at specialized restaurants. Students can use the official Tokyo Vegan & Vegetarian Restaurant Guide 2026-2027 and the Japan National Tourism Organization’s Vegetarian and Vegan Guide. However, simply requesting a “vegetarian” meal may not be sufficient. Broths, sauces, seasoning, and apparently vegetable-based dishes may contain fish-based dashi, bonito flakes, meat, gelatin, or other animal-derived ingredients. Students with strict requirements should ask about ingredients rather than relying only on the dish name.Students with strict dietary requirements should consider carrying suitable snacks during field trips, particularly on full-day excursions outside central Tokyo where immediate alternatives may be limited. 
• Students with food allergies can download and complete Food Allergy Research & Education’s Japanese Food Allergy Chef Card before departure. The card identifies foods that must be avoided in Japanese and can be shown to restaurant staff, hotel breakfast staff, or other meal providers. Students should carry printed and digital copies, but should not rely on the card alone: confirm ingredients, preparation methods, and possible cross-contact directly with the food provider. Students with severe allergies should also disclose their requirements through the appropriate Summer Abroad process and follow their personal allergy-management plan throughout the program.