During our Tokyo Trend Tours, one of the most inevitable questions that arises has to do with train stations. Specifically, “How do elderly and handicapped people get around in Tokyo?!”. It’s not exactly a secret that Tokyo’s train stations can be a bewildering maze of tunnels, escalators, gates, and hordes of people rushing around. It’s also true that very few elderly and handicapped individuals can be seen using public transport in these busy areas due to such hectic conditions.
Of course, Japan’s public transport systems all have easy access, but it’s often difficult to know where you’re going (despite the ubiquitous yellow lines to follow). To combat this problem, an online and mobile service called Ekipedia has been developed as a user-generated information source. Created by the Town Guidance Support Network NPO, Ekipedia clearly outlines the routes, elevators, toilets, changing rooms, and other useful facilities for 704 train stations throughout Japan.
With interactive maps and photos, users can easily know exactly where to go before they get to their destinations, and avoid the chaos that comes with trying to find the best (only?) accessible route. Information can be accessed via mobile phones for planning before arrival, but it can also be updated by users in the same way.
After all, unless they need it, most riders pay little attention to station accessibility, but users of the service are now adding their own insights and information to make the best service for them.
Michael is the Editor of JapanTrends.com and Director of the 
