Page 364 - (DK Eyewitness) Travel Guide: Japan

362  SUR VIV AL GUIDE

aging populations in the world,
many facilities are not as well
adapted as might be presumed
to support the needs of those
with mobility problems. With
Japan’s low retirement age,
people aged 60 and above often
receive admission discounts.

Gay and Lesbian
Travelers
There is a good deal of toler­
Main square at Yebisu Garden Place in Tokyo ance for same­sex cou ples
traveling around Japan, and
Public Conveniences Traveling with Children they are unlikely to encounter
Toilets in Japan range from Children are welcomed in many problems. However,
highly sophisticated to very Japan and taking them to open displays of affection
basic (notably in train stations). restaurants and pubs poses may not go down too well
Japanese­style toilets are simple no problems. Discreet breast­ with some Japanese. Attitudes
troughs over which one squats, feeding in public is accepted, are broader in Tokyo, which has
facing the end with the hood. and baby formula, milk, and an active gay scene and a small,
Non­Japanese toilets are similar disposable diapers are easily lively gay quarter.
to Western­style toilets; many obtainable. Hotels tend to be Gay and lesbian bars and
public facilities, including trains, geared toward adults, but top clubs can be found through out
have both. Toilet paper and ones sometimes offer baby­ Japan; many are listed in
hand towels are often not sitting services and nurseries. Utopia Asia. Magnet Tours
provided, so carry tissues Most attractions, including is a tour operator that focuses
with you. some of the many theme specifically on lesbian, gay,
Modern toilets may have a parks (see pp348–9), offer bisexual, and transgender
panel that, if pressed, plays reduced rates for child ren, (LGBT) travelers and offers
a tune or makes a flushing which are typi cally half the various tour packages.
sound to discreetly mask natural adult price. Children under
noises. Some hi­tech toilets 6 can ride free on buses and What to Take
have heated seats, automatic trains; those aged 6 to 11
seat covers, bidets, and hot­air­ pay half fare. It is best to An umbrella is a must and
drying facilities. For protocol on avoid travel ing on rush­ cheap plastic ones can be
toilet slippers, see p364. hour trains in the big cities bought in convenience stores.
with small children. Casual clothing is acceptable
everywhere – even in smart
Travelers with Disabilities restaurants. Since footwear
Student and Senior
Facilities for the disabled are Travelers occasionally has to be removed
of mixed quality. The visually when entering some traditional
impaired are well provided The International Student tourist attractions (see p364), it
for, but the elderly and people Identity Card (ISIC), gives may be helpful to wear shoes
in wheelchairs occasionally reduc tions of 10–50 percent that can be easily slipped on
face problems with some for stu dents at locations and off. Keep luggage to a
smaller stations and pedestrian throughout Japan, including minimum and choose items
over­ and under passes, which museums, hotels, ferries, and that are easy to carry since
can have endless steps and eateries. At loca tions that do not stations often have many
often no escalator or elevator. formally recognize the ISIC, steps and no porters.
Barrier­free access and univer­ students may be able to receive
sal design are only starting a discount just with their regu lar
to become implemented student identity cards – or even
around Japan. Most modern simply with a verbal claim to
buildings have toilet facilities being a student. For information
for the disabled. and tips on traveling in Japan
The Accessible Tokyo web site on a budget visit the Japan
provides information about Guide website.
disabled access and facilities The general safety of the
at individual tourist attractions, country makes Japan a popu lar
parks, and hotels in Tokyo. choice among senior travelers.
This website also covers sites Despite the fact that Japan A colorful display of practical and souvenir
in Kyoto, and Kamakura. has one of the most rapidly fans for sale

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