Akihabara Washington Hotel

The Akihabara Washington Hotel is easily accessible from JR Akihabara Station. It is located across from the central ticket gate, on the right-hand side as you exit the gate. Although there are steps at the entrance, I was able to enter the hotel easily using the ramp with handrails next to the mobile phone store on the left to bypass the steps. The staff at the front desk on the third floor were very considerate and came out from behind the counter to help me check in. The staff explained the city of Akihabara to me in great detail and even helped me make dinner reservations. I could easily see the hotel amenities from wheelchair height and was happy to be able to choose what I needed by myself.

The elevator was 87 cm wide at the entrance and had a mirror on the back wall. When I got off at my floor, the Universal Room was nearby. The room key was a key card, which is easier to use for people with less mobile hands. I had no trouble getting my wheelchair through the 88 cm wide entrance and inward-opening door. The room had one bed and a sofa (which could also be used as a bed), and was spacious enough for a wheelchair user. The height of the bed was ideal for transferring from my wheelchair. By adjusting the furniture arrangement, such as changing the direction of the sofa next to the bed, I was able to transfer to the bed more easily and stay comfortably in the room. Two different chairs, one with casters for easy mobility and the other heavier with solid armrests, are available for use depending on the purpose of use and the guest’s disability.

The bath and toilet were located in the same room. The bathroom had an 80 cm wide sliding door entrance with no steps and enough space to turn around in a wheelchair. The floor was made of a non-slip material and felt safe. Facing the toilet, there was an L-shaped fixed grab bar mounted on the left and a movable grab bar mounted on the right. The height of the toilet seat felt just right. My feet easily fit under the sink while sitting in my wheelchair. The front part of the sink was recessed to fit my chest, which helped to stabilize my body as I washed my face and hands. The bathtub was equipped with a bath board with secure grips. The shower head was attached to a vertical grab bar and was height adjustable, so I felt there was consideration for ease of use and safety.

At the breakfast buffet, I was shown to a large table with plenty of room, and the staff helped to serve my food. When researching the hotel in advance, it was very helpful to have accessibility information about the hotel facilities shown on their website with pictures and measurements. I also found the staff's attentive service to be very pleasant.