On 2 days of the event, in addition to personnel from provider businesses of nature-based tourism, as well as travel agency employees, a group of people with disabilities and their caregivers also participated. The group was joined by lecturer Masahiro Sakakibara, Chair of the Shonan Barrier-Free Tour Center, an NPO working on setup and operations of the Barrier-Free Beach initiative.
The venue is located on Niijima Island, roughly 2.5 hours by high-speed boat from the Port of Tokyo. The first day of the event consisted of a lecture and hands-on training with wheelchairs. On the second day, participants received training on how to run barrier-free beach events at Kurone Beach, adjacent to the Port of Niijima.

Workshop lecturer: Masaharu Sakakibara, Chair, Shonan Barrier-Free Tourism Center (NPO)
In the past, when Mr. Sakakibara was working as a medical device engineer, he was inspired by the sight of people with disabilities relaxing at the beach in Sweden, which he was visiting for training purposes. He told us that this was when he decided to introduce the concept of the barrier-free beach in Japan. He acquired access mats, amphibious wheelchairs, and more, launching their use at Zaimokuza Beach, Kamakura City, Kanagawa Prefecture. At present, his organization assists and operates some 50-plus barrier-free beaches around the nation. Mr. Sakakibara talked about the barrier-free concept in the context of different types of disability, interacting with people with disabilities, and the issues people with disabilities have with barriers, explaining the essence as “providing a place where people with disabilities can feel relaxed and comfortable.” About the barrier-free beach concept, he added, “The ocean isn’t just something you look at. It’s really for people to go in and take a swim.” He believes it is important that barrier-free beaches offer a fun time for people with disabilities and their caregivers.
Mr. Sakakibara also noted the following when interacting with persons with disabilities. He recommends asking the following:
1) Is there something I can do to help?
2) Are you having a problem?
3) What can I do to make it better?

If you ask people with disabilities if they are okay, most will answer yes. Also there are many different levels of disability, and no two persons with disabilities are the same. Really the only true professional with regard to a disability is the person with that disability. For this reason, the best way to offer support is to ask the person directly.

Furthermore, Mr.Sakakibara pointed out the key points for environmental improvement required for implementing a barrier-free beach.

1.Parking space
When a wheelchair user drives or transfers to a wheelchair, a space of at least 140 cm is required between the car next to it.

2.Access from the parking lot
If the slope is covered with sand, it is better to have as little sand as possible, as not only the wheelchair user but also the caregiver may slip. Disabled people often carry more luggage than able-bodied people and often have difficulty moving around, so consider the distance.

3.Access to the sandy beach
Even if an access mat is laid on the sandy beach, access is not possible if sand accumulates in front of it, so be careful about the continuity of the path. Wheelchair users can become unable to move even if there is a step or gap of 1 to 2 cm.

4.Shower
Since wheelchair users will not use their own wheelchair to take a shower, they will need to transfer to a special wheelchair or a chair that they don't mind getting wet. Depending on the height of the shower knob or the strength required to operate the knob, support may be required.

5.Changing Space
A bed where an adult can lie down and change clothes is required. As a rule, caregivers should be of the same sex, except for family members.

6.Toilets
A private room large enough for a wheelchair is required. It is good to have a bed where an adult can lie down and change diapers.

7.When coming out of the water
As a rule, an amphibious wheelchair should be used. As both the person and their swimsuit get wet, their weight increases, the footing becomes poor, and this requires the most effort, so do not carry them up without reason.

Mr. Sakakibara, along with Mr. Tomohiro Fuchiyama of Office Fuchi and Planning Network Universal Advisor, lead the group around the Port of Niijima area plaza and coastline, guiding participants in the use of wheelchairs, amphibious wheelchairs (Mobi-chair)—both riding and assisting—as well as wheelchair-pulling devices (JINRIKI),
＊Hands-on experience with wheelchairs
Upon learning the basics of how to operate wheelchairs, participants learned how to provide support on poor roads, hills, etc.
＊Hands-on experience with amphibious wheelchairs
This training was all about making the smooth transition from the pedestrian walkway to the beach and to the water’s edge. The amphibious wheelchairs used for the event were made of a floatable material, enabling easy movement from the beach to the water.
＊Wheelchair-pulling devices
A wheelchair-pulling device is attached to the wheelchair, facilitating movement over slopes and sand.
These devices allow for easy transport in places where a regular wheelchair is not sufficient.

The barrier-free beach setup began on the second day. Access mats (Mobi-mats) were set up from the seawall to the water’s edge to create a wheelchair path. Once preparations were completed, the people with disabilities on the tour and their caregivers proceeded to the water’s edge using wheelchair-pulling devices and amphibious wheelchairs, and then got into the ocean waters. Checking on the tides, the attendees employed a system of three or more people assigned to each person with a disability. Once in the water, both the people with disabilities and their caregivers enjoyed the time. The two hours went by fast!

Following the barrier-free beach event, the providers removed the access mats, and then helped the people with disabilities on the tour to shower and change. They used the shower room next to the Niijima Port Passenger Waiting Area exit, assisting the people with disabilities with plastic waterproof chairs. The waiting area is equipped with a wheelchair-friendly restroom complete with a nursing station and diaper-changing sheets, making Kurone Beach a suitable place for barrier-free beach events.

Following the two-day workshop and test tour, a travel agency employee commented as follows: “I participated at the encouragement of my boss, and I found that I really learned a tremendous amount. Though it hasn’t led to a specific product yet, I hope that we can incorporate the kind of programs we learned about in this workshop into tours for people with disabilities.”
Providers who participated in nature-based learning programs remarked, “I’m interested in seeing if we can incorporate the program at a riverside location”; and a participant engaged in inbound tours said, “I felt we could incorporate some of this material into inbound tourism programs.” In sum, we got lots of feedback from people in different circumstances who want to create new programs based on the information gleaned.
The participating people with disabilities and their caregivers who participated as testers also gave very positive feedback: “Honestly I was surprised at how much fun it was. My daughter, who has a disability, really came alive, and for my part I had lots of fun, too! The amphibious wheelchair is wonderful! As her parent and as a person without any disabilities, I truly enjoyed myself at the ocean. I think the rentals are great for going to the ocean, so when we go again I definitely want to do a rental. Using a specialized device, and with everyone’s verbal support, I was able to relax and enjoy the ocean like I normally wouldn’t.”

1.For travel to Niijima Island
Tokai Kisen Co., Ltd. offers barrier-free equipment and specialized staff who work with people with disabilities. Contact them ahead of time if your travel group includes anyone with a disability, such as wheelchair users.
2.Accomodation
Note that barrier-free overnight accommodations are limited. It is advisable to make arrangements in advance, including informing accommodation facilities of the type of disability.
3.Transportation on the island
Also for travel around the island, inform taxi or rental car providers ahead of time regarding the nature of a disability.

As of FY2024, Tokyo Metropolitan has established the "Subsidy for Nature Experience Tourism Promotion Project that everyone can enjoy.
The subsidy covers overhead costs, including equipment, required for programs offering relaxing tourism experiences in Tokyo’s natural environment for people with disabilities and the elderly. The access mats and amphibious wheelchairs introduced in the article are also eligible for subsidies.
For details, please refer to the following URL.
https://www.sangyo-rodo.metro.tokyo.lg.jp/tourism/kakusyu/nature/