We held a Trekking Management Experience Workshop for travel agents and other businesses in Tokyo, where they learned about the know-how of providing nature-based tourism programs for people with disabilities.
We welcomed Mr. Tomohiro Fuchiyama, Universal Tourism Advisor for the Planning Network and representative of Office Fuchi, to give a lecture and conduct a hands-on experience (simulation experience of providing wheelchair assistance and guiding for the visually impaired).
Mr.Fuchiyama worked for a major travel company for 30 years. For 22 of these 30 years, he focused on barrier-free travel and universal tourism. Drawing on his sum total of three decades of experience, he now works to support universal tourism in municipalities, companies, schools, and more around the country. He is registered with the Tokyo Metropolitan as a tourism sector advisor at the Tourism Sector One-Step Support Center.
He lectured about his recommendations for nature-based experiences and accessible tourism, the goal being to answer to the needs of people with disabilities who may have trouble moving from place to place and/or with communication—that is “Tourism for Everyone.” He gave examples of initiatives where he has provided support: a nature-based tour in Kochi Prefecture and a mountain resort project in Nagano Prefecture.

During the lecture, the following points were made clear through the introduction of cutting-edge examples of accessible tourism.
Possibilities for travel for people with disabilities
Referencing ideas and planning technologies from different areas, as well as use of equipment
The idea of not giving up on travel
The concept of “going where you want to go and doing what you want to do”

With a view to achieving a relaxing “Tourism for Everyone” experience, Kochi Prefecture is working to make tourism barrier-free. During the seminar, lecturers shared two examples form the Kochi Prefecture Website illustrating the concept of “going where you want to go and doing what you want to do.”

Swimming with dolphins in wheelchairs, Muroto City Dolphin Center
https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=PVHSZ3xMvSM
・Yachting (Hansa Class) in wheelchairs, Konan City, YASU Umi-no-Eki Club
https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=SRpRkOVbRY0
There was also an example of a fully blind individual who was provided with a yachting experience with a guide dog.

Mr. Fuchiyama also explained how to use the clock position to help people with visual disabilities to understand their current position, direction, etc. For instance, shown in image, indicating “There is a rice bowl at 8 o’clock,” makes it easy to understand location. The clock position can be used in many different scenarios, such as for support during walks, during mealtimes, etc. It is also important to note that individual visual disabilities can vary greatly. While some cannot see at all, others can see only the center of their field of vision, while still others can see their entire field but everything is blurry. Different circumstances require different kinds of support.

Following the lecture, the participants got hands-on experience with guiding people with visual disabilities, as well as operating wheelchairs at Toyama Park.
A simulation of guiding people with visual disabilities incorporating eye masks
Firstly, using eye masks, participants learned how to provide support for walking for people with visual disabilities. The person with the disability places their hand on the guide’s elbow or shoulder, proceeding in the same direction and at the same time indicating location using the clock position.
Key points of guiding people with disabilities
First, the guide needs to talk to the person with the disability (don’t touch the person without speaking first/don’t suddenly take your hand away)
The person with the disability places their hand on the guide’s elbow or shoulder
The guide proceeds with half-steps
The guide lets the person know when there is a slow or step in front, and again lets them know when they have cleared it (indicating “up” and “down”)
The participants got a great deal of hands-on experience supporting people with visual disabilities by helping them to walk, including the correct way to guide them, providing information about where things are located using the clock position, etc.

o Wheelchair experience
Participants got hand-on experience with providing support on poor roads, slopes, etc., based on the knowledge they gained on basic wheelchair operations
Hands-on experience with wheelchair-pulling devices (JINRIKI)
Going up and down stairs using wheelchair-pulling devise

Participants wore masks as part of simulations.
Comments included: “Not being able to see was scarier than I thought,” and “I understood the importance of trust between people in this situation.”
Other comments were as follows: “I realized that knowledge on how to guide people with visual disabilities, or how to push a wheelchair, should really be common sense.” “Simply knowing how to use a wheelchair greatly expands the possibilities of where the person can go.” “The pulling device really made a big difference, and I realized that even women can easily pull a wheelchair up a slope.”

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. Wheelchair towing devices, as 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/