So-called barrier-free tours are on the rise at home and abroad as travel agencies try to come up with a wider variety of travel packages that cater to the needs of elderly and disabled people.
Two years ago, Matsuyoshi Yamaguchi, 66, and his wife, Keiko, 62, took part in their first barrier-free tour in Japan on the advice of an acquaintance.
"We were a bit reluctant to join a group tour but took part on a trial basis. Since my wife uses a wheelchair, the places we could visit had been limited," Yamaguchi said.