MS Didn’t Stop Us: Our Family Trip to Japan

Kyoto, June 21st, 2025

My family and I just returned from an unforgettable 10-day trip to Japan, where we explored the vibrant cities of Tokyo, Kyoto, and Nara. Traveling with my mom, who lives with multiple sclerosis (MS), brought unique challenges—but also powerful moments of joy, resilience, and discovery. Japan, with all its beauty, accessibility, and kindness, truly surprised us in the best way.

Navigating Kyoto and Nara:

If you’re traveling with a loved one who has MS or mobility issues, we highly recommend hiring a taxi guide. This was a game-changer for us. Our local guide not only made navigation smoother but also allowed us to see lesser-known, authentic parts of the cities—places we never would have discovered on our own. The taxi cabs in Japan are large, clean, air-conditioned, and easy to access. Our guide knew all the shortcuts, helping us conserve time and energy—essential when MS can cause fatigue and difficulty walking. On the second day, he even brought a wheelchair so my mom could comfortably explore one of the biggest markets in Kyoto, something that would’ve been impossible otherwise. He personalized the entire day to match what we were looking for—whether that was finding unique souvenirs, the best matcha, or a high-quality Japanese knife. Because he was local, he brought us to hidden gems far from the usual tourist path. Ironically, my mom, who has MS, got to experience a more authentic version of Japan than most able-bodied tourists ever do.

Navigating Tokyo:

Tokyo was more challenging—not because it isn’t accessible, but because of its crowded, fast-paced atmosphere. Places like Shibuya, Shinjuku, and Harajuku are packed with people, which can be overwhelming for anyone, but especially someone managing MS. But with patience, we still managed to cross the famous Shibuya Crossing (the busiest pedestrian crossing in the world!) and even enjoy some shopping. We quickly learned that air-conditioned malls are your best friend—they’re not only accessible but also have seating areas and cafes where you can rest. The biggest challenge by far, however, was the summer heat and humidity. For my mom, this was brutal. She described the heat as paralyzing—completely draining her energy and worsening her MS fatigue to a level she hadn’t felt since her most severe relapse three years ago, which greatly impacted her mobility. It was truly difficult to see.

And yet, in the same day, something incredible happened.

That night, after dinner, my mom suddenly felt strong enough to walk. She ended up walking 0.8 miles without stopping—the longest distance she’s walked since her major relapse 3 and a half years ago (she normally manages just 0.3 miles). We were very pleasantly surprised. Was it a coincidence? Or maybe… was it the black caviar we ate at dinner?

Black Caviar & MS: Just a Fun Theory?

As strange as it sounds, my mom swears the black caviar gave her an unexpected boost. The only different thing in her diet that night at the restaurant was the good amount of black caviar. While we’re definitely not medical professionals, black caviar is rich in omega-3 fatty acids (EPA and DHA), which have been linked to anti-inflammatory and neuroprotective benefits. Some studies have even suggested omega-3s might help reduce MS-related inflammation and support nerve function. Of course, always consult a doctor before considering dietary changes—we’re just sharing our personal experience and observations from that day.

Japan as a Whole:

Beyond the physical accessibility, what truly elevated our experience in Japan was the deep cultural politeness and the way Japanese people treat others—with respect, dignity, and quiet understanding. Time and time again, we saw how people went out of their way to offer help without being intrusive, and how thoughtfully public spaces are designed for people with disabilities. Tokyo was extremely high tech, with elevators everywhere, ramps, and designated bathrooms for the disabled that are large and fully equipped with automatic closing doors, railings, and SOS buttons that provide help if you need it. Despite the heat and the fatigue, Japan was surprisingly more accessible than many of the countries we have visited in Europe. If you're planning to travel to Japan with MS, we recommend avoiding summer and aiming for autumn as well as and waking up early to catch places before the crowds do.

Japan has now become my mom’s favorite country we’ve visited—not just because of the sights and culture, but because she was able to fully experience it.

MS did not stop her. It didn’t stop any of us.