Information for Visitors with Physical Disabilities and in Wheelchairs
Contents
1. Library Support
If you have any concerns about using the library, please do not hesitate to ask at any counter.
The library staff will assist you with entry procedures, searching and requesting materials, etc. Necessary assistance is also provided for the use of the cafeteria (6th floor of the Main Building) and the coffee shops (3rd floor of the Main Building and 1st floor of the Annex).
2. Access
2-1. Directions with Photos
Directions with photos to the NDL from Tokyo Metro Nagatacho Station or Kokkai-gijidomae Station using elevators and accessible ramps are as follows.
- (1) From Tokyo Metro Nagatacho Station, Exit 5 to the NDL (Directions with Photos)
- (2) From Tokyo Metro Kokkai-gijidomae Station, Exit 2 to the NDL (Directions with Photos)
(1) From Tokyo Metro Nagatacho Station, Exit 5 to the NDL (Directions with Photos)
Take the elevator to the ground level at Exit 5 of Nagatacho Station. The distance from this location to the visitors' entrance of the NDL Tokyo Main Library is about 700 meters. After exiting the elevator, proceed along the ramp beside the elevator to the sidewalk, turn left, and continue for about 100 meters.
Immediately after passing Entrance 4 to Nagatacho Station, you will encounter a crosswalk at signage that says "400m National Theatre." Turn right and proceed along the crosswalk. On the opposite side of the street is a convenience store. Proceed along the sidewalk that goes to the right of the convenience store and continue for about 300 meters along a gentle curve to the left.
You will encounter a crosswalk with signage on the traffic light that says "National Diet Library." Proceed straight along the crosswalk to the opposite side of the street and then continue straight along that sidewalk for about 80 meters.
On your left, you will see the South Entrance to the NDL. On weekdays (except Saturdays and every third Wednesdays), persons with disabilities can also enter through the South Entrance. In that case, please inform the staff at the South Entrance reception desk.
You can go past the South Entrance and continue down a gentle downhill slope for about 100 meters. On your left, you will see the East Entrance, which is the regular entrance for NDL visitors. Follow the accessible ramp and continue forward until you reach the entrance. The ramp has a 6-degree incline. If you do not feel confident about navigating this slope, we recommend that you enter through the South Entrance.
(2) From Tokyo Metro Kokkai-gijidomae Station, Exit 2 to the NDL (Directions with Photos)
Take the elevator to the ground level at Exit 2 of Kokkai-gijidomae Station. The distance from this location to the visitors' entrance of the NDL Tokyo Main Library is about 700 meters. After exiting the elevator, proceed to the sidewalk and then turn right and proceed up a gentle uphill slope for about 150 meters.
Proceed along the sidewalk to an intersection with signage on the traffic light that says "Prime Minister's Office." Follow the sidewalk and turn right at this intersection. Continue straight along this street. The First Members' Office Building of the House of Representatives will be on your left across the street. Proceed along this sidewalk about 400 meters to the next intersection.
At the next intersection you will find signage on the traffic light that says "National Diet Library." Cross the crosswalk, turn right and proceed forward about 80 meters.
On your left, you will see the South Entrance to the NDL. On weekdays (except Saturdays and every third Wednesdays), persons with disabilities can also enter through the South Entrance. In that case, please inform the staff at the South Entrance reception desk.
You can go past the South Entrance and continue down a gentle downhill slope for about 100 meters. On your left, you will see the East Entrance, which is the regular entrance for NDL visitors. Follow the accessible ramp and continue forward until you reach the entrance. The ramp has a 6-degree incline. If you do not feel confident about navigating this slope, we recommend that you enter through the South Entrance.
2-2. Entrance
The visitors' entrances are on the eastern side, for both the Main Building and the Annex.
Before reaching the East Entrance, stairs or ramps must be ascended or descended from the metro station or bus stop. There are no major steps from the parking lot.
On weekdays (except Saturdays and every third Wednesday), persons with disabilities can also enter through the South Entrance directly facing the National Diet Building. In that case, please inform the staff at the South Entrance reception desk.
2-3. Parking Lot
The parking lot is available in front of the visitors' entrance on the east side of the building, with two parking spaces is allocated exclusively for persons with physical disabilities and those who accompany them. If those two parking spaces are full, other spaces can be used.
Alternatively, you can also use the staff parking lot on the opposite side of the building (West Entrance), if there are available spaces. In that case, please inform the staff at the West Entrance reception desk.
* Parking is free of charge.
3. Facilities
3-1. Wheelchair-accessible Lockers
Wheelchair-accessible lockers are available at the visitors' entrances for both the Main Building and the Annex.
wheelchair-accessible lockers
3-2. Wheelchairs and Walking Sticks
Wheelchairs and walking sticks are available for use at the visitors' entrances in both the Main Building and the Annex. Please ask the staff at the entrance whenever you need them.
3-3. Wheelchair-Accessible Seats
There are wheelchair-accessible seats near the General Information Desks for both the Main Building and the Annex.
Wheelchair-accessible seat
In Special Materials Rooms and Reading Rooms, there is also priority seating for wheelchair users. Please ask the staff whenever needed.
3-4. Reading Room for Persons with Disabilities (Annex 2F)
The Reading Room for Persons with Disabilities is located near the entrance of the Annex. This can be used if you have difficulty using the reading space or when it is necessary to speak loudly with your companion to use materials.
There is also a bookrest in the room. Please ask at the Entrance Counter if you wish to use the reading room.
As there is only one reading room for persons with disabilities, priority is given to those who have reserved it in advance. Reservations can be made by telephone or other means one month before the date of use. For more information, please contact us during library hours.
Contact information
Service Administration Division
Reader Services and Collections Department
Tel: +81-3-3581-2331
Fax: +81-3-3581-2326
E-mail inquiries are accepted via the inquiry form on the National Diet Library website.
Bookrest at the Reading Room for Persons with Disabilities
3-5. Accessible Restrooms
Accessible restrooms are located on the 2nd floor of the Main Building and on every floor of the Annex. For detailed locations, please see the National Diet Library Tokyo Main Library User Guide (PDF: 232KB). Ostomy-friendly restrooms are located in a total of three locations. One is near Reading Room 1 on the 2nd floor of the Main Building, and the other two are near the Annex Entrance Counter.
3-6. Wheelchair-Accessible Elevator
There are two elevators side by side for both the Main Building and the Annex, one of which is marked with the wheelchair symbol and is wheelchair accessible.
It has buttons in a low position, a handrail, and a rear-view mirror for wheelchair users.
When using the elevator to reach the Special Purpose Reading Room (Books) in the Main Building, it is necessary to pass through a staff-only passageway. If you need to go to the room, please ask the general information desk. Staff will be happy to guide you.
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