🚕 How to Use Taxis in Japan
Japanese taxis are clean, safe, and reliable — but more expensive than other options. Here's everything you need to know.
💰 Taxi Fares
Tokyo Taxis
- • Base fare: ¥500 (first 1.052km)
- • Additional: ¥100 per 233m
- • Time charge: when speed < 10km/h
- • Late night (22:00–05:00): +20%
Typical Journey Costs
- • Short trip (2km): ¥1,000–1,500
- • Medium trip (5km): ¥1,800–2,500
- • Airport (Haneda): ¥5,000–8,000
- • Narita Airport: ¥15,000–25,000
⚠️ Do NOT tip taxi drivers in Japan. Tipping is not part of Japanese culture and may cause confusion or embarrassment.
🚖 How to Hail a Taxi
- 1Look for a taxi with a lit sign on the roof. RED light = available (空車). Green light = can't pick up (回送 = return trip). No light = occupied.
- 2Stand on the sidewalk and raise your hand — taxis will pull over.
- 3The BACK LEFT DOOR opens automatically — do NOT touch it.
- 4Show your destination on your phone (Google Maps works great).
- 5When you arrive, the driver will tell you the fare. Pay with cash or card.
- 6The door opens automatically again when you exit.
📱 Taxi Apps in Japan
Most Popular
📱
🚕 GO App — Japan's Most Popular Taxi App
GO works in 40+ Japanese cities with English interface. Set your pickup and destination in English, pay by credit card. Best option for tourists.
Download GO App →*Affiliate link — we may earn a commission at no extra cost to you.
🚗 Uber Japan
Available in major cities. Uses licensed taxi drivers (not private cars like other countries). Same app you may already have.
Get Uber →🐼 DiDi Japan
Popular in Osaka and Kyoto. Chinese-friendly interface. Available in 40+ cities.
Get DiDi →🗣️ Useful English Phrases
"Please go to [hotel name]."
〇〇ホテルまでお願いします
"Please use the meter."
メーターでお願いします
"Do you accept credit cards?"
カードは使えますか？
"Please stop here."
ここで止めてください
"How long to [destination]?"
〇〇まで何分ですか？
"Keep the change."
おつりはいりません（不要 — avoid this）
💡 Best tip: Show the driver Google Maps with your destination pinned. No language skills needed.