How do I request a Taxi from my current location?

How do I request a Taxi from my current location in Japan?

If you’re in Tokyo or other big cities like Osaka or Yokohama, getting a taxi isn’t too complicated, but it can feel a bit different from what you might be used to back home. From my experience, the easiest way nowadays is using the Uber app, but flagging down a regular taxi on the street is also very common and usually pretty quick.

In Tokyo, taxis are everywhere, especially in busy areas around train stations or popular neighborhoods like Shibuya or Ginza. They often have a little orange or green light on the dashboard – if it’s lit, that taxi is available. Just raise your hand and one will usually stop within seconds. It’s kind of fun to do because it feels like a quick street interaction, quite different from hailing a cab in many Western cities where you might not find one so easily.

Uber in Japan works a bit differently than in other countries. Instead of the typical ride-sharing drivers, Uber partners with local taxi companies here. So when you order an Uber, you’re almost always getting a regular taxi through the app, which can be super convenient if you’re in an area where taxis aren’t passing by often or if language is a concern.

“What if I’m outside of big cities? Are taxis still easy to find or should I rely on apps?”

Outside major cities, taxis are less common on the streets and you probably won’t be able to just flag one down. In those cases, calling a taxi company or using an app like JapanTaxi (which is popular here) is your best bet. JapanTaxi works in many places and lets you specify your pickup location precisely, which helps when you’re in a rural area or a hotel that’s hard to find. Expect to pay a bit more for taxi rides outside cities because distances tend to be longer and taxis less frequent.

“Are there any costs or quirks I should be aware of when taking taxis in Japan?”

Yes, taxis here start with a base fare that’s usually around ¥410 to ¥730 (about $3 to $5 USD) for the first 1 to 2 kilometers (0.6 to 1.2 miles). After that, the fare increases by roughly ¥80 to ¥90 (about 70 cents to 80 cents USD) every 300 to 400 meters (1,000 to 1,300 feet). So short rides can be quite affordable, but long rides add up quickly. Also, note that many taxi drivers won’t speak much English, so having your destination written down in Japanese or using a map app to show it helps a lot.

“Can I pay by credit card or do I need cash?”

In recent years, most taxis in cities accept credit cards, including major international ones like Visa and Mastercard. However, in rural areas, cash is still king, so it’s a good idea to carry some yen just in case. Uber payments go through the app, so you don’t have to worry about cash there.

“Are there any cultural things I should know when riding a taxi in Japan?”

One thing I’ve noticed is that taxi drivers here are very polite and usually won’t ask you to buckle your seatbelt, but it’s polite to do so anyway. Also, taxis in Japan often have automatic doors that the driver will open and close for you, so it’s considered rude to touch the door handle yourself. Sitting quietly during the ride is normal, and most drivers won’t make conversation unless you start it.

In short, if you’re in Tokyo or other big cities, just raise your hand to catch a taxi or use Uber for convenience. Outside cities, apps like JapanTaxi or calling a local company will be your best friends. Having your destination written out and some cash on hand will make your ride smoother. From personal experience, I find Japanese taxis clean, polite, and quite comfortable – a nice way to experience a bit of everyday Japan beyond the trains and buses.