Are there unbooked taxis outside Shinjuku station?

Are there unbooked taxis available outside Shinjuku Station?

Great question! If you’re wondering whether you can just hop into a taxi without a prior reservation at Shinjuku Station, the short answer is yes. In 2024, most people in Tokyo—including locals—don’t bother with taxi apps very much. Instead, they simply go to the taxi stands outside major train stations like Shinjuku and catch the next available cab.

Shinjuku Station has several official taxi stands right outside its many exits, and these spots are always busy but well-organized. You don’t need to book in advance or use an app unless you want to. Japanese people usually just line up, wait for their turn, and get into the next free taxi. It’s a very smooth system because drivers are professional, and the ranks are well-managed.

One handy thing I’ve noticed on taxis around Tokyo is that many now offer USB-A ports inside for charging your phone. So, if you’re running low on battery after a day exploring, just plug in your cable and recharge during your ride. Just a heads-up: I usually carry my own cable because taxis don’t provide them.

How long might I have to wait for a taxi at Shinjuku Station during rush hour?

During peak times—like weekday mornings (7-9 AM) or evenings (5-7 PM)—the lines can get pretty long since a lot of people are commuting or heading home. I’ve waited anywhere from 5 to 20 minutes depending on how busy it is and which exit you use. The south exit tends to have more taxi traffic, so sometimes the line moves faster there.

If you’re in a hurry, try to avoid the busiest hours or walk a little further from the station exits. Sometimes a short 5-minute walk away from the main entrances can lead you to less crowded taxi stands.

What if I don’t speak Japanese? Is catching a taxi at Shinjuku Station difficult?

Not at all. Taxi drivers in Tokyo are usually patient and used to foreign visitors. Most drivers understand basic English phrases like “Shibuya, please” or “Narita Airport.” Also, many taxis now have navigation systems that can display your destination in English if you show the address on your phone.

If you’re worried about communication, it helps to have your destination written down in Japanese or use a map app that shows the location clearly. I personally keep a note on my phone with key addresses in Japanese just in case.

Are taxi fares from Shinjuku Station expensive compared to other transportation?

Taxi fares in Tokyo are generally more expensive than trains or buses, but they’re very convenient if you have luggage or travel late at night. The initial fare starts around ¥450 (about $3.30 USD) for the first 1.052 kilometers (~0.65 miles), then roughly ¥80 (~$0.60 USD) for every 237 meters (~0.15 miles) after that.

For example, a 10-minute taxi ride (around 3 km or 1.9 miles) from Shinjuku to a nearby neighborhood might cost about ¥1,500–¥2,000 ($11–$15 USD). If you’re traveling with others, splitting the fare can make it more reasonable.

Can I use taxi apps to book a ride from Shinjuku Station instead?

While taxi apps like JapanTaxi or LINE Taxi exist, they’re not as popular in Tokyo as in other big cities worldwide. Most locals just line up at the taxi stands because it’s usually faster and simpler.

That said, if you prefer the convenience of booking ahead, these apps can be useful—especially late at night when taxis are harder to find. Just keep in mind that app bookings sometimes come with extra fees, and not all taxis accept app reservations.

To sum up: catching an unbooked taxi outside Shinjuku Station is totally normal and easy in Japan. Just join the line at the official taxi stand, carry your phone cable for charging, and have your destination info ready. This straightforward approach is how most Japanese people do it every day, blending convenience with that famously smooth urban order.