Taking a Taxi in Japan: Complete Traveler’s Guide (2025)

Why this matters

In Japan, taxis are known for being clean, safe, punctual, and highly professional. They are more expensive than public transport, but in the right situation — late nights, heavy luggage, rainy weather — they can be the smartest choice.

Official Taxi Fares in Tokyo (MLIT-regulated)

In Japan, taxi fares are not arbitrary: they are strictly regulated by the Ministry of Land, Infrastructure, Transport and Tourism (MLIT). This ensures transparency and consistency, especially in the Tokyo metropolitan area (23 wards, Musashino, and Mitaka).

• Minimum Fare (Flag Drop): ¥500 for the first 1.096 km.
• Additional Distance: ¥100 every 255 meters beyond that.
• Waiting Time Charge: When moving slower than 10 km/h, ¥100 per 1 minute 35 seconds.
• Night Surcharge: +20% from 10:00 p.m. to 5:00 a.m.
• Tolls (Expressways): Added directly to the passenger’s fare.

👉 While other cities may have slight variations, this distance + time model is the nationwide standard.

Group travel tip: Splitting a taxi between 3–4 people often makes the cost comparable to public transport for short urban trips.

Luggage and Passenger Rules

• Standard sedans accommodate 2–3 large suitcases.
• Minivan taxis (available at airports) can fit larger groups or bulky gear.
• Drivers typically assist with luggage loading — but tipping is not customary.
• Seatbelts are mandatory for all passengers, even in the back seat.

Etiquette and Payment

• Automatic doors: The driver opens/closes them. Never touch them yourself.
• Cash or Card: Most taxis in major cities accept Visa, Mastercard, JCB, and often IC cards like Suica/PASMO. In rural areas, carry cash.
• Receipts: Always available if you ask (“ryōshūsho kudasai”). Useful for expense reports or lost items.
• No tipping: Returning exact change is part of the service culture.

Where & How to Get a Taxi

• Taxi stands (乗り場 Noriba): Located at stations, airports, hotels, and department stores. Safest option.
• Street hailing: Look for a red sign (空車 = vacant) in the windshield. A green sign (賃走) means occupied.
• Apps & phone: The JapanTaxi app and Uber (see below) allow you to request taxis directly.
• Hotel/restaurant staff: Staff will happily call a taxi for you.

Peak Demand Situations

• Rainy days: Expect long lines at taxi stands.
• Late nights: After the last train (~midnight), demand spikes in nightlife districts.
• Holidays/events: Fireworks festivals, New Year shrine visits, or Golden Week cause long waits.

👉 Consider booking ahead during these times.

Uber in Japan: Why It’s Different

Unlike many countries, Uber never became a full ridesharing service in Japan.

• Strict regulations: Only licensed taxi drivers can transport paying passengers. Private cars cannot.
• High taxi quality: Japanese taxis are clean, safe, and reliable — the need for alternatives was minimal.
• Uber’s role: In Japan, Uber is essentially a taxi-booking platform. When you request a car, a licensed taxi arrives — not a private driver.
• Other apps: JapanTaxi, DiDi, and S.Ride are popular for calling taxis in urban areas.

Practical Advice

• Best times to use taxis:
  • Short rides with luggage.
  • Late night/early morning when trains stop.
  • In bad weather or with mobility needs.
• How to communicate:
  • Show the driver your destination in Japanese (Google Maps works).
  • Use polite phrasing: “[place] made onegaishimasu” (“To [place], please”).

Final Thoughts

Japanese taxis are not cheap, but they offer exceptional reliability, safety, and service quality unmatched in many countries. By understanding how fares are calculated, when to use them, and the etiquette involved, you’ll be able to make the most of this premium service without overspending.