Taking a taxi in Tokyo is much more convenient now than when I first arrived. Back then, I often encountered situations where the driver agreed to take me to my destination but then asked for directions midway through the ride. Thankfully, most taxis now come equipped with GPS systems, and some even use translation apps for efficient communication in English. Additionally, there are various methods of hailing taxis and payment options available. Combine this with Tokyo’s reputation for safe taxis, and you have a truly taxi-friendly city.
How do I get a taxi? Multiple ways from hailing in the street to summoning with an app. (MORE ON THIS)
What payment systems are available? Previously only accepting cash, Tokyo taxi drivers have now embraced cashless payments. (MORE ON THIS)
Don’t open the door yourself- Unless you are going in the front, the driver will automatically open the door.
How is the fare calculated? – This is a meter-based calculation. (MORE ON THIS)
Does Tokyo have Uber?– Yes, but often it will be a normal taxi that comes (MORE ON THIS)
What is the expected etiquette for taxis in Japan? No need to tip and sit in the back. (MORE ON THIS)
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Take your pick! You can hail one of the street, line up at a taxi rank near major stations, summon one on the various apps or even call one to come and pick you up (although expect a surcharge).
In addition to cash, it is also possible to pay with QR code cashless apps like PayPay, ApplePay, IC cards, credit cards, or through the app using the payment system you registered when installing the app.
You will have to trust the meter, but Tokyo taxi drivers are generally an honest bunch. There is a minimum charge of 410 yen for the first 2 km, and then around 80 yen for every 200 meters or so after that. You will pay more in slow moving traffic though, as an additional 100 yen is charged for every 1 min and 25 seconds the taxi spends when the vehicle is moving less than 10 km/hour. You will also pay a surcharge if you call a taxi to pick you up at home (differs by company but not a huge amount).
Yes, but it is more a way of hailing taxis than for ride-sharing. In the majority of cases, when you order an Uber on the app, a taxi will come to pick you up. I have yet to see any benefit of using an Uber over summoning an ordinary taxi using a taxi app.
Japan is a non-tipping culture and, in the case of taxis too, tipping is generally neither expected nor welcomed. The taxi driver will help you with your luggage without expecting a tip, so let him/her do so. Sit in the back unless it is full of other passengers. State your destination clearly and slowly or have it written down to show in advance.