🚖Taxi & Rideshare Guide
Navigating local taxi apps, automatic doors, pricing matrices, and flagging rules.
Recommended Taxi Hailing Apps
Since traditional street-flagging can be difficult due to language barriers, downloading a local dispatching app makes finding a ride quick and simple.
Go App
Market LeaderThe most widely used taxi hailing app in Japan. It has the largest fleet coverage, supports foreign credit cards, and works in all major prefectures (Tokyo, Kyoto, Osaka, etc.).
Uber
Global FamiliarityHails regular registered local taxis or black premium cabs in Tokyo. Uses your existing account profile. Note: Ridesharing with private cars is prohibited in Japan, so Uber acts strictly as a taxi dispatcher.
DiDi
Kansai StrongholdParticularly popular and highly responsive in the Kansai region (Osaka, Kyoto). Frequently offers local coupon discount codes for first-time signups.
Important Taxi Etiquette
Hands Off the Doors
Rear passenger doors are automatically operated by the driver using vacuum levers. Let the driver open and close the door for you. Do not force them manually.
Absolutely No Tipping
Tipping is not customary in Japan. If you leave extra cash or round up the bill, the driver will chase you down to return it. Pay the exact metered fare.
Prepare Your Address in Japanese
While app booking solves this, if you flag a cab on the street, show the driver the destination address written in Japanese characters (Google Maps screen or hotel business card). Many drivers do not speak English.
Look for the Status Light
The LED indicator behind the windshield shows status: 空車 (Kusha / Green or Red) means vacant, while 賃走 (Chinso) means occupied. Check for Kusha before raising your hand.