Even though Tokyo’s train system is very convenient, there will still be moments when you need to hail a taxi in Tokyo.
Taking a taxi in Tokyo for long-distance journeys will cost you far more than other public transportation. However, you can almost always count on having a comfortable and secure experience. This is thanks to well-groomed drivers and spotless vehicles.
Here are some essential details you should be aware of before getting in a taxi in Tokyo.
How can you get a taxi in Tokyo?
Tokyo has 50,000 cabs lining the streets, so hailing one is typically a quick and polite process.
You can either hail a taxi from the street, head to a taxi stand to wait for a car, or reserve one through a smartphone app or over the phone, though the latter two often need at least a basic understanding of Japanese.
How to get a taxi on the street in Tokyo
Here are the steps to follow:
1) Locate a cab bearing the word (ku-sha), which means “available,” on the nearest main street. Try to remember that “available” taxi signs in Tokyo and throughout Japan are red, even if you can’t remember the language.
2) Step to the edge of the road, look at the cabbie, wave or raise a hand, and/or exclaim “Taxi!” to summon the cabbie’s attention.
3) A Japanese taxi driver will typically turn on his danger lights as he pulls over to the side of the road to pick you up. The backseat door is operated by the driver and will swing open for you, so there’s no need to reach out to open it. Smoking is not permitted inside taxis. Even though the driver normally gives their permission, asking if you want to eat in the taxi is courteous.
There are taxi stands in Tokyo too
There are taxi stands across the city. As if finding a taxi by simply walking down the street wasn’t simple enough, right?!
Strategically spread out around the city, you may find them close to busy intersections like train stations and, of course, large hotels, where a lengthy line of taxis will frequently be waiting for customers.
Please resist the urge to board the cab that is nearest to you, despite your temptation. Even if you’re by yourself, you must take the taxi at the front of any queue according to Japanese taxi etiquette!
How much will you typically pay for a taxi in Tokyo?
Taxi fares in Tokyo begin at 420 for the first 1.052 kilometers (0.65 miles)
Fares are typically 20% higher from 2:00 pm to 5:00 pm.
The most typical form of payment is cash, though credit cards and taxi coupons are occasionally accepted as well.
Getting around in a taxi in Tokyo is simple
So there you have it: everything you need to know about using a taxi to get around Tokyo. We hope the details we’ve provided will make you feel a lot more comfortable about taking this mode of transport.
