Taxi in Japan
The features of taxi in Japan
Taxi stand in front of a station
If you want to move quickly to your destination in the city, taxi is one of the best choice.
Taxi in Japan is now known as the safest and most comfortable transportation in the world.
The features are the followings.
- The door opens mechanically.
- The inside of the car is clean.
- The driver is kind and drives safely.
- Tipping is unnecessary.
- The car is made in Japan.
- The driver may be bad at English.
You must not take an illegal taxi
I think you can easily recognize whether a car is a taxi.
The body is colorful or black and a lamp is on the roof.
Additionally, the licence plate of taxi is green background.
It means the car with operating permission in Japan.
The licence plate of private car is white background.
So, the taxi with the licence plate of white background is illegal in Japan.
You shouldn't use such taxi.
How to catch a taxi
Some taxis are waiting for you around main railway stations, airports, downtown, sightseeing area, big hotels, and so on.
In any city, you can catch a running free taxi by lifting your hand.
Recently, taxi dispatch service by internet is available in many cities.
In addition, there are some taxi companies to tour main spots in sightseeing city like Kyoto.
How to take a taxi
Basically the door of taxi is automatic.
The driver operates to open and close the door.
You had better not touch the door.
Recently non-smoking taxis are increasing.
If you are a smoker, please mind your manner.
The driver may be bad at English.
Show the note or map of destination.
Generally you pay for the fare in cash, but you can pay by credit card if there is the sign on the taxi.
Of course, the fare of taxi is far more expensive than train and bus.
If you want to check the fare of taxi, please use the following website.
Taxi companies in a few regions
There are a lot of taxi companies in most cities and towns in Japan.
So, I introduce the taxi companies with English website.
Tokyo area
If you want to know about taxi in Tokyo, please check the following website.
The main taxi companies are the following.
Kyoto area
Because Kyoto is a foremost tourist city, not only ordinary taxi but also sightseeing taxi runs.