Navigating Taxis in Japan: 7 Ride-Hailing App Recommendations, Essential Tips, How-to Guide, and Fare Calculation

Planning a trip to Japan and wondering whether taxis are worth taking? 

While Japan’s train network is excellent, taxis can be a lifesaver when you’re carrying luggage, travelling late at night, heading to the airport, or exploring places with limited public transport.

Here’s everything Singapore travellers need to know about taking taxis in Japan, including fares, booking tips, and the best taxi apps to download before your trip.

Handy Taxi Tips in Japan

Unlike Singapore, taxis in Japan don’t follow a standard colour scheme. Different taxi companies use different vehicle colours, so spotting one can be slightly confusing at first.

And when you hop in a taxi in Japan, make sure to keep the following tips in mind! 

Call the driver politely

In Japan, avoid using casual terms when speaking to drivers. 

The polite way to address them is “Untenshu-san”, which simply means driver.

👉 Adding “-san” makes it sound respectful and friendly.

Don’t open the taxi door yourself

This surprises many first-time visitors. In Japan, taxi doors are usually automatic and controlled by the driver.

When your taxi arrives:

• Wait for the driver to open the rear door
• Get in and fasten your seatbelt
• Wait for the door to open automatically when getting out

Avoid pulling the door handle yourself as it may damage the mechanism.

Maximum of four passengers only

Most standard taxis in Japan can carry up to four passengers:

• 1 person in the front seat
• 3 people in the back seat

Children are counted as passengers too, so don’t assume kids can sit on laps. 

👉 If your group is larger, book two taxis instead.

Take the first taxi in line

At taxi stands in Japan, always board the first available taxi in the queue. Choosing another vehicle further back is considered rude.

How to Identify a Legal Taxi in Japan

Unlike Singapore taxis, Japan taxis come in different colours depending on the operator.

To make sure you’re taking a legitimate taxi, look out for:

• A rooftop taxi light
• A green licence plate

If the vehicle has a regular white licence plate, avoid it.

Japan Taxi Fare Guide

Taxi fares vary across different cities in Japan. Here’s a rough guide converted into Singapore dollars for easier budgeting.

Taxi fares by city

Estimated conversion based on JPY1 = ~S$0.0091. Rates may vary slightly depending on exchange rates.

Late-night surcharge

Taking a taxi after public transport stops? Take note:

10:00pm to 5:00am = additional 20% surcharge on regular fares.

This is especially common in nightlife areas like Shibuya Crossing and Dotonbori.

Narita Airport Taxi Flat Fares to Tokyo

Taking a taxi from Narita International Airport to central Tokyo can be convenient if you're travelling with family, large luggage, or arriving late at night. Many taxis offer fixed fares depending on your destination and route.

Here’s a quick guide with estimated prices converted to Singapore dollars for easier budgeting.

Prices are estimated based on JPY1 = ~S$0.0091 and may vary slightly depending on exchange rates.

How to Get a Taxi in Japan

There are three common ways to book a ride.

Hail one on the street

Look at the taxi sign before flagging it down.

空車 = Available
賃走 = Occupied
予約車 = Reserved
回送 = Out of service

If it says 空車, you’re good to go.

Use a taxi stand

You’ll find taxi stands at:

• Train stations
• Airports
• Shopping malls
• Major tourist attractions

Just queue and take the first available cab.

Book through an app

This is often the easiest option for Singapore travellers because you can enter your destination directly without needing Japanese.

Payment Methods for Japan Taxis

Most taxis accept:

• Cash
• Credit cards
• Apple Pay
• Google Pay
• IC transport cards like Suica and ICOCA

App bookings may offer even more payment options.

Recommended Taxi Apps in Japan

Not keen on flagging down a cab on the street or dealing with language barriers? Downloading a taxi app before your Japan trip can make things much easier. Most apps let you enter your destination in English, track your driver in real time, and pay directly through the app.

Here are some of the best taxi apps Singapore travellers can use in Japan.

1. GO Taxi – Best Overall Taxi App in Japan

GO Taxi is Japan’s most widely used taxi-hailing app and one of the most reliable choices for tourists. It operates in major cities including Tokyo, Osaka, Kyoto, Sapporo, and Okinawa.

Why travellers like it:

• English-friendly interface
• Works with overseas mobile numbers
• Accepts international credit cards
• Book instantly or reserve rides in advance
• Real-time driver tracking
• Digital receipts available in-app

Best for: First-time visitors and travellers who want the easiest all-round option.

2. NearMe – Best for Airport Transfers

NearMe is a shared airport transfer service that sits somewhere between a taxi and an airport shuttle. It’s often cheaper than booking a private cab while still offering door-to-door convenience.

Why travellers like it:

• Airport pickup and drop-off service
• Advance booking available
• Shared rides help lower costs
• Free cancellation up to 48 hours before pickup
• No need to drag luggage through train stations

Best for: Families, groups, and travellers flying in or out of Narita International Airport, Haneda Airport, or Kansai International Airport.

3. Uber – Best for Frequent Uber Users

Good news: you can still use Uber in Japan. However, unlike Singapore, Uber usually connects you with licensed taxi companies rather than private drivers.

It’s available in cities like Tokyo, Osaka, Kyoto, and Fukuoka.

Why travellers like it:

• Familiar interface
• Easy card payment
• Real-time trip tracking
• No need to download another app if you already use Uber regularly

Best for: Frequent business travellers and Uber users.

4. Airport Taxi – Best for Premium Airport Transfers

If comfort is your top priority, Airport Taxi offers private airport transfers using spacious vehicles such as the Toyota Alphard.

It serves major airports including:

• Narita International Airport
• Haneda Airport
• Kansai International Airport
• New Chitose Airport
• Naha Airport

Why travellers like it:

• Spacious vehicles for luggage
• Ideal for families
• Great for late-night arrivals
• Supports multiple languages

Best for: Families, groups, and travellers who prefer private transfers.

5. DiDi – Best for Simple Booking

DiDi has expanded quickly across Japan and is now available in regions such as Kansai, Kyushu, and Hokkaido.

Why travellers like it:

• Simple registration process
• English support
• Easy map-based booking
• Partners with local taxi operators

Best for: Travellers who prefer a clean and straightforward app experience.

6. Grab – Convenient for Singapore Travellers

This is one of the easiest options for Singaporeans because you can use your existing Grab account in selected parts of Japan. No need to create a new profile.

Available in:

• Tokyo
• Kyoto
• Sapporo
• Nagoya
• Okinawa

Why travellers like it:

• Familiar app interface
• Existing payment methods can be used
• Easy navigation for Southeast Asian travellers

Best for: Singapore travellers who already use Grab regularly.

7. Fulcul – Best for Last-Minute Taxi Rides

Fulcul stands out because it doesn’t require registration. Simply open the app and request a nearby taxi.

It mainly operates within central Tokyo.

Why travellers like it:

• No account setup required
• Fast booking process
• Great for spontaneous rides

Best for: Travellers who need a quick taxi without creating another account.

Which Taxi App Should You Download?

If you're unsure which app to use:

• Choose GO Taxi for everyday travel
• Choose NearMe for cheaper airport transfers
• Choose Grab if you want something familiar as a Singapore traveller
• Choose Uber if you already use Uber regularly

Downloading one or two of these apps before your Japan trip can save you time and make travelling around Japan much smoother.

Is Taking a Taxi in Japan Worth It?

Japan taxis aren’t cheap compared to MRT rides, but they’re incredibly clean, safe, and reliable. For Singapore travellers, they’re especially useful when:

• You’re travelling with elderly family members
• You have lots of luggage
• You miss the last train
• You’re heading to the airport early in the morning
• You’re visiting rural areas with limited transport options

Download at least one taxi app before your trip, and getting around Japan will be much smoother.

Your Guide to Independent Travel in Japan