Uber and Lyft Are Almost Unavailable in Japan

While services like Uber and Lyft are globally popular, they are not widely available in Japan. Uber operates in only a few regions, and Lyft does not offer services at all. It's essential to familiarize yourself with the taxi apps available in Japan. This guide will cover how to use taxis in Japan, cultural norms, app overviews, their coverage areas, and the pros and cons of each.

How to Ride a Taxi in Japan

You have two main options for using taxis in Japan: hailing a taxi on the street or using a ride-hailing app.

Hailing a Taxi

Living in the Tokyo metropolitan area, you can comfortably get by without using taxis. However, in regional cities like Kyoto and Nagoya, taxis become quite handy. Unlike services such as Uber or Lyft, which are restricted in Japan, local taxi companies are more commonly used. The base fare for a taxi ride ranges from ¥480 to ¥700 (approximately $3.50 to $5), with additional charges of ¥300 to ¥500 (about $2 to $3.50) per kilometer. In Japan, it’s rare to encounter taxi scams. Here’s a brief guide on how to hail a taxi.

1. Finding a Taxi
Look for taxis in busy areas, near stations, or on main streets. Taxis with "空車" (available) or "VACANT" on the roof are free. Taxis with "満車" (occupied) or "OCCUPIED" on the roof, generally with red color are not available.

2. Flagging a Taxi
Raise your hand to signal a taxi from a safe spot on the road.

3. Getting In
Wait for the automatic door to open and then enter the back seat.

4. Communicating Your Destination
Tell the driver your destination in Japanese or show a written address/map. English might not be understood.

5. Paying
Pay the displayed meter fare in cash or check if the taxi accepts credit cards or electronic payments.

Using a Ride-Hailing App

As previously mentioned, ride-sharing services using private cars are regulated and not available in Japan. Instead, various ride-hailing apps partner with local taxi companies to provide services. Using these apps, you can usually register your credit card in advance, making payment convenient. However, be aware that some ride-hailing apps may occasionally require cash payments. Here’s a basic guide on how to register for these ride-hailing apps.

1. Install the App
Download apps like GO, S.RIDE, Uber, or DiDi on your smartphone.

2. Create an Account
Register and set up your payment method (credit card, electronic money, etc.).

3. Request a Ride
Enter your pickup and drop-off locations in the app. Add any necessary details (passenger count, large luggage, etc.).

4. Choose a Taxi
Select from available taxis and confirm your ride. The app shows the arrival time and driver details.

5. Boarding
Wait at the pickup location and board the arriving taxi. The driver may confirm your name and vehicle details

6. Payment
Payment is automatically processed through the app using your registered payment method. No tipping is necessary.(Occasionally, you might be required to pay in cash.)

Tips for Riding Taxis in Japan

When riding a taxi in Japan, there are some customs that might differ from what you are used to. Here are the five main customs to be aware of:

1. Automatic Doors
Wait for the driver to operate the door; do not open or close it yourself.

2. Cash Payments
While cash is common, many taxis now accept credit cards and electronic money.

3. No Tipping
Tipping is not customary in Japan. Simply pay the fare shown.

4. Destination Communication
If English is not understood, show the driver an address or map.

5. Seating Etiquette
It is common to sit in the back seat rather than the front.

Top 4 Ride-Hailing Apps in Japan

GO

GO is a nationwide taxi app partnering with many taxi companies, ideal for smooth rides in urban areas. It features simple operation, upfront fare estimates, a point system, and a reservation function.

- Coverage: All 47 prefectures
- Languages: 2 (Japanese, English)

Pros:
1. Available nationwide.
2. Earn points with each ride.
3. Fare displayed upfront for peace of mind.

Cons:
1. Longer wait times during busy periods.
2. Not available in some rural areas.
3. App interface might be slightly complex for beginners.

S.RIDE

S.RIDE offers a user-friendly interface for quick taxi bookings. Ideal for beginners and those in a hurry, it includes useful features like ride history and favorite driver selection, plus occasional discount coupons.
- Coverage: 23 prefectures (Tokyo, Kanagawa, Chiba, Saitama, Aichi, Osaka, Hyogo, Kyoto, Fukuoka, Hokkaido, Miyagi, Niigata, Nagano, Shizuoka, Gifu, Mie, Hiroshima, Okayama, Yamaguchi, Ehime, Kagawa, Kumamoto, Kagoshima)
- Languages: 2 (Japanese, English)

Pros:
1. Simple operation, ideal for beginners.
2. Quick taxi arrivals.
3. Discount coupons for frequent users.

Cons:
1. Limited to major urban areas.
2. Payment methods may vary by taxi.
3. Higher fares during peak times.

Uber

Uber is a globally recognized app, convenient for international travelers. It provides upfront fare estimates and a rating system for safe rides. Uber also offers ride-sharing options for lower fares.

- Coverage: 16 prefectures (Hokkaido, Aomori, Miyagi, Fukushima, Ishikawa, Tokyo, Kanagawa, Chiba, Aichi, Osaka, Kyoto, Hyogo, Hiroshima, Kochi, Fukuoka, Okinawa)
- Languages: 10+ (Japanese, English, Chinese, Korean, etc.)

Pros:
1. Convenient for international travelers.
2. Fare estimated before the ride.
3. Ride-sharing for cheaper options.

Cons:
1. Limited coverage in Japan.
2. Surge pricing during high demand.
3. Service availability outside major cities is sparse.

DiDi

DiDi, originating from China, offers affordable rides with multi-language support, making it user-friendly for tourists. The app is easy to use, and taxis arrive quickly, accepting various payment methods for safety.

- Coverage: 20 prefectures (Hokkaido, Miyagi, Tokyo, Kanagawa, Saitama, Chiba, Shizuoka, Aichi, Osaka, Kyoto, Hyogo, Hiroshima, Fukuoka, Nagasaki, Okinawa)
- Languages: 5 (Japanese, English, Chinese, Korean, Spanish)

Pros:
1. Affordable fares.
2. Multi-language support for tourists.
3. Easy-to-use app.

Cons:
1. Limited coverage.
2. Service quality varies by region.
3. Longer wait times during peak periods.

Find the Best Taxi App for You

Compare the features, coverage, and pricing of each app to find the one that best fits your needs. For nationwide use, GO is a great choice. For easy use in urban areas, S.RIDE might be the best. Ensure you can communicate your destination if the driver doesn't speak English by showing a map or using a translation app.

Try out different apps to find the most convenient one for you. Safe travels!