When you go around sightseeing spots in Japan, you can save time by using a taxi.
Of course, walking is also fine, but if you get lost in an unfamiliar place, you may not be able to find your way home because the Japanese people you ask for directions don’t speak English.
There are two things we want to tell you this time.
How to hail a taxi on the street.
Or, use the app to book and call a taxi.
How to Hail a Taxi on the Street
Taxis are often waiting in front of train stations, but if you are far from a station, try to get to a wide road as possible.
When a taxi comes into view, hold one hand up so the taxi driver can see you.
Normally the taxi will stop in front of you.
there are two possible reasons why a taxi may pass you.
The first reason is that there are other passengers in the taxi.
Taxi electronic signs display various statuses written in Japanese kanji, such as “空車”, “賃走” and “回送”.
You may hail only taxis that have a “空車” sign.
Another reason may be that drivers are hesitant to pick up foreign passengers due to the language barrier.
Many Japanese people are not fluent in English, so some taxi drivers may be hesitant to pick up non-Japanese speaking passengers.
We understand your dismay.
However, this is a characteristic of the Japanese people, so please be forgiving and forgive them.
Wearing a hat and sunglasses might help you blend in and avoid being noticed as a foreigner.
Once you have safely arrived at your destination, pay the driver.
The amount you pay will be displayed in Japanese Yen on the front.
No need to worry as most taxis accept credit cards.
You can calculate taxi fares in advance on the following Japanese websites, so please use a translator to do so.
A convenient app for booking a taxi
If you have the app, you can call a taxi wherever you are in Japan.
If you book a taxi using an app, the fare may be a little higher, but it saves you the trouble of having to hail a taxi on the street, and if you set your destination in advance, you don’t have to speak Japanese with the driver.
However, you may be confused by the many taxi apps available in Japan.
Here are two apps we recommend for you.
The two apps are “Uber”, which is famous worldwide, and “GO”, which is famous in Japan.
If you want to save a little money, choose “Uber”. If you want to be sure to catch a taxi quickly, choose “GO”.
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