taxi タクシー takushī
When public transport fails you, taxis await – with doors that open by themselves and fares that open your wallet with equal automation.
Missed the last metro train? This is your way of avoiding the manga café.
The why
In a country obsessed with efficiency, taxis are the luxury option for those who:
- Have more money than patience
- Missed the last train (midnight)
- Are traveling in groups of 3+ (suddenly economical!)
- Find themselves in Kyoto, where the metro map looks like a child’s first attempt at drawing a plus sign
Only in Japan: Taxi divers in Japan are generally honest. Green license plates = legitimate.
The how
Beware, the taxi availability indicators will baffle your poor Western brain:
- Red sign with 空車 kūsha = VACANT (come ride with me!)
- Green sign with 賃走 chinsou = OCCUPIED (move along, nothing to see here)
This color-coding system was clearly designed by someone who enjoys watching foreigners frantically wave at full taxis while available ones drive past.
A fare warning:
- Starting fare: 400-750 yen for first 1–2 kilometers (depending on city)
- Additional: 80-100 yen per 200-400 meters
- Late night surcharge: 20% extra between 10pm-5am
- Expressway tolls: Added to your fare (surprise!)
- Long distance discount: 10% off trips over 9,000 yen (how generous)
Navigation tips: If you don’t speak Japanese, you have three options:
- Show the driver an address (they might still get lost, the Japanese address system confuses even locals)
- Point to a map (see above)
- Walk
Payment practicalities:
- Credit cards: Widely accepted
- IC cards (Suica/PASMO): Increasingly accepted
- Cash: Always works, but drivers silently judge you for paying small fares with large bills
- Tipping: Don’t. Just don’t.
The magic door experience
The left rear door opens and closes by itself, operated by the driver. Try to open or close it yourself and you’ll be met with:
- A startled yelp from the driver
- The mechanical resistance of a door determined to do its job without your help
- The shame of having revealed your cluelessness in seconds