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:

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:

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:

Navigation tips: If you don’t speak Japanese, you have three options:

  1. Show the driver an address (they might still get lost, the Japanese address system confuses even locals)
  2. Point to a map (see above)
  3. Walk

Payment practicalities:

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:

  1. A startled yelp from the driver
  2. The mechanical resistance of a door determined to do its job without your help
  3. The shame of having revealed your cluelessness in seconds