Read more about taxis in Tokyo here

If you want to get a taxi in Tokyo beware of the huge language barrier. The drivers are professionals, but normally they do not speak English so if you do not want to try your luck at speaking Japanese it may be a good idea to write down the address before hand in Japanese and hand it to the driver. Another good idea may be to get a business card form the places that you are going. It may also be helpful to have a map highlighted to show the driver where it is you what to go. The driver will be willing to help in any way that they can. This will make your visit much more pleasant.


Taxis are not the quickest way to get around because of the back to back traffic, but if you do not have any other choice do not be shocked if the price is higher than you might prepare to pay. The starting rate is from 660 yen, which will take you 2 km, and goes on from there. At night, however the prices increase by 20 percent between the hours of 11pm and 5am.

There are two ways that you can get a taxi. There are stations that have a rank or you can catch one from the roadside. On the taxi's appearance, there are three colors of lights that you need to be aware of. The red one means that it is vacant, yellow means that it is not vacant and green means that the night time rates are in affect.

When you approach the taxi do not attempt to open the doors for the doors open and close automatically by the driver so do not be alarmed. Enjoy having someone else open and close the door for you.