Taxi-Hailing Apps in Japan
Photo by Pixta
Major cities in Japan such as Tokyo and Osaka have an efficient public transportation network, but the same cannot be said for rural areas. While hailing a cab is one solution, taxi services may not be readily available in certain regions. In addition, the driver may only speak Japanese.
For these types of situations, using a smartphone taxi-hailing app is highly recommended. These apps allow users to find a vacant taxi, have the vehicle pick them up, specify the destination, and make payments via the mobile device.
The Best 6 Taxi Apps in Japan
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1. GO Taxi App: The Most Popular in Japan
Picture courtesy of GO
The GO Taxi App is one of the most popular taxi-hailing apps in Japan, with more than 1.5 downloads as of August 2023.
Its best feature is that it can be used in 44 prefectures in Japan (*as of August 2023). Moreover, you can specify the location where you take the taxi and where you get off directly on the digital map. Unfortunately, this app is currently available in Japanese only.
Registration is easy. After downloading the app, you enter the required information, such as your name and e-mail address. By registering your credit card, you'll be able to make online payments easily.(After November 2023, overseas phone numbers and credit card information will be accepted for registration)
By selecting the AI Reservation option, you can find the nearest available taxi near you and get it no longer than 15 minutes (*this feature cannot be used in some areas). You can also schedule when to have the taxi waiting for you, such as "in an hour" or "in two hours."
Moreover, since you can specify the location where you get off, the payment can be made beforehand while in the car! This means you can get off right away. You can also get a receipt issued by the app.
Official Site: GO Taxi App (Japanese / smartphone only)
*The online payment can be made in taxis that have a tablet with the GO app installed. Please note that some taxis may not have this feature.
2. DiDi: Available in All Major Regions
Picture courtesy of DiDi
DiDi is an app from China that launched its service in Japan in 2018. It serves Tokyo, the Kansai and Kyushu regions, and Hokkaido. DiDi is available in most of the areas in Wakayama and Shiga prefectures, too. For further information, please check the official website (Japanese).
After downloading the app, enter your name, telephone number, and email address. Additional information is required for making online payments.
Once you choose your destination and pick-up spot from the map, the app will search the area for a vacant taxi.
Official Site: https://didimobility.co.jp/service/user/ (Japanese Site)
*1: A Chinese version of this app is also available for download.
*2: Credit cards, debit cards, and PayPay can be used for online payment.
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3. Grab: Southeast Asia's Top Ride-Hailing App
Picture courtesy of Grab
A company based in Singapore, Grab offers ride-hailing services mainly in countries throughout Southeast Asia. In 2019, the multinational company partnered with JapanTaxi, which allows Grab users to hail a cab in Japan. As of 2019, the app supports Tokyo, Kyoto, Sapporo, Nagoya, and Okinawa.
Download the app and create an account by registering a telephone number and either your Google or Facebook ID. Enter your credit card information to complete the online application. A taxi will be dispatched after you choose the pick-up point, destination, and method of payment.
Official Site: https://grab.com/
4. Fulcul: Easy-to-Use App With No Registration Needed
Picture courtesy of Fulcul
Fulcul is an taxi-hailing app that does not require an account and can be used immediately after downloading. Simply open the app and shake your smartphone to alert vacant taxis in the area. Another positive feature is no pick-up fees. Please note that the search takes time if there are no taxis nearby.
The app serves the 23 wards (excluding some areas) in Tokyo, Mitaka City (where the Ghibli Museum is located), and Musashino City. You can search for vacant taxis by checking the map on your smartphone screen. Touch the button, or shake your smartphone, for the app to send out your current location. Don't forget to flag down the approaching taxi.
Official Site: https://www.km-group.co.jp/fulcul/en/
5. nearMe.Airport: Cheaper than a Taxi, Faster than a Bus
nearMe.Airport is a hybrid between a taxi and a bus. This service is available for airports such as Narita and Haneda in Tokyo, Kansai Airport in Osaka, Fukuoka, and New Chitose (Hokkaido).
nearMe.Airport can currently be used in English and Japanese.
If you take a taxi to go to Haneda Airport from Shinjuku, it takes 30 minutes and costs 7,300 yen. By limousine bus, it's a 60-minute ride and costs 1,250 yen. However, if you use nearMe.Airport, the ride takes only 45 minutes and costs 2,980 yen. The fare will be split among those sharing the ride, so it will be cheaper than a taxi and a smoother ride than a bus.
Since the shuttle picks you up from a designated spot, going to a bus stop is unnecessary. With a fixed rate and online payment options, passengers are free from worrying about a running meter.
In order to use nearME. Airport, go to the reservation page (Japanese/English), and input your destination, departure time, desired time of arrival, number of passengers and luggage.
You will be notified within 24 hours of the availability of a pick-up shuttle. The vehicle's arrival time will be sent to the passenger no later than 18:00 on the day before the ride. Step 3: On the day of your reservation, board the vehicle from the designated spot and head to your destination.
Official Site: nearMe.Airport
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6. Uber: Available in More Than 30 Languages
Picture courtesy of Uber
Uber serves more than 700 cities worldwide. While Uber drivers in most countries drive their own car, only taxi companies in Japan can participate in this ride-hailing app due to strict industry regulations.
This app is available in major cities such as Tokyo, Yokohama, Sendai, Nagoya, Osaka, Kyoto, and Fukuoka. Please check this page for additional information.
After downloading the app, create an account by registering your email address and telephone number. Credit card information will also be required for online payments.
Enter your destination and preferred pick-up location to enable the app to search for taxis in the area. Users can check the location of the taxi on their smartphone screens while waiting.
Official Site: Uber
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Download a Taxi-Hailing App in Japan for Smooth Travels
This completes our feature on the five best taxi-hailing apps in Japan. Grabbing a cab can be stressful, but these apps make getting to your destination a smooth experience. Check out each of their respective features to select the one that best suits your needs.
Main image by Pixta
