Best Taxi Apps for Foreigners in Tokyo: Top Picks for Easy Travel
This article was reviewed on September 12, 2025. Information may have changed since publication. Please verify with the relevant provider.
Navigating Japan's bustling cities and scenic rural areas is a breeze with taxi apps, especially in vibrant Tokyo. Whether you're a tourist exploring iconic shrines or a foreign resident managing daily commutes, these apps offer a seamless travel experience.
In this guide, we'll introduce the top 5 taxi apps you can register for even without a Japanese number. You'll find key features, regional availability, and fare comparisons to help you choose the best option. Plus, discover Airport Taxi, an airport taxi service that you can contact through the Line app for hassle-free bookings.
Enhance your travel with a Wise card, both virtual and physical, providing a smooth, cost-effective payment experience, ensuring you're prepared for any journey throughout Japan.
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Top 5 Foreigner-Friendly Taxi Apps in Tokyo: Fares and Features
While Grab isn't available in Japan, several user-friendly apps cater to foreigners, offering English interfaces for easy navigation. Here are the top choices for hassle-free travel:
- GO Taxi App
- Uber
- NearMe
- DiDi
- Fulcul
Explore the features and pricing of each app below to find the best fit for your travel needs.
GO Taxi App1-2
One of Japan's largest taxi-hailing services, GO Taxi is known for its extensive availability across not only Tokyo but the entirety of Japan. Moreover, users are able to use the app in English as well making it foreigner friendly.
| Features | |
| Supported language | English, Japanese |
| Payment method | Cash, Credit card, PayPay, d PAY, Apply Pay (*Payment method might vary depending on the taxi company) |
| Operating area | 46 Prefectures nationwide including Tokyo |
| Base price | Varies from company to company. Users can check the prices under the Taxi Companies in the GO Taxi app. |
| App handling fee | 100JPY |
| AI Reservation fee | 370-980JPY *Rates vary depending on the area and supply-demand conditions. |
| Priority Pass arrangement fee | 300-980JPY *Rates vary depending on the area and supply-demand conditions. |
| Airport flat rate | 400JPY |
Based on information found on 13 September 2025
Uber3
Uber in Tokyo is highly accessible for foreigners, offering support in over 50 languages, including English, Chinese, Vietnamese, and Tagalog. You can easily register without needing a Japanese phone number, making it hassle-free for newcomers.
However, in Japan, there is both the Uber app which is a taxi app, and as well as Uber Eats which is a separate app specifically for food delivery so do take note!
| Features | |
| Supported language | Over 50 languages |
| Payment method | Credit card, Debit Card, PayPay, Apple Pay, Cash |
| Operating Area | 33 Prefectures nationwide (mainly cities and tourist locations including Tokyo) |
| Base price | Depends on the time and distance |
Based on information found on 13 September 2025
NearMe4
Not only do they offer flat-rate Airport Taxi, they also offer shared taxi services for city rides, and as well as private jumbo taxi services for sightseeing. From single riders to a party of 9, NearMe is especially convenient for big groups.
However, do take note that the cut off for new reservations for their services is at 18:00 the day before so it is highly recommended to make a reservation as soon as possible.
| Features | |
| Supported language | English, Japanese |
| Payment method | Credit card and debit card payment only |
| Airport Taxi operating area | Both shared and private services are available for Narita Airport, Haneda Airport, Kansai Airport and Fukuoka Airport. Private Airport taxi exclusive include:
Shared Airport taxi exclusive include:
|
| City Rides operating area | Tokyo, Osaka, Shizuoka, Obihiro |
| Sightseeing Taxi operating area | Tokyo, Tokyo Disney Resort, Mount Fuji area, Hakone, Nikko, Kamakura, Yokohama, Kansai |
| Base price per person | Depends on the services booked and as well as the location |
Based on information found on 13 September 2025
DiDi 5
Another popular taxi app for tourists and residents to get around in Tokyo and other major cities in Japan. Taxis booked through their app are known for having an estimated average arrival time of 6 minutes making it convenient for those in a rush.
| Features | Taxi matching service app between passengers and taxi drivers |
| Supported language | Arabic, Chinese (Simplified), English, Japanese, Russian, Spanish, Ukrainian |
| Payment method | CashPayments through Credit card, debit card, PayPay are available if users register their card details before booking a taxi Moreover, depending on some taxi companies payment through IC cards (Suica, PASMO etc.) and other QR code payments (Alipay etc ) may be available in some cars. |
| Operated area | 22 Prefectures nationwide including Tokyo |
| Base price | Depends on the location and service types |
Based on information found on 13 September 2025
Fulcul6
Fulcul is a taxi-hailing app that does not require an account and can be used immediately after downloading. Simply open the app and shake your phone to alert available drivers in the area. Currently there are about 3300 taxis from the KM group available.
However, do take note that Fulcul is a loose matching app. This means that it matches a customer looking for an available taxi and an available taxi looking for a customer. This does not mean it guarantees the arrival of a taxi. This explains why there is no pick-up fee.
| Features |
|
| Supported language | English, Chinese (Simplified and Traditional), Japanese, Korean |
| Payment method | Cash, credit card, IC Card |
| Operated areas | Tokyo 23 wardsTokyo - Musashino cityTokyo- Mitaka cityYokohama - Naka-ku Yokohama - Nishi-ku Yokomaha - Minami-ku Yokohama - Hodogaya-ku (certain areas) Yokohama - Totsuka-ku (certain areas) Yokohama - Konan-ku (certain areas) Yokohama - Isogo-ku (certain areas) |
| Base price | Only Taxi fare (No reservation or pick-up fees) |
Based on information found on 13 September 2025
Taxi services that you can book online or through Line
For those who prefer not to download a separate taxi app, you can conveniently book this service online or through the Line app. Whether you're traveling from Tokyo to Haneda or Narita Airport, booking your ride has never been easier.
Airport Taxi7
Advance reservations can be made online or through Line. If you need to make last-minute reservations within 5 hours of the scheduled pick-up time, please contact the company directly through Line. The driver's information will be provided at least an hour before the meet-up time.
| Features | |
| Supported language on website | English, Japanese, Korean, Chinese (Mandarin and Cantonese), Spanish, French |
| Payment method | Credit card, debit card, Google Pay, Apple Pay |
| Operating area | Tokyo, Osaka, Kyoto |
| Base price | 22,700JPY (Tokyo 23 wards) |
| Same-day reservation | Extra 2,000JPY |
| Late night / early morning surcharge (10PM-5:59AM) | Extra 3,500JPY |
| Multiple stops on a trip between pick-up and drop-off locations | Additional 2,000JPY for each additional stop |
Based on information found on 13 September 2025
What is the best taxi app for foreigners?
Among the 5 taxi apps listed above, Go Taxi, DiDi, and Uber are considered as the best apps as they have English settings and their services cover a wide area in Japan. If you use these apps, you are likely to find a taxi even when you are in a hurry.
For those who are traveling in a big group, NearMe might suit your needs much better as they offer a 9 seater as well.
The cheapest taxi app is Fulcul as there are no additional fares, just the regular taxi fare based on distance.
How is the taxi fare calculated in Japan?8
Fares are decided by law and approved by the Minister of Land, Infrastructure, Transport and Tourism. However, taxi fares vary by region. Japan is divided into 100 fare blocks and the Director of the Transport Bureau for each applicable area decides the taxi fare.
Taxi fares are the sum of base fare, additional fares, late-night and early-morning charges, etc. “Base fare” is the minimum fare you must pay when riding a taxi, regardless of the distance or duration of the ride. Base fare is usually shown near the rear left seat window of a taxi.
Additional fares are usually one of these 3:
- Distance-based fares:
Distance-based fares are calculated when a certain distance is traveled. - Time-distance-based fares:
Time-distance-based fares are calculated when a taxi is traveling at a speed of 10 km per hour or less, also when the taxi is waiting for a certain period of time. - Hourly fares:
Hourly fares are applied when transportation is calculated based on the time it takes from the taxi’s arrival to the end of the transportation.
What you should know when taking a taxi in Japan
Doors and entry
Taxis in Japan have automatic doors so make sure you don’t touch the door or try to open the door. Patiently wait until the door automatically opens.
Write down your destination
Sometimes, the taxi driver may not be familiar with your destination. Foreigners (especially if you don’t speak Japanese) should write down the address or point it out on a map in order to tell the specific location to the driver.
Payment and Tipping
Credit cards can generally be used in major city taxis, but might not be accepted in rural areas. Make sure to bring some cash when riding a taxi in the countryside.
Tipping is not common in Japan. You don’t need to tip the driver after the ride like other countries.
Costs and Availability
Taxis tend to be more expensive than regular public transports. In general, taxi drivers in Japan are trustworthy and will follow the basic fares and prices decided by law.
In crowded cities, there may be less availability since taxis are popular among tourists. The use of a taxi app can help you find and track taxis nearby.
Etiquette
Be quiet and respectful—avoid talking loudly on your phone or with a group of friends. Also, don't eat or drink in the taxi to keep the taxi seats clean.
Avoid Shirotaku
Despite being recognized as a safe country, Japan does have “Shirotaku”, who are illegal taxi drivers not licensed. You can easily spot drivers by their car plates as these illegal taxis have regular white car number plates. (Legal taxi drivers use green plates or white plates with a green frame.) Also, these drivers tend to ask you on the streets if you want a ride. Licenced drivers do not talk to people and are usually in their cars waiting.
Save on Taxi Rides with Wise in Japan
Taxis are already expensive. Add on the conversion fees and other hidden charges when you pay with your overseas credit cards, the costs really add up before you know it.
With the Wise debit card, you can be sure that you are getting the mid-market rate at no hidden cost when you are paying for your taxi rides. Whether you’re a foreigner who just moved to Japan or a tourist visiting Tokyo for the first time, Wise ensures your payments are smooth and cost-effective, allowing you to enjoy your travels without worrying about extra fees.
Main characteristics of Wise
- Send money to over 70 countries with low cost
- Hold and exchange over 40 currencies with one account
- Get great value when exchanging foreign currency to Japanese yen at mid-market rates
- Wise debit card can be used across more than 160 countries
- Acquire local account details in 10 difference currencies including the U.S, Europe, Singapore, etc.
- Safety guaranteed—Licensed as Type 1 and type 2 funds transfer service provider in Japan
The key takeaways
In conclusion,
- Japan has foreigner-friendly taxi apps with English services and various payment options. Among them, Go Taxi, DiDi, and Uber are considered the best for foreigners to use.
- Taxi fares are generally high compared to other transportation, but tipping is not required.
- Wise can be used as a payment option for riding taxis, whether it is for card payment on app or directly through the card reader inside the taxi.
💳Start using the Wise card today
Frequently Asked Questions
Can I use Grab in Japan?
Unfortunately, Grab is unavailable in Japan.
Where can I find a taxi if I decide not to use a taxi app?
You can find a taxi at a taxi stand near major train stations, airports, large hotels and tourist facilities. They are often marked with TAXI or タクシー signs.
Alternatively, you can flag down a taxi on the street. Simply look for a taxi with a 空車（Vacant Car) sign in red. Taxis that have their sign turned to green means that they are occupied.
Also, do take note that you will be charged by the meter. Make sure to carry enough cash with you just in case.
How can I make sure I get to my destination without a taxi app in Tokyo?
One way you can ensure a smooth ride is by preparing a screenshot of the address or a map on your phone that you can show to the driver. While some drivers may know a few English words, it is best to show the screenshots in Japanese to avoid any confusion.
Disclaimer: This article is not sponsored by or affiliated with Japanese taxi companies and has only been reviewed by Wise. For more information, please be sure to visit each of their websites.
Sources:
- タクシーアプリGo
- GOアプリ 料金案内 │ タクシーが呼べるアプリGO 《ゴー》 │ GO株式会社
- Uber タクシー：スマートフォンと Uber アプリでタクシーの配車を依頼
- シェアでおトクな空港定額タクシー | ニアミー
- タクシーをご利用のお客様 | DiDiモビリティジャパン株式会社
- フルクル | 東京・横浜迎車料金なしのタクシーアプリの「フルクル」スマホを振るだけで空車タクシーがやってくる
- Airport Taxi｜Airport Transfer Service
- タクシー料金はどのようにして決まる？仕組みについて徹底解説！
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