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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Table of contents 🔖
Top 5 Foreigner-Friendly Taxi Apps in Tokyo: Fares and Features Taxi services that you can book online or through Line What is the best taxi app for foreigners? How is the taxi fare calculated in Japan? What you should know when taking a taxi in Japan Save on Taxi Rides with Wise in Japan

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 App^1-2

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	AI reservation system No Japanese phone number needed Airport flat rate service
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	Only online payment Foreigner-friendly No Japanese phone number needed
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	Only online payment Shared airport shuttle taxi No Japanese phone number needed
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: Kansai Airport (Takamatsu Route) Asahikawa Airport Obihiro Airport Sendai Airport Shizuoka Airport Shared Airport taxi exclusive include: Nanki Shirahama Airport Tokushima Airport Kitakyushu Airport
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	Cash Payments 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	World’s first taxi app for shaking the smartphone and requesting taxis nearby. No need for user registration.
Supported language	English, Chinese (Simplified and Traditional), Japanese, Korean
Payment method	Cash, credit card, IC Card
Operated areas	Tokyo 23 wards Tokyo - Musashino city Tokyo- Mitaka city Yokohama - 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	Private transfer service to and from airports No Japanese phone number needed
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.

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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.

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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.

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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.

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Sources:

1. タクシーアプリGo
2. 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
3. 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
4. シェアでおトクな空港定額タクシー | ニアミー
5. 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
6. 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
7. Airport Taxi｜Airport Transfer Service
8. 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！