5 Best Japan Taxi Apps For Foreign Travellers

Last Updated: November 16, 2025

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Traveling in Japan is one of the world's most fascinating and unique experiences for travelers. However, getting around as a foreigner can sometimes be tricky, especially if you're not familiar with the language or local customs. Taxis are a convenient and comfortable way to get around Japan, especially in cities or when public transportation isn't available.

This guide discusses the top 5 taxi apps in Japan for foreigners in 2025. It explains how many people use them, their ratings, the cost, and why they are beneficial for tourists. These apps make it easy to book a taxi, often support English, and help prevent confusion over fares. Whether you’re in busy Tokyo, historic Kyoto, or beautiful Okinawa, these apps will help make your trip easier and less stressful.

Why Foreigners Should Use Taxi Apps in Japan

You can book taxis directly in Japan, as you can in other countries. However, using taxi apps can be particularly helpful, especially for travelers. Here are some advantages of using these apps.

• Overcome language barriers by entering your destination in English
• Make payment clear and straightforward with upfront price estimates and cashless options.
• Save time and reduce stress by securing a confirmed ride without sharing your location.
• Access services in rural areas where taxis may not regularly patrol.
• Feel confident by knowing the driver and vehicle details before entering the cab.

Top 5 Taxi Apps in Japan for Foreigners

GO, DiDi, Uber, S.Ride, and JapanTaxi are the top taxi apps available in Japan. You can use these apps to book a taxi easily and safely, even if you are a foreigner.

Before diving in, below is a quick comparison of the top taxi apps:

App Name	Coverage Area	Payment Methods
GO	45 of 47 prefectures	Credit cards, cash, mobile payments, and IC cards
DiDi	Major urban areas	Credit cards, cash, mobile payments, and IC cards
Uber	33 prefectures (mainly cities)	Credit cards, cash, mobile payments, and IC cards
S.RIDE	Tokyo area, some other cities	Credit cards, mobile payments, and IC cards
JapanTaxi	Nationwide	Credit cards, cash, and various electronic payments

Note: All these apps support English and Japanese. Some, like DiDi and Uber, also offer more languages.

1. GO - Japan’s Most Popular Taxi App

GO is the leading taxi app in Japan and is an excellent choice for visitors. It works in 45 out of Japan's 47 prefectures, including Hokkaido and Okinawa. The app is friendly for foreigners, allowing registration with non-Japanese mobile numbers and providing complete English support.

The key features of GO for foreign travellers are:

• You can set your destination beforehand, so you don't have to explain where you're going in Japanese. 
• GO assigns each taxi a unique number in the app, allowing you to locate your ride easily. 
• There are fixed prices for traveling from Tokyo wards to airports, starting at ¥8,800 for Haneda and ¥28,400 for Narita, excluding tolls. 
• You request larger luxury vans that seat up to six people by enrolling in their ‘GO PREMIUM’ plan.
• Multiple payment options include credit cards, cash, mobile payment services, and IC cards like Suica and PASMO.

GO has a 4.2-star rating on the Google Play Store, based on over 46,000 reviews. Users rate it as reliable, and it covers a wide range of areas. One user recently said, "Highly recommended for travelers to Japan. Uber works, but GO has more cars and better prices." Some users have noticed that prices can sometimes differ from the estimates, so it's good to be prepared for possible variations depending on traffic.

2. DiDi

DiDi started in China and then expanded to Japan, emphasizing support for multiple languages. The app typically arrives in about 6 minutes, making it convenient when you're in a hurry.

Key features of DiDi are:

• Its interface supports many languages, including Arabic, Chinese, English, Japanese, Russian, Spanish, and Ukrainian. 
• They usually offer regular promotions with discounts for new users and ongoing deals. 
• They accept payment through credit cards, cash, PayPal, and sometimes IC cards and Alipay in some vehicles. 
• DiDi primarily operates in major cities where most tourists are likely to visit.

DiDi is popular among travelers who want to save money, as it offers a simple, clean look and an easy booking process. While exact download figures are not shown, its increasing presence in Japan shows more people, both locals and visitors, are starting to use it.

3. Uber - A Familiar Global Option

For many travelers from around the world, Uber feels familiar and easy to use, even in a foreign country. In Japan, Uber operates differently, primarily partnering with licensed taxi companies rather than independent drivers; however, the app functions similarly to its counterparts in other countries. The app supports over 50 languages, making it accessible to nearly everyone.

Advantages of using Uber in Japan:

• You may already have Uber on your phone.
• They are available in over 30 languages, including English, French, German, Chinese, and Korean. 
• Uber is popular in all major cities in Japan, including Tokyo, Yokohama, Osaka, Kyoto, and other big cities. 
• Accepts payments using credit cards, cash (in some places), mobile payments, and IC cards.

Uber feels reliable and familiar to foreigners, but it doesn’t cover as many rural areas as GO does. One person who used both apps said GO had cheaper prices and was more flexible with pickup spots, while Uber tried to restrict pickups to specific locations. Still, if you prefer an easy and familiar experience over broad coverage, Uber is a good choice.

|| Also Read: How to use Uber App While Travelling Internationally

4. S.RIDE - Tokyo Focused App

S.RIDE has gained popularity in Tokyo due to its easy-to-use swipe-to-book system. If you'll be spending most of your time in Tokyo, this app is a simple alternative to more complex options.

Benefits you will get using S.RIDE in Tokyo, Japan:

• Has a straightforward booking process, just swipe to book - no confusing menus or extra steps. 
• Supports various payment methods, including credit cards, mobile payments, and IC cards, all working seamlessly together. 
• S.RIDE covers all parks in Tokyo and is available at nearly all tourist destinations in Tokyo.
• It integrates well with expense tracking apps, making it suitable for business travelers.

5. JapanTaxi - Available all Over Japan

JapanTaxi brings together thousands of licensed taxi fleets across Japan, offering consistent prices and dependable service. For travelers heading outside major cities, this app provides peace of mind with its extensive network.

Key features:

• JapanTaxi is available throughout Japan, allowing you to travel anywhere in the country with ease. 
• They only work with approved taxis to make sure rides are safe and dependable. 
• Upfront Pricing shows estimated fares before you book. 
• Have multiple payment options available for foreigners.

JapanTaxi is primarily known for minimal wait times in city areas like Tokyo, thanks to its extensive network of driver partnerships. Users value the transparent pricing and the professionalism of drivers.

Understand the Taxi Fares in Japan

If you're new to Japan and want to know how much your fare will be, here is how taxi fares are calculated in Japan. All Japanese taxi apps use the same method to calculate fares.

• Base Fare: In Tokyo, it usually costs between ¥410 and ¥500 to ride the first kilometer. 
• Distance and Time Charges: After the first kilometer, the cost increases by approximately ¥80-¥110 for every 300 meters traveled. If you're going under 10 km/h, the charge increases by about ¥20-¥30 every 20 seconds. 
• Night Surcharge: A fee of 20-30% is usually added on rides between 10 PM and 5 AM 
• Additional Costs: Tolls for the expressway are included in the fare. Using the app may also incur pickup fees, typically ranging from ¥100 to ¥400.

Pro Tips for Using Taxi Apps in Japan

Now you know the top taxi apps available in Japan, but as a foreigner, you need to be careful and watch out for a few things. Here are some tips for foreigners to remember:

• Most apps let you pay online with cards, but it's smart to carry some cash just in case you need to pay the old-fashioned way when taxis aren't available through the apps.
• Always wait for the driver to open and close the taxi door for you, as most taxi apps in Japan are equipped with automatic door-opening and closing features.
• Share your trip details with friends. Many apps have this feature. If not, you can share via WhatsApp or email.
• Check for fair fixed prices for airports on the GO taxi app.
• If you need to book a taxi in the morning, be sure to reserve it in advance, as it gets busy at that time.
• Be respectful inside taxis. Avoid talking loudly, eating, or drinking. Japanese people dislike irresponsibility.

Conclusion

Most travelers choose GO for Japan because it covers the entire country, supports English, and offers helpful features like easy access to nearby taxis. DiDi also offers multiple languages and discounts.

Uber is familiar to many users. S.RIDE is the best choice in Tokyo because it covers all areas of the city, including some areas that others don’t. 

The best way is to download 2-3 apps, compare prices, check if taxis are available, and check wait times. Then, choose the app that’s easiest and quickest for you.

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