06/23/2020 admin 0 Comments
For the average traveler in Japan's major cities, taxis are an expensive and unnecessary alternative to efficient public transport. However, taxis are often the only way to travel when trains and buses stop around midnight, resulting in a sudden increase in demand, especially on Friday and Saturday evenings when long queues and waiting times at taxi ranks at train stations are not uncommon.
In smaller towns, rural areas and in Kyoto, public transport is generally less convenient, so taking a taxi from the nearest train station to your destination may be a good alternative. If you're traveling in groups of three or more, taxis can also be an economical option for shorter trips.
How to use a taxi in Japan.
To hail a taxi, either go to a taxi stand (usually located in front of train stations) or choose one at a place where it is safe to stop. A sign on the dashboard in the lower corner of the windshield indicates whether a taxi is available. Typically, a red sign indicates that a taxi is available, and a green sign indicates the opposite. At night, a light on the roof of a taxi may indicate that the taxi is available. You can also call a taxi by phone, through an app or through the hotel reception; in large cities there is usually no additional charge for calling a taxi, while in large rural areas there may be a small fee.
When you get into a taxi, note that the left rear door of the car is opened and closed remotely by the driver. You should not open or close the door yourself unless using another door. If you don't speak Japanese or your destination is unknown, it's a good idea to give the driver your destination address on a piece of paper, or better yet, write it on a map, as the Japanese address system can be confusing even for local taxi drivers.
Many taxis accept payment by credit card. Stickers on the door often indicate payment options available. Tipping is not accepted in Japan.
In some regions, especially in popular tourist areas, taxis are available for charter as a tour taxi, with the taxi driver also serving as a tour guide. Although the language barrier can be an issue, some areas have taxi drivers who speak a foreign language or tour taxis catering specifically to foreign tourists. A tour taxi usually costs about 10,000 yen for two hours.
Japanese taxi drivers, like other service workers, wear uniforms, and some even wear shiny, immaculate white gloves.
Taxi cars in Sweden:
Volvo cars
In Sweden, taxi service is dominated mainly by Volvos. In addition, cars of this auto brand are used as ambulances, as well as police vehicles. The popularity of these Volvo cars among local taxi drivers began back in 1930, when they began producing special versions of the cars for taxi services.
It still produces similar special modifications for taxis. Today this car brand produces taxis based on the V90 model. But Sweden was also not spared by the global boom in the popularity of SUVs and crossovers, which, to the surprise of citizens, also affected the taxi fleet.
For example, in many large settlements in Sweden today you can find a Volvo XC60 taxi car. And what’s most interesting is that the popularity of crossover cars in taxi transportation is only increasing every year.
Japanese taxi types and tariffs.
Taxi drivers in Japan are generally very reliable and will not try to take advantage at the expense of their customers. Licensed taxis can be identified by their green license plates, as opposed to the white and yellow license plates of regular cars. In some places frequented by foreign tourists, such as Narita Airport, there are rare instances of unlicensed taxis, which are best avoided. Fares are almost always calculated using a meter. The only exceptions are a few popular tourist and airport routes, where a predetermined flat rate may be offered.
Taxi fares vary slightly depending on the region, company and vehicle size. Typically, you will encounter three classes of taxis. Large taxis have an engine capacity above 2000 cc. cm and carries up to five passengers. Medium and small taxis are the most numerous and have an engine capacity of 2000 cc. cm or less and can carry up to four passengers. Medium and small taxis differ only in the length of the vehicle and, accordingly, the size of the passenger compartment.
When using a standard taxi for four passengers, fares usually start at about 400-700 yen for the first two kilometers and increase by about 80-90 yen for each subsequent 300-400 meters. The cost also increases when the taxi is not moving for a long time. In the late evening (usually from 10 pm to 5 am), rates increase, usually by 20 percent. If a taxi uses expressways, expressway tolls are added to the fare.
Uber.
Even though Uber has an app in Japan, its ride-sharing services are illegal here, so it functions as a taxi-hailing app. It is only available for use within Tokyo.
Taxi called through apps.
Japan Taxi.
JapanTaxi has the best coverage in the country with over 53,000 vehicles in all 47 prefectures. Using the app, you can book a car, calculate fares, and even pay your fare (using online payment or credit card payment).
LINE Taxi.
For those in Japan already using the LINE app, this is an extension of the already existing LINE app, making it easy to use for those already familiar with the interface. To register, users will need a Japanese phone number and a valid credit card. The app can be used in most metropolitan areas throughout Japan.
Takkun Taxi Tokyo.
Only available in 23 areas of Tokyo, plus Mitaka, Musashino and Tama areas. However, the service works with most Tokyo taxi companies, so there are many vehicles available. When using this service, a transfer fee will apply (same as when booking by phone).
Tips for tourists.
Most taxi drivers do not speak English, but many companies provide a telephone translation service if needed, or a leaflet indicating where you are going. However, the easiest way to get to your destination is to be well prepared. If you have the address either on your phone or on paper, ideally written in Japanese, this will make everything easier. Additionally, if you know the attractions near your destination, this can be helpful if the driver does not know the exact destination, or knows that he cannot directly access that address.
Booking a taxi before you go somewhere is a great way to make sure you get a car when you need it most. Some companies also offer transparent rates for certain distances, especially for airport transfers. Others will require an additional fee when you book in advance (usually around 400 yen or so).
While many taxi companies in Tokyo have an English website, apps and multilingual call centers, booking taxis in English may be more difficult in other regions.
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Japanese taxi
Traveling to foreign countries and studying their original culture is an incomparable, fascinating process that brings with it a lot of new knowledge and a storm of unforgettable emotions. Unique architectural structures and ancient monuments, unique clothing and customs - everything is subject to study by an inquisitive person, including... taxis.
Watch the video “Japanese taxi. A ride in a Japanese taxi.”
Brief historical excursion
Everyone, from a schoolchild to a world-wise old man, knows that traveling through a foreign land is a constant need for movement. In particular, in the modern world, it has gained particular popularity, allowing it to cover long distances in a short time. Since Japan can be considered one of the most visited countries, you should pay attention to the features of a Japanese taxi.
Looking a little into its background, it should be noted that the ancestor of the modern Japanese taxi was a basket hanging on a crossbar, pulled by two porters called “kago”. Then it was replaced by rickshaws, and only in the 1920s the first cars appeared.
Soon the taxi service began to gain momentum. And the first taxis in Japan at that time were called “yen-taku” in honor of the cost of providing the service - 1 yen. Returning to the current reality, we note that the number of public and private companies offering private transportation services today is almost innumerable.
Japanese taxis as a way of expressing the characteristics of Japanese culture
Japanese taxis have their own specific features. Being one of the leading countries in the production of automobile fleet, Japan supports domestic manufacturers, and therefore most often you can find cars produced by Nissan, Toyota and others. Most of them run on natural gas.
Private carriers can be “identified” by the flashlight installed on the roof of a Japanese taxi - tyochin/ちょうちん. A feature that is inherent primarily in vehicles owned by specialized organizations is the presence of a special electronic display on the windshield of the car. On it you can see three variants of hieroglyphs, which mean:
“Free”
“Reserved”
“On his way to meet a passenger”
The Japanese driver will always invite the client to sit in the back seat, opening the door by pressing a mechanical lever. From there you have a wonderful view of all the car “gadgets” - navigator, radio communications, etc., including a terminal for accepting electronic cards and a machine for issuing checks.
As for paying for transport in Japan, there are three options: cash, credit card and purchasing special “travel” tickets in advance. The latter option is usually more preferable for residents of the country who are involved in constant business travel or work that ends after midnight. Tariff rates for Japanese taxis will directly depend on the time of day (prices are higher at night) and weather conditions. And, of course, a trip in a Japanese taxi is quite expensive.
Japan is a country of secrets and mysteries, plunging into which it will be impossible not to want to be on this land at least once in your life.
This is a useful read:
- Part I. For matcha - without ceremony!
- New Year in Japan
- Sukiyaki
Tagged sights of Japan life of the Japanese culture of Japan trip to Japan travel in Japan transport in Japan Japan Japanese culture Japanese taxi
Taxi cars in the United Arab Emirates (UAE):
Toyota Camry model
The Toyota Camry is so ubiquitous and popular in Dubai taxi fleets that many buyers of used Camrys are unable to find ordinary cars in the advertisements that are not used in taxis. The fact is that due to the massive popularity of this Camry model in taxi transportation, the used car market is completely flooded with advertisements for the sale of Camry cars from taxis with huge mileage. It's nothing you can do.
