Kyoto is one of the easiest cities in Japan in which to use taxis. They are everywhere, relatively affordable for short trips and especially useful when traveling with luggage, children or tired legs after a day of sightseeing. In many cases, taxis can actually be a better value than buses for groups or families.
Taxi at Kyoto Station © Jun Kitayama.
The Takeaway
- Taxis are often faster, easier and more comfortable than buses, especially during crowded sightseeing seasons.
- For groups and families, taxis can sometimes cost only slightly more than buses while saving considerable time and hassle.
- All taxis accept cash, and most also accept credit cards, IC cards like Suica and ICOCA, and contactless payment.
- Uber works in Kyoto and summons regular licensed taxis. The GO app is another excellent taxi-hailing app widely used throughout Japan.
- Tipping is not customary in Japan.
Keep in mind: In Kyoto, taxis are often particularly useful because many major sightseeing areas are poorly connected by train or subway.
How to Take a Taxi in Kyoto
- You can wait in a taxi rank outside a train or bus station, but it’s often easiest to flag a taxi off the street. Just try to choose a place where the taxi can stop easily.
- At night, it’s easy to spot an open taxi: the light on the roof will be illuminated. During the day, look for the illuminated sign in the windshield reading 空車 (“available”).
- Enter the taxi on the left side of the vehicle. The driver will open the door for you. There is no need to open it or close it yourself.
- It’s polite to greet the driver when boarding. Even a simple “Konnichiwa” goes a long way.
- Some drivers speak basic English, but many do not. It helps enormously to show your destination on your smartphone or hand the driver a hotel business card or address written in Japanese.
- Kyoto taxi drivers are generally honest and professional, and you usually do not have to worry about overcharging.
- All Kyoto taxis now have GPS navigation systems and drivers can usually search by address, phone number or map location.
Payment options in a Japanese taxi © Chris Rowthorn.
How Much Do Kyoto Taxis Cost and How Do You Pay?
Taxi fares in Kyoto are metered and generally start at around ¥600 to ¥700, with additional charges added based on distance and time spent moving slowly in traffic.
For short trips around central Kyoto, taxis are often more affordable than many visitors expect — especially for couples, families and small groups.
All taxis accept cash, and most also accept:
- Credit cards,
- IC cards like Suica and PASMO,
- Contactless payment,
- Smartphone payment apps.
There is no need to tip taxi drivers in Japan.
How Many People Can Fit Inside a Kyoto Taxi?
Most Kyoto taxis can comfortably fit four passengers. Larger wagon taxis are also available and can fit six or seven passengers. If you are traveling with lots of luggage, you may need a larger taxi or multiple taxis.
Chris Rowthorn’s Kyoto Taxi Tips
- During busy seasons, the taxi ranks on both sides of Kyoto Station can be packed. Rather than wait on the long line, I suggest walking a few blocks and hailing a cab off the street.
- The streets in Higashiyama are often gridlocked during cherry blossom season and autumn foliage season. Avoid taxis and buses in this area during peak sightseeing hours – walking or taking the subway is often much faster.
Uber taxi in front of Kyoto Station © Jun Kitayama.
Uber and Taxi GO in Japan
You can use both Uber and the Taxi GO app in Kyoto. Unlike Uber in some countries, Uber in Japan generally dispatches regular licensed taxis rather than private rideshare drivers. The GO app is extremely popular throughout Japan and often works even in areas where Uber coverage is limited. For details, see Is There Uber in Japan? What About Taxi GO?
Kyoto Vacation Checklist
- ESSENTIALS – For all the essentials in a brief overview, see my First Time In Kyoto guide
- HOTELS – Check Kyoto accommodation availability on Booking.com and Agoda.com - often you can book with no upfront payment and free cancellation
- BULLET TRAIN – You can buy shinkansen (bullet train) tickets online from Klook - popular routes include Tokyo to Kyoto, Kyoto to Osaka and Kyoto to Tokyo
- WHERE TO STAY – Need tips on where to stay? See my one page guide Where To Stay In Kyoto
- PACKING LIST – See my comprehensive Packing List For Japan
- SIM CARDS – You can buy an eSim to activate in Japan or buy a data-only SIM card online for collection when you arrive at Tokyo's Narita or Haneda Airports or Kansai International Airport. You can also rent an unlimited data pocket wifi router
- FLIGHTS – Compare Japan flight prices and timings to find the best deals
- JAPAN RAIL PASS – If you're making frequent train journeys during your visit, you might save money with Japan Rail Pass – see if it's worth it for you
- TRAVEL INSURANCE – World Nomads offers simple and flexible travel insurance. Buy at home or while traveling and claim online from anywhere in the world
- WANT HELP? – Do you want help planning your trip? Chris Rowthorn and his team of Japan experts at Japan Travel Consulting can help
Kyoto District Map
Click a Kyoto District for detailed info on attractions, places to eat and accommodation
About InsideKyoto.com and Chris Rowthorn
- Chris Rowthorn is the co-founder of InsideKyoto.com and has an unparalleled travel knowledge of Kyoto spanning three decades. Chris has written or commissioned and edited every page on the Inside Kyoto website.
- A former author of Lonely Planet Kyoto and Lonely Planet Japan guidebooks, Chris is also the director of the Kyoto walking tour company Chris Rowthorn Tours, and Japan Travel Consulting, where you can get bespoke travel advice for your Japan trip.
- InsideKyoto.com has been cited by the New York Times and The Times of London, among many other publications and websites.
