Kyoto Taxis

How to catch a taxi in Kyoto: how much they cost, how to flag them down and how to make payment

The Takeaway:

Kyoto is the easiest city on earth in which to catch a cab.
There are taxi ranks outside most train stations, bus terminals and some larger shops. You can also flag taxis on just about any street in the city.
The bus fare for four people is ¥920 in central Kyoto. Meanwhile, it can cost less than ¥1000 to cover the same distance by taxi. Thus, it’s sometimes a better deal to take a taxi, especially when considering comfort and speed.
You can use Uber in Japan. You can also use a Japanese ride hailing app called Taxi Go which you can easily install on your phone in English.

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.
Flagging a taxi is done like other places: just raise your hand at an oncoming taxi.
At night, it’s easy to spot an open taxi: the light on the roof will be illuminated.
In the daytime, it can be harder to tell if a taxi is open. Look for people inside the car and the light in the lower left corner of the windshield. It’s is free, the light will say: 空車. If it’s full, it will say: 賃走中.
You 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 helps to smile and say “Ohayo gozaimasu,” “Konnichi wa,” or “Konbanwa” when you board (good morning, hello or good evening, respectively). This will set the driver at ease.
Most drivers know enough English to understand where you want to go, but it always helps to have someone write your destination in Japanese. If you’re returning to your hotel, just hand the driver the business card from your hotel.
The driver will always turn on the meter and you do not have to worry about “being taken for a ride.” The meter will show the fare.

Most taxis cost ¥620 for the first 1.5km.
All taxis accept cash, and most accept credit cards (Visa and MasterCard) and IC cards. When you pay by card, you normally use a machine on the back of the seat in front of you.
It is not necessary to tip a taxi driver, but some people round up the change to the nearest round number.

Kyoto taxis come in two sizes: futsu-sha (regular size, 普通車) and wagon taxi (ワゴンタクシー). Four people can fit into a futus-sha and 6 or 7 can fit into a wagon taxi.

There are a variety of taxi companies in Kyoto. Some independent drivers can be a little rude or uncomfortable with foreigners. In contrast, I’ve found MK Taxi drivers to be polite, prompt and often able to speak some English. I almost always opt for MK if I have a choice.
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 the Higashiyama area are often gridlocked during cherry blossom season. Don’t take a taxi or bus in this area during this time: walk or take the subway.
Most taxis in Kyoto now have satellite navigation systems. If you have the phone number or address of your destination (in Japanese), this will help the driver find your destination.

You can use both Uber and a Japanese app called Taxi Go in Japan. For details, see Is There Uber In Japan? What About Taxi Go?

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

Click a Kyoto District for detailed info on attractions, places to eat and accommodation

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.

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