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Osaka Taxis | Fares, How to Ride, and Recommended Taxi Companies

 
Osaka Taxis | Fares, How to Ride, and Recommended Taxi Companies

There are numerous taxi companies in Osaka, all known for their clean interiors and courteous service. Taxi fares in Osaka are not prohibitively expensive, making them a convenient option when you have a lot of luggage or are traveling with children. Furthermore, there are unique manners and methods for taking a taxi in Japan, so it’s important to understand these before using one.

This article introduces the basics of Osaka’s taxis and recommended taxi companies. If you’re considering using a taxi on your trip to Japan or Osaka, this guide will be a valuable resource.

Contents

1.Details on Taxis in Osaka

Osaka is home to a wide array of taxi companies, each offering different sizes and rates for their services. Taxi fares in Osaka are reasonably priced, making them a convenient and recommended mode of transportation for those with small children or a lot of luggage.

Below, we provide details on the sizes and fares of taxis in Osaka, as well as information on taxi ranks. Please take a look.

1-1.Taxi Sizes

Taxis in Osaka come in three basic sizes: small, medium, and large. Small taxis have a capacity for four passengers, with one in the front passenger seat and three in the rear. These are the taxis most commonly seen around the city.

Medium taxis can accommodate up to five passengers, with one in the front passenger seat and two in each row of the back seats. Large taxis have a capacity of 5 to 9 passengers, with seating arranged in three or four rows, making them convenient for groups.

1-2.Taxi Fares

Taxi fares in Osaka are calculated using a meter based on the initial base fare plus additional charges for distance traveled and time taken when traveling at speeds of 10 km/h or lower.

The details of the initial base fare, distance charges, and time-distance fares are as follows:

Initial base fare 600 yen for the first 1.3 km
Distance charge 100 yen for every 260 meters
Time-distance fare 100 yen for every 1 minute and 35 seconds

The fares mentioned are for small to medium taxis. Fares for large or certain special large taxis are somewhat higher.

Additionally, between 10 PM and 5 AM, a late-night/early-morning surcharge applies, increasing the fare by 20%, so be mindful of the time you travel.

出典：一般社団法人大阪タクシー協会「タクシー運賃料金表」

1-3.Taxi Standss

If you’re looking to catch a taxi from Osaka Station, one taxi stand is located just outside the Sakurabashi exit, on the west side of Hotel Granvia Osaka. Another taxi stand is accessible from the 2nd floor of the shopping facility “LUCUA osaka” near the Central Gate.

Around Shin-Osaka Station, there are four taxi stands, and at Osaka International Airport, there are seven available.

2.How to Ride a Taxi in Osaka and Proper Etiquette

In addition to catching a taxi from a taxi stand, you can hail a taxi on the street by signaling one with your hand. You can also call a taxi or book one through a dedicated app.

When hailing a taxi on the street, look for the indicator board on the front and back of the taxi.If the board is lit up in red, it signals that the taxi is available, and you can board immediately.

Once the taxi stops in front of you, enter the rear seat. The door of the rear seat in all taxis opens and closes automatically, so there’s no need to do it yourself. If you have large luggage, mentioning it to the driver will prompt them to assist you by placing it in the trunk. Always wear your seatbelt inside the taxi.

Upon boarding, tell the taxi driver your destination. However, most taxi drivers in Japan do not speak English. Therefore, having a map to your destination or a note with the address written in Japanese can help communicate your destination smoothly.

When you arrive at your destination, it’s time to pay the fare, which is displayed on the taxi meter located between the driver and the front passenger seat. In Japan, tipping the taxi driver is not customary.Attempting to tip might confuse the driver. In Japanese taxis, you only need to pay the fare, without tips.

Recently, more taxi companies accept fare payment via credit card or electronic money. However, some taxis still only accept cash payments so it’s a good idea to keep some on hand when taking a taxi.

3.Recommended Taxi Companies in Osaka

In Japan, there are various ways to take a taxi, including hailing one on the street, making a reservation in advance, or boarding from a taxi stand. When reserving a taxi in advance, you have the option to choose a taxi company.

Below, we’ve listed some reputable cab companies in Osaka. We also discuss the convenience offered by each company, so please consider this information when choosing a taxi.

3-1.Kintetsu Taxi

引用：近鉄タクシー株式会社

Kintetsu Taxi, a company operated by the Kintetsu Group based in Tennoji, Osaka, offers a wide range of taxi services including luxury cars for hire, jumbo taxis, and welfare vehicles to meet various needs. Their hire cars and jumbo taxis are especially recommended for those wanting to explore Osaka by taxi or for groups traveling together.

When booking a Kintetsu Taxi, reservations can be made by phone from one week before the intended ride until 8 p.m. the day before. Phone reservations are accepted at any time for rides within Osaka city.

3-2.Sakura Taxi

引用：日本交通グループ関西

Sakura Taxi has been in operation since 1951. One of its appealing features is the presence of multiple drivers at each branch who have achieved high scores on the TOEIC test or can engage in English conversation. Moreover, Sakura Taxi has introduced a “multilingual interpretation system” in all its vehicles, making it an accessible taxi company for those who do not speak Japanese.

Sakura Taxi also offers Osaka sightseeing taxi services. With drivers who know Osaka inside and out, passengers can tour courses tailored to their preferences, from popular to local spots, and enjoy sightseeing in Osaka.

3-3.Osaka Sogo Taxi

引用：大阪相互タクシー

Osaka Sogo Taxi is a community-focused company with a strong local presence, featuring four offices in Osaka and seven dedicated taxi ranks in key areas such as Kita-Shinchi and Dotonbori.

The company boasts a diverse fleet ranging from small to jumbo taxis, including charter taxis, making it ideal for family trips or private sightseeing tours.

Osaka Sogo Taxi supports payments via credit card, electronic money, and QR code, ensuring a convenient ride even without cash.

3-4.Kokusaikogyoosaka

引用：国際興業大阪

Kokusaikogyoosaka is a company that operates taxis incorporating societal needs. It was the first in Osaka to introduce a taxi dispatch app and an electronic money payment system.

Kokusaikogyoosaka’s taxis are equipped with the “Easy Taxi Payment” system, allowing payments via various credit cards and NET settlement. With an advanced mobile dispatch system that tracks taxis in real time, the company ensures quick pickup once a taxi is arranged, enhancing convenience for users.

3-5.MK Taxi

MK Taxi is easily recognizable by its heart-shaped logo. The company offers a range of taxis from small sizes to jumbo taxis that can accommodate up to 9 passengers. Reservations can be made via phone or through a dedicated dispatch app.

Unlike other taxi services, MK Taxi does not typically wait at station taxi stands. Instead, passengers can board from MK Taxi’s exclusive stand in Kita-Shinchi.

By making a reservation in advance, you can also enjoy guided sightseeing taxi services led by tourism professionals. Sharing your preferences in advance allows the company to suggest recommended Osaka sightseeing plans tailored to your interests.

3-6.Nippon Taxi

引用：日本タクシー

Nippon Taxi has been a community-centric taxi service since 1950, offering a variety of vehicles from medium-sized taxis to luxury hires and jumbo taxis. Jumbo taxis are cost-effective for large groups and are recommended for group travel.

Reservations can be made through the official website, over the phone, or via a dedicated app. The company also accepts various credit cards and QR code payments, making it a convenient option for those without cash.

Conclusion

With reasonable fares and clean, comfortable services, Osaka’s taxi companies are a great choice when traveling with children or lots of luggage.. In addition to hailing taxis on the street, you can also book a taxi via phone or through dedicated apps in Osaka.

When boarding a taxi, there’s no need to manually open or close the door as it is automatic. Once inside, you should inform the taxi driver of your destination. Upon arrival, you pay the fare, noting that tipping is not customary in Japan; only the fare is required.

*This article is based on information available as of April 2024.

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