There are taxi stands outside most stations and large hotels. You can also hail taxis or phone for them. A roof light or red sign behind the windshield means the taxi is available. The left rear door is opened and closed by the driver, so do not try to open it or close it yourself. You can use the front passenger seat if there are three or four of you.

In Tokyo, the minimum fare is 710 yen, and this covers the first 2km. The fare goes up with distance and time. Charges are 10–20% higher after about 11pm. Some taxi companies charge extra for carrying heavy items and luggage, and if you order a taxi by telephone, the driver will charge for waiting more than five minutes. However, there is never any need to tip taxi drivers.

Most taxi-drivers do not speak English, so you may find it useful to have a map that you can show, or your destination written down, preferably in Japanese.

Tokyo taxis are now all non-smoking.