Comments on: Tokyo Taxi Drivers get “Ranked”

By: Malcolm

Malcolm — Fri, 04 Jun 2010 13:54:40 +0000

I was fortunate enough to be in Tokyo in February, and in the main stuck to the Metro, which was relatively cheap (compared to London) and very efficient. As a treat to ourselves, my wife and I decided to try out a 2 Michelin Star restaurant, it was raining, and instead of hurrying along to Tokyo Station and taking the metro, we took a cab. We were staying at the Four Seasons, so perhaps he thought we were idiots with money to burn. By my reckoning he went four or five miles out of his way, and then complained bitterly about not being able to find the restaurant. In the end we got out and walked (I have a very good sense of direction) and found it for ourselves. Next time I’ll stick to trains.

By: k

Thu, 12 Mar 2009 01:38:53 +0000

MK Taxi is definitely the way to go! I’ve had the pleasure several times in Kyoto.

The most amusing taxi ride I’ve ever had was in Osaka. I don’t think the kansai-ben speaking oyaji driver really expected me (pale, generic-looking Chicagoan of Eastern European/Irish descent) to understand what he was saying, much less to respond in kind.

By: Junarto

Junarto — Sat, 07 Mar 2009 13:31:59 +0000

Thanks hills-zoku for the quick reply, yes i understand it’s quiet expensive to travel using taxi, I usually prefer the subway or bus (kyoto) but in Osaka there are some destination that would be easier (and faster)to be reach if we use taxi. We travel along 7 peoples, that’s why i’m wondering how many people could fit into one taxi, because if only 3 people, means we should hire 3 cabs, what a waste.
Since it could fit 4 people, this information solve my problem.

Thanks again and all the best!!!
CJ

By: hills-zoku

hills-zoku — Sat, 07 Mar 2009 11:56:05 +0000

junarto,
officially you can fit 4 people in a japanese taxi (3 in the back and 1 in the front). but if you don’t speak english and you have a lot of self-confidence there is no reason why you can’t fit in 5 (one more in the front, or depending on your level of friendship, one more in the back.
i wouldn’t use a taxi to go too far though – they’re not that cheap unless you do have 4-5 people inside!

By: Junarto

Junarto — Fri, 06 Mar 2009 18:08:51 +0000

Hallo all,

It’s OOT but I’m just wondering how many passanger can be load in taxi in japan?
Because some country prohibit us to sit in the front row beside the driver, thus make only 3 adults could be get into the vehicle.

I’m planning to get a holiday in Japan, this is my 3rd visit in the last 3 years, but in my last 2 i never use a cab.

Thanks in advance

all the best,
CJ

By: kokove

kokove — Wed, 06 Aug 2008 13:33:48 +0000

Hi,

Your topic is related to my project.
Would it be possible tp provide me the information about Tokyo taxi regulation, or let me know how could I find that information?

Thank you

kokove

By: Justin

Justin — Thu, 31 Jul 2008 05:13:44 +0000

The first solution that came to mind was money. However, rewarding good cabbies with money just seemed like cheating and un-japanese. But if the ultimate goal is to increase the number of 3 star cab drivers, perhaps the government could give tax breaks or some sort of discount to 3 star drivers. Otherwise, non-star drivers would simply have no incentive to provide better service. Sadly, money still makes the world go round.

By: Freddie Frickin' Flintstone

Freddie Frickin' Flintstone — Sun, 16 Mar 2008 16:03:08 +0000

I’d absolutely vouch for MK Taxi. They’re not just in Kansai; they’re in Kanto too (http://www.tokyomk.com/). Sofa is right; you can’t flag them down because they are geared towards reservations only. However I can tell you the politeness and professionalism is have experienced with them has been without parallel. I use taxis a lot to get me from home to Shibuya or Shinagawa to catch the NEX in the wee hours. Since switching to MK, I have never looked back. Two times out of 3, they provided a huge Toyota Estima Hybrid – the one other time was a Toyota Crown, but still not your bog standard model used by all the other firms. The driver always got out, helped me with my bags (although I travel light) and asked me which route I preferred. They didn’t talk unless being talked to, or unless they had something to ask me related to the journey. This is how it always should be. And on top of that, they still apply the old 660 yen base charge and their late-night surcharge (深夜割増) is still at the old rate of 10%.

By: hills-zoku

hills-zoku — Sun, 09 Mar 2008 12:03:39 +0000

so what do you have to be to become a three star taxi driver anyway?

By: Ao

Ao — Thu, 21 Feb 2008 08:07:39 +0000

In Shanghai they have a small fleet of BMW taxis. They are quite popular since they cost the same as the other taxis. Too bad there aren’t any more.

I think Japan’s yufuku-so could support a luxury taxi company. Any entrepreneurs out there?