By Gemma Tedaldi | Published: 27th May 2024 | Updated: 1st November 2024
So you are planning a trip to Japan but trying to figure out what the best way to get between places with your luggage is or just day to day from station to hotel whilst out exploring, that is where Uber often comes in in other countries. So is there Uber in Japan? Yes, and we will give you all the insights on to whether or not Uber is the right choice for you.
Planning Your Trip? Use our favourite travel resources below:
Accommodation: We recommend Booking.com
Rental Car: We recommend Rentalcars.com
Flights: We recommend Kiwi.com
Tours: We recommend Get Your Guide & Viator
Currency Conversion: We recommend Wise
Travel Insurance: World Nomads
Can You Use Uber In Japan?
You can definitely use Uber in Japan, we did so during our recent trip, (admittedly only the once), but there are limitations to it that you should be aware of and it can be more expensive than taking a local taxi.
What Are Uber’s Limitations in Japan?
Around most main train stations Uber’s are limited to where they can actually pick you up from, for example, in Kyoto you can only get a local taxi direct from the station, but you can pick up an Uber from a surrounding road. They also have more limited vehicles that are available, so no UberXL vehicles for example.
Here are the zones, (taken directly from the Uber App), in which you can not get an Uber from outside the main stations in each of these locations:
How Much Is Uber In Japan?
On average the base cost for an Uber in Japan is around 500 yen for the first kilometre, plus then roughly another 435 yen per kilometre. So short-distance trips from a train station to a nearby hotel are anywhere from 500 yen upwards. Tolls for anything are then charged separately, and particularly busy times and busy areas are also prone to additional fees.
🚕 How much is Uber in Tokyo? 🚕
On average a ride for 15 minutes in Tokyo costs roughly 1200 yen
🚕 How much is Uber in Kyoto? 🚕
On average a ride for 15 minutes in Kyoto costs roughly 550 yen
🚕 How much is Uber in Osaka? 🚕
On average a ride for 15 minutes in Osaka costs roughly 770 yen
🚕 How much is Uber in Hiroshima? 🚕
On average a ride for 15 minutes in Hiroshima costs roughly 700 yen
When to use Uber in Japan
Whilst using Uber in Japan may seem like a bit of a pain when there are numerous local taxis that you can hail on the side of the street, the plus side of using Uber is that if you have limited knowledge of the Japanese language it is much easier to actually get from A to B without having to worry about the language barrier. It is also cashless, so no worrying if you have enough change to pay for the ride at the end.
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Japanese Cabs vs Uber in Japan
Overall, as much as Uber is a great thing to use, (especially if your home country is the UK or US), we wouldn’t necessarily recommend using it over a local taxi whilst in Japan. Yes they are more convenient if you don’t know the language, and yes they are cashless, but half the fun in taking a taxi in another country is testing your language skills, (to be honest most of the Japanese local taxi drivers spoke English anyway) and the local taxis could be picked up pretty much anywhere, with no restrictions on locations.
Is There Uber In Japan FAQs
Is Uber cheaper than a local taxi in Japan?
Uber in Japan is actually slightly more expensive in comparison to a normal local taxi, and often a little bit more difficult to hail too!
Does Japan have taxi apps?
Japan does have taxi-hailing apps in both English and Japanese, with the most popular apps being Uber and GO.
What is the Most Affordable Way to Navigate Japan?
In our opinion the most affordable way to navigate Japan is via public transport, with a Welcome Suica card. You can use taxis to get from place to place, but it will definitely cost you quite a bit more.
Do Japanese Taxis Accept Credit Cards?
Cash and credit cards are accepted in Japanese taxis as well as Welcome Suica cards which can be swiped, (which is a great way to avoid any exchange rate fees on your credit card).
Can I get an Uber to and from the airport in Japan?
You can get an Uber to and from Haneda Airport and Narita Airport from throughout Tokyo, but we wouldn’t recommend it as it is so easy, (and cheaper!), to get to and from the airport via trains and the monorail.
Conclusion: Is There Uber In Japan? Tips & Things To Know
So yes there is Uber in Japan, but no we wouldn’t suggest using them unless you’re really struggling with the language barrier as the pick-up and drop off locations are quite restricted in comparison to a local taxi. Plus they also put a slight markup on the costs of a trip so you will actually save money going local rather than Uber.
All Our Japan Content
Here are a few other articles you may find useful for planning your trip:
📍 How To Get From Tokyo To Hiroshima
📍 How To Get From Tokyo To Kyoto
Gemma Tedaldi
Gemma is the owner and author of The Travelling Tedaldi, a travel blog helping travellers to discover the best road trips and travel itineraries throughout the UK and Europe. When she isn’t writing about her favourite travel destinations, she can often be found out exploring local hikes or planning future trips.