Taxi apps in Japan recommended 10 choices【comparison rankings! 】

"What are the recommended taxi apps? Which one is good?" "Are there any taxi apps with no pickup fee or low fares?"

A taxi app is a convenient application that allows you to call a taxi using your smartphone. However, with so many types of taxi apps available, it can be difficult to decide which one to use.

In this article, we will introduce a ranking of the top 10 recommended Japanese taxi apps. Even if you are a first-time user, you will find convenient and user-friendly taxi apps.

In addition, we also provide reviews, ratings, usage instructions, and the latest coupon information for each app, so please use it as a reference when using a taxi app to call for a ride.

<Recommended Top 3 Taxi Apps>

Taxi App	Recommended Features
DiDi	・Wide coverage area ・Available coupons ・Free taxi booking and dispatch Download
GO	・Top coverage area ・Available coupons Download
Fulcul	・No pickup fees ・Limited to Tokyo and Yokohama (some areas) Download

Recommended to use both DiDi and GO

Recommended Taxi Apps
DiDi		GO
Booking	Coupon	Booking	Coupon
◎ (Free)	◎	〇 ($4.82～)	◎
Coverage Area		Coverage Area
[Hokkaido and Tohoku] Hokkaido/Miyagi [Kanto] Tokyo/Saitama/Chiba/Kanagawa [Chubu] Shizuoka/Aichi [Kinki] Osaka/Kyoto/Hyogo [Chugoku] Hiroshima [Kyushu] Fukuoka/Nagasaki/Okinawa		[Hokkaido and Tohoku] Hokkaido/Miyagi/Aomori/Iwate/ Yamagata/Fukushima/Akita [Kanto] Tokyo/Chiba/Saitama/Kanagawa/ Ibaraki/Gunma/Tochigi [Shinetsu and Hokuriku] Niigata/Toyama/Ishikawa/Nagano/Fukui [Chubu] Shizuoka/Aichi/Gifu/Mie [Kinki] Shiga/Kyoto/Osaka/Hyogo/ Nara/Wakayama [Chugoku] Hiroshima/Yamaguchi/Okayama [Shikoku] Tokushima/Ehime/Kochi/Kagawa [Kyushu] Fukuoka/Nagasaki/Kumamoto/Saga/Miyazaki/ Kagoshima/Okinawa

DiDi Taxi and GO are available in a wide range of areas, so you can use them in many prefectures. Both apps are user-friendly and support taxi booking and online payment, so having these two apps will be a great choice.

If you're unsure, DiDi Taxi is recommended

If you're undecided about taxi apps, DiDi Taxi is recommended. DiDi offers features that GO doesn't have, such as "free taxi booking service" and "point accumulation service (DiDi Points Program) as you ride". Moreover, taxis generally arrive quickly, so give it a try.

If the pickup fee is free, go for "Furukuru" [Tokyo・Yokohama (partial)]

Taxi app with free pickup fee
Fulcul
[Supported Area] Tokyo・Yokohama (partial)

If you want to use a taxi without a pickup fee, Furukuru is recommended. It is only available in Tokyo・Yokohama (partial), and you can use it with no pickup fee. However, please note that there is a possibility that Furukuru may not provide taxi service in your area.

[About Furukuru] ・One of the taxi apps ・Unlike others, it is an app where you catch a taxi instead of calling one ┗ It serves as an alternative to hailing a taxi on the street ・Since it does not involve calling a taxi, there is no pickup fee ・There is a possibility that you may not be able to catch a taxi ・There is a possibility of someone else taking the taxi right in front of you

7 Points When Choosing a Japanese Taxi App

Is the desired area supported?

App	Supported Areas
DiDi	[Hokkaido/Tohoku] Hokkaido/Miyagi [Kanto] Tokyo/Saitama/Chiba/Kanagawa [Chubu] Shizuoka/Aichi [Kinki] Osaka/Kyoto/Hyogo [Chugoku] Hiroshima [Kyushu] Fukuoka/Nagasaki/Okinawa
GO	[Hokkaido/Tohoku] Hokkaido/Miyagi/Aomori/Iwate/Yamagata/Fukushima/Akita [Kanto] Tokyo/Chiba/Saitama/Kanagawa/Ibaraki/ Gunma/Tochigi [Shinetsu/Hokuriku] Niigata/Toyama/Ishikawa/Nagano/Fukui [Chubu] Shizuoka/Aichi/Gifu/Mie [Kinki] Shiga/Kyoto/Osaka/Hyogo/Nara/Wakayama [Chugoku] Hiroshima/Yamaguchi/Okayama [Shikoku] Tokushima/Ehime/Kochi/Kagawa [Kyushu] Fukuoka/Nagasaki/Kumamoto/Saga/Oita/Miyazaki/Kagoshima/Okinawa
S.RIDE	[Tohoku] Miyagi [Kanto] Tokyo/Saitama/Chiba/Kanagawa/Ibaraki [Chubu] Aichi [Kinki] Osaka [Kyushu] Miyazaki
Uber	[Hokkaido/Tohoku] Hokkaido/Miyagi/Aomori/Fukushima/Iwate [Kanto] Tokyo/Kanagawa/Chiba [Chubu] Aichi [Kinki] Kyoto/Osaka/Hyogo [Chugoku] Hiroshima [Shikoku] Kochi [Kyushu] Fukuoka/Okinawa
MK	[Hokkaido/Tohoku] Hokkaido [Kanto] Tokyo [Chubu] Aichi [Kinki] Kyoto/Osaka/Hyogo/Shiga [Kyushu] Fukuoka
Daiichi Koutsu	[Hokkaido/Tohoku] Hokkaido/Miyagi [Kanto] Tokyo/Gunma [Shinetsu/Hokuriku] Ishikawa/Niigata/Fukui [Chubu] Aichi/Nagano [Kinki] Kyoto/Osaka/Wakayama [Shikoku] Ehime/Tokushima [Kyushu] Fukuoka/Oita/Kumamoto/Miyazaki/Kagoshima/Okinawa
Sanwa Kotsu	[Kanto] Tokyo/Saitama/Kanagawa
Fulcul Taxi	[Kanto] Tokyo/Kanagawa ・Tokyo 23 wards (partial areas) ・Yokohama Chuo-ku, Nishi-ku, Minami-ku, Hodogaya-ku, Totsuka-ku, Konan-ku, Isogo-ku (partial areas)
Tsubame	[Chubu] Aichi
Meitetsu	[Chubu] Aichi

When choosing a taxi app, make sure it supports the area you want to use it in. If you want to use the same app even when you're on a business trip or traveling, GO is recommended.

GO supports all 44 prefectures, so there's a high chance it will be compatible even in areas you don't usually use.

Are there any coupons to reduce the fare?

App	Coupon
DiDi	・DiDi Special 25% off ・Okinawa MaaS Special Discount Coupon ・Friend Referral Coupon Coupon Code: "3689Y5LD" ・DiDi Special 30% off [Weekend Only]
GO	・Thank You for Installing Coupon ・GO! Campaign Coupon ・Friend Referral Coupon
S.RIDE	・Friend Referral Coupon ・Coupons distributed in the back seat
Uber	・Friend Referral Coupon

When choosing an app, it is important to check if there are any coupons available. The fare is the same for all apps, but having coupons allows for cheaper usage.

If you want to choose an app based on coupons, DiDi and GO are recommended. They have a large number of coupons that are easily obtainable, allowing you to use taxis at a discounted price.

Can I make a taxi reservation (pre-booking) in advance?

Taxi Booking Apps
DiDi	GO	S.RIDE
Sanwa Kotsu	Tsubame	Meitetsu
MK	Uber	-

When choosing a taxi app, it is important to consider whether it allows for advance booking or not. Taxi pre-booking, which allows you to reserve a taxi in advance, is a convenient feature for smoothly calling a taxi. However, not all taxi apps offer this option.

Among the taxi apps that allow advance reservations, DiDi is recommended because both can be booked for free. In particular, DiDi has a wide reservation area, so if you need to make frequent reservations, we recommend using a DiDi taxi.

Pick-up Fee: Free or Not?

Recommended Taxi Apps with Free Pick-up Fees
Fulcul

Whether pick-up fees are free or not is also an important consideration. In many taxi apps, pick-up fees are charged, but Furukuru is free of charge.

However, please note that it is available only in certain areas like Tokyo and Yokohama, and the arrival time may be slower compared to other apps, so it's advisable to use it in combination with other apps.

【What are Pick-up Fees】 The fees incurred when calling a taxi They are settled by adding them to the meter fare upon arrival

Ability to Make Online Payments in the App

Taxi Apps with Online Payment
DiDi	GO	S.RIDE
Uber	MK	Daiichi Koutsu
Sanwa Kotsu	Tsubame	Meitetsu

When choosing a taxi app, it is important to consider whether online payments can be made. With online payment options such as credit card or in-app payment, the fare will be automatically deducted after you disembark.

This eliminates the need to exchange cash with the driver upon arrival, making it very convenient.

Handing Fee Charges

Taxi Apps with Handing Fee Charges
GO	Uber
$0.71 ※Tokyo23wards, Musashino City, Mitaka City	$0.71 ※Tokyo 23 wards

When choosing a taxi app, it's important to consider whether a handing fee will be charged. Taxi GO charges a handing fee for Tokyo's 23 wards, Musashino City, and Mitaka City, while Uber Taxi charges a handing fee for Tokyo's 23 wards.

A handing fee is an additional fee added when ordering a taxi, so the more frequently you use taxis, the higher the handing fee will be. If you frequently use taxis, using an app that doesn't charge a handing fee can help reduce unnecessary expenses.

Taxi Apps with a Large Number of Affiliated Taxi Companies

Taxi Apps with a Large Number of Affiliated Taxi Companies
DiDi	GO

When choosing a taxi app, it's important to consider the number of affiliated taxi companies. Having a large number of affiliated taxi companies means having a larger fleet of taxis, which increases the likelihood of getting a taxi quickly when you request one.

During peak hours or periods of heavy traffic, taxi apps may experience delays in arrival. If you want to increase the chances of getting a taxi quickly, it's recommended to use DiDi Taxi or GO, which have a large number of affiliated taxi companies.

Top 10 Recommended Taxi Apps

• * Fare rates may vary depending on the dispatched taxi company.
• * All apps are free to use.
• * Japan Taxi (formerly known as Zenkoku Taxi) has discontinued its service.

App	User-Friendliness	Service Area Coverage	Fare Rates	Coupons	Reservation Fee	App Dispatch Fee	Payment Methods	Vehicle Type Selection
DiDi Download	Excellent	15 prefectures	$0～$2.98	Available	Free	Free	- Cash payment - Credit card payment - Pay Pay	Unavailable
GO Download	Excellent	44 prefectures	$0～$2.98	Available	$4.82～$6.81 (varies by area)	$0.71 *Tokyo 23 wards, Musashino, Mitaka	- Cash payment - Credit card payment - d payment	Available
S.RIDE Download	Excellent	9 prefectures	$2.13～$2.98	Available	$7.66	Free	- Cash payment - Credit card payment - CAB Mobile payment	Available
Uber Download	Excellent	16 prefectures	$0～$2.98	Available	- (Not available for reservation)	$0.71 *Tokyo 23 wards	- Cash payment - Credit card payment - Rakuten Pay - Pay Pay - Gift cards	Available
Fulcul Download	〇	2 prefectures Tokyo / Yokohama (some areas)	Free	×	- (Cannot make reservations)	Free	Cash payment	×
MK Download	〇	8 prefectures	$2.13	×	$3.54	Free	Cash payment Credit card payment TACPO payment	〇
Daiichi Koutsu Download	〇	25 prefectures	$0～$2.98	×	Unknown	Free	Cash payment Credit card payment Electronic money payment QR code payment	×
Sanwa Kotsu Download	〇	3 metropolitan prefectures Tokyo / Saitama / Kanagawa	$2.13～$2.98	×	Regular reservation: $2.98 Wagon reservation: $7.23-$10.63 High-grade car reservation: $7.23	Free	Cash payment Credit card payment Ticket payment Point payment	〇
Tsubame Download	〇	1 prefecture Aichi	$1.42	×	$2.07	Free	Cash payment Credit card payment QR code payment Electronic money payment Transportation IC card payment	×
Meitetsu Download	〇	1 prefecture Aichi	$1.42	×	$3.05	Free	Cash payment Credit card payment QR code payment Coupon payment Prepaid card payment manaca payment	×

Among taxi apps, a recommended one is DiDi Taxi. DiDi offers coupons and if you choose a taxi company, the pick-up fee is free. Furthermore, there are no reservation fees when booking a taxi. With various ways to use taxis at a lower cost, give it a try.

DiDi Taxi | Plenty of Great Deals!

Service Areas	【Hokkaido・Tohoku】 Hokkaido/Miyagi 【Kanto】 Tokyo/Saitama/Chiba/Kanagawa 【Chubu】 Shizuoka/Aichi 【Kinki】 Osaka/Kyoto/Hyogo 【Chugoku】 Hiroshima 【Kyushu】 Fukuoka/Nagasaki/Okinawa
Pickup Fee	$0-$2.98 *Varies depending on the taxi company
Reservation Fee	Free
Payment Methods	・Cash payment ・Credit card payment ・Pay Pay
Vehicle Specification	No
Coupon Information	・Friend referral coupon ・Okinawa MaaS special discount coupon ・DiDi Special 25% off ・DiDi Special 30% off [Weekend only]

Advantages of DiDi Taxi

Earn Points

With DiDi Taxi, you can earn up to 1.5% cashback for every $0.71 spent, depending on your membership rank. You can exchange points for coupons at a rate of 1 point per $0.01 (exchangeable from $0.71).The more you ride, the more benefits you can enjoy. If you frequently use taxi apps, DiDi Taxi is highly recommended.

No Reservation Fee for Taxi Booking

DiDi Taxi does not charge a reservation fee for taxi bookings. Unlike other taxi apps that typically have reservation fees of around $3.54 to $7.08, DiDi Taxi keeps the reservation fee low. If you often make reservations, using DiDi Taxi can help you avoid unnecessary expenses.

Access to Alphard and Mercedes-Benz

DiDi Taxi offers a service called "DiDi Special," which allows you to book luxury cars like Alphard and Mercedes-Benz. DiDi Special is available only in Tokyo and currently offers a constant 25% discount on fares. If you want to ride in a luxury vehicle, make sure to take advantage of DiDi Special.

Disadvantages of DiDi Taxi

Difficulty Confirming Taxi Bookings

One disadvantage of DiDi Taxi is that it can be difficult to confirm bookings. While the absence of a reservation fee is an attractive feature of DiDi Taxi, there are times when you may not be able to make a reservation. In my personal experience, I was only able to successfully book a taxi 3 out of 12 attempts. Therefore, it's recommended to make reservations well in advance.

Inability to Request Multiple Taxis

DiDi Taxi does not allow you to request multiple taxis simultaneously. If you need to travel with a large group, you will have to place separate orders, which can be inconvenient. In such cases, consider using Uber XL from Uber Taxi, which can accommodate a larger number of passengers.

Inability to Specify Vehicle Model

In Tokyo, DiDi Taxi offers the option to book luxury cars through DiDi Special. However, in regions other than Tokyo, you can only select regular taxis. If you need to specify a specific vehicle model for business or special occasions, consider using taxi apps like "GO" or Uber Taxi.

DiDi Taxi's Discount Coupons

Coupon Details	Coupon Code	Maximum Discount
Friend Referral Coupon	3689Y5LD	[Referrer] $7.08 [Referred User] $3.54
DiDi Special 25% Off	N/A (Always 25% off during the promotion period)	Maximum $21.25
Okinawa MaaS Special Discount Coupon	Check on the Okinawa MaaS purchase site	$3.54
DiDi Special 30% Off [Weekend Only]	N/A (Always 30% off during the promotion period)	Maximum $14.17

GO (formerly JapanTaxi・Mov) | Number One in Coverage Area

Coverage Area	[Hokkaido & Tohoku] Hokkaido/Miyagi/Aomori/Iwate/Yamagata/Fukushima/ Akita [Kanto] Tokyo/Chiba/Saitama/Kanagawa/Ibaraki/Gunma/ Tochigi [Shinetsu & Hokuriku] Niigata/Toyama/Ishikawa/Nagano/Fukui [Chubu] Shizuoka/Aichi/Gifu/Mie [Kinki] Shiga/Kyoto/Osaka/Hyogo/Nara/Wakayama [Chugoku] Hiroshima/Yamaguchi/Okayama [Shikoku] Tokushima/Ehime/Kochi/Kagawa [Kyushu] Fukuoka/Nagasaki/Kumamoto/Saga/Oita/Miyazaki/ Kagoshima/Okinawa
Pick-up Fare	$0-$2.98 *Varies depending on the taxi company
Reservation Fee	$4.82-$6.80 *Varies depending on the area
Payment Methods	・Cash ・Credit card ・d払い (d Payment)
Vehicle Selection	Available
Coupon Information	・Referral coupons ・Installation appreciation coupons ・GO Campaign

Advantages of GO

Over 10 Million Downloads

GO has surpassed 10 million downloads. With the highest number of downloads among taxi apps in Japan, it is considered reliable and user-friendly. It is especially recommended for beginners due to its ease of use and availability in many areas.

Number One in Coverage Area among Taxi Dispatch Apps

GO holds the top position in terms of coverage area among taxi dispatch apps. With the ability to be used in all 44 prefectures in Japan, there is a high possibility of using GO even when traveling or on business trips. If you frequently travel to different regions, consider using GO.

Abundance of Coupons

GO offers a wide range of coupons for discounted rides. Particularly, through the GO! Campaign, you can receive coupons worth a total of $31.88, and through the referral coupon, you can receive a $14.17 coupon. If you want to save money on taxi rides, choose GO.

Disadvantages of GO

No Reward Points Program

One of the disadvantages of GO is the lack of a reward points program. DiDi Taxi, for example, offers a "DiDi Points Program" where you can earn points (coupons) based on your fare amount. Compared to DiDi, GO falls behind in terms of reward points service.

Inconsistent Functionality of AI Booking

GO features an AI booking function, but it often doesn't work properly. AI booking automatically arranges a taxi for you at the designated date and time, which is convenient. However, currently, reservations don't always get confirmed. If AI booking fails to confirm your reservation, you may consider using a different app.

Reservation Fee for Taxi Dispatch

When using GO to book a taxi, a reservation fee is charged. The reservation fee ranges from $4.82 to $6.80, depending on the location. If you frequently make reservations, it is recommended to use other apps. DiDi Taxi, being the only taxi app that does not charge a reservation fee, is a good alternative.

Discount Coupons for GO

Coupon Details	Coupon Code/How to Obtain	Maximum Discount Amount
Referral Coupon	Enter coupon code	$14.17 (for both referrer and referee)
Install App Coupon	Automatically given upon installation	$3.54
GO! Campaign	Given with each ride	$31.88 (3 coupons worth $3.54 per month for 3 months)

Esuraido (S.RIDE) - Call a Taxi with Just a Slide

Coverage Area	【Tohoku】 Miyagi 【Kanto】 Tokyo/Saitama/Chiba/Kanagawa/Ibaraki 【Kinki】 Osaka 【Chubu】 Aichi 【Kyushu】 Miyazaki
Pick-up Fee	$2.13-$2.98 ※Varies depending on the taxi company
Reservation Fee	$7.65
Payment Methods	・Cash ・Credit card ・CAB Mobile Payment
Vehicle Selection	〇 It is possible to select a luxury wagon car with S.RIDE PREMIUM (from March 28, 2023)
Coupon Information	・Referral coupons ・Coupons distributed in the rear seat

Benefits of Esuraido (S.RIDE)

Easy Way to Call Taxis

The advantage of Esuraido is that it allows you to easily call taxis. Unlike other apps where you have to input various information before calling a taxi, with Esuraido, you can simply slide from left to right on the screen to call a taxi. Since you input the necessary details after calling the taxi, it saves you time and reduces unnecessary steps.

Get Exclusive Items through a Lottery after 10 Rides

With Esuraido, after taking 10 rides, you have a chance to win exclusive items such as coupons or gift vouchers through a lottery. Simply by taking rides, you become eligible for the lottery, making it a very rewarding experience. If you frequently use taxis, consider using Esuraido to take advantage of this benefit.

Popular in Tokyo

Esuraido is widely used in various areas within Tokyo. It covers 25 areas, including the 23 wards of Tokyo, making it available in almost all parts of the city. If you live in Tokyo, it is recommended to actively use Esuraido.

Drawbacks of Esuraido (S.RIDE)

Delayed Confirmation of Taxi Availability

One drawback of Esuraido is that the availability of taxis is confirmed 15 minutes prior to the requested time. If you have a tight schedule and need to ensure you can catch a taxi, there is a possibility that you may not be able to secure a ride even if you find out 15 minutes in advance. When using Esuraido, it's advisable to allow for extra time.

Occasional Difficulty in Finding Taxis

This is not specific to Esuraido but applicable to taxi-hailing apps in general. There are times when it can be challenging to find available taxis through the app. It may depend on the time of day or weather conditions, but during peak hours when many people are using taxis, there is a possibility that you may not find an available ride. Please be aware of this when using the app.

Pick-up Fee Applicable for All Taxi Companies

Esuraido charges a pick-up fee regardless of the taxi company you choose. In contrast, services like DiDi Taxi or GO allow you to ride without a pick-up fee if you choose a specific taxi company. If you want to minimize pick-up fees, consider using DiDi or GO.

Discount Coupons for Esuraido (S.RIDE)

Coupon Details	Coupon Code/How to Obtain	Maximum Discount
Referral Coupons	【Referrer】 Code provided after the 10th ride 【Referee】 Receive referral code	【Referrer】 $14.17 【Referee】 $14.17
Coupons Distributed in Rear Seats	Received through the tablet in the back seat of the taxi	$7.08

Uber Taxi | Available in Various Countries Worldwide

Service Areas	[Hokkaido and Tohoku] Hokkaido/Miyagi/Aomori/Fukushima/Iwate [Kanto] Tokyo/Kanagawa/Chiba [Chubu] Aichi [Kinki] Kyoto/Osaka/Hyogo [Chugoku] Hiroshima [Shikoku] Kochi [Kyushu] Fukuoka/Okinawa
Pickup Fee	$0-$2.98 *Varies depending on the taxi company
Reservation Fee	Available *Requires premium charter (starting from $63.76)
Payment Methods	- Rakuten Pay - PayPay - Credit card payment - Uber Cash - Cash
Vehicle Specification	Available
Coupon Information	- Referral Coupons

Advantages of Uber Taxi

Available in various countries worldwide

Uber Taxi is available in various countries worldwide. It offers higher convenience compared to using taxis with unfamiliar usage in foreign countries when traveling abroad. However, it's important to exercise caution when using taxis in foreign countries as they can be potentially risky.

Provides 6-seater vehicle service

Uber Taxi offers a 6-seater vehicle service. As taxi apps generally do not allow multiple orders at the same time, Uber Taxi is useful when traveling with a large group of people.

No pickup fee if you choose the taxi company

If you choose a specific taxi company, there will be no pickup fee for Uber Taxi. However, please note that specifying a taxi company may result in longer waiting times, so it's important to consider whether you prioritize time or cost.

Disadvantages of Uber Taxi

Limited service areas in Japan

A disadvantage of Uber Taxi is its limited service areas in Japan. It is primarily available in the Greater Tokyo Area, making it almost unusable in other regions. If you frequently travel to other areas, it is recommended to use a taxi app with broader service areas like "GO."

Higher reservation fees for specified time slots

Uber Taxi has higher reservation fees for specified time slots. To make a reservation, you need to book an Uber Premium charter, which starts from $63.76. If you want to make a reservation, it is recommended to use DiDi, which offers free reservation fees.

Difficult to find coupon information

It can be challenging to find coupon information for Uber Taxi. DiDi Taxi and GO often announce coupon information on Twitter or their official websites, but Uber Taxi does not have such announcements. Coupons may be available without you realizing it, so it's important to regularly check the app for any available coupons.

Discount Coupons for Uber Taxi

Coupon Details	Coupon Code/How to Obtain	Maximum Discount Amount
Referral Campaign	Coupon Code: JPGG6u64zt *Available only for the first ride	$14.17

Furukuru | No Pickup Fee

Service Area	[Kanto] Tokyo/Yokohama (partial) ・Tokyo 23 wards (partial) ・Yokohama Chuo Ward, Nishi Ward, Minami Ward, Hodogaya Ward, Totsuka Ward, Konan Ward, Isogo Ward (partial)
Pickup Fee	Free
Reservation Fee	$2.13
Payment Methods	・Cash payment
Vehicle Specification	×
Coupon Information	None

Advantages of Furukuru

Call a taxi without a pickup fee

Furukuru's advantage is that you can dispatch a taxi without a pickup fee. Taxi fare consists of the pickup fee and the ride fare, so if there is no pickup fee, the overall fare becomes cheaper. If you want to use a taxi as cheaply as possible, use Furukuru.

Call a taxi just by shaking your smartphone

Furukuru allows you to call a taxi simply by shaking your smartphone. Unlike other taxi apps where you input the destination and vehicle type before calling a taxi, Furukuru allows you to call a taxi first, minimizing wasted time.

Use the app without registration

Furukuru can be used without registration. Once you install the app, you can call a taxi without registering any personal information, making it user-friendly even for those who have never used a taxi app before.

Disadvantages of Furukuru

There are times when you cannot dispatch a taxi

There are times when Furukuru cannot dispatch a taxi. When the author actually used Furukuru, out of 7 attempts, only 1 succeeded in dispatching a taxi. It may depend on traffic volume, time of day, and weather conditions, so consider the possibility of not being able to dispatch a taxi.

You cannot reserve a taxi

Furukuru does not allow you to reserve a taxi in advance. If you know in advance that you will need a taxi and want to secure one, it is recommended to use other taxi apps.

Only cash payment is available

Furukuru only accepts cash payment. You need to have a transaction with the driver and exchange money like with a regular taxi. If you find the payment process troublesome, use taxi apps like DiDi or GO that allow credit card or app payments.

MK Taxi | Earn Points with Every Ride

Service Area	[Hokkaido-Tohoku] Hokkaido [Kanto] Tokyo [Chubu] Aichi [Kinki] Kyoto/Osaka/Hyogo/Shiga [Kyushu] Fukuoka
Pickup Fee	$2.13
Reservation Fee	$3.54
Payment Methods	・Cash payment ・Credit card payment ・TACPO payment
Vehicle Specification	Possible
Coupon Information	None

Advantages of MK Taxi

Earn points with TACPO

With MK Taxi, you can pay your fare with TACPO. TACPO is a card that combines the functions of a prepaid card and a point card. You can earn points when you charge and use the card. When you accumulate 100 points or more, you can use them as coupons, where 1 point is equal to $0.01. Pay with TACPO and get coupons for discounts.

Special tours for Kyoto sightseeing

MK Taxi focuses on Kyoto sightseeing and offers many special tours. For example, the off-the-beaten-path temple tour allows you to visit Yamasaki, Bishamon-do, and Anshoji at a discounted price of $21.25 off the regular fare. There are also tours for viewing autumn leaves and visiting sweets shops, so be sure to take advantage of them.

Wide range of available vehicle types

MK Taxi allows you to specify a wide range of vehicle types. You can choose from luxury cars such as Mercedes-Benz and Alphard, to large vehicles like Hiace. This flexibility allows you to choose the right vehicle depending on the situation. Make use of it for business trips and travels.

Disadvantages of MK Taxi

No taxi app coupons

One disadvantage of MK Taxi is that they don't offer coupons through taxi apps. Apps like DiDi Taxi and GO provide various coupons that can help you reduce the fare, but MK Taxi does not offer such discounts. If you want to use coupons to lower your fare, it's recommended to use a different app.

Limited service area

MK Taxi has a limited service area. It only operates in 8 prefectures, so there's a high chance that it may not be available in your travel destination. If you frequently visit other regions, it's recommended to use GO, which covers 40 prefectures.

Reservation fee for taxi dispatch

MK Taxi charges a reservation fee of $3.54 for taxi dispatch reservations. If you frequently make taxi reservations, this extra expense can add up, so it's recommended to use DiDi Taxi, which does not charge a reservation fee.

Daiichi Kotsu Taxi | Available for Labor Taxis

Coverage Area	【Hokkaido, Tohoku】 Hokkaido/Miyagi 【Kanto】 Tokyo/Gunma 【Shinetsu, Hokuriku】 Ishikawa/Niigata/Fukui 【Chubu】 Aichi/Nagano 【Kinki】 Kyoto/Osaka/Wakayama 【Shikoku】 Ehime/Tokushima 【Kyushu】 Fukuoka/Oita/Kumamoto/Miyazaki/Kagoshima/Okinawa
Pickup Fare	$0-$2.98 *Varies by taxi company
Reservation Fee	Unknown
Payment Methods	- Cash payment - Credit card payment - Electronic money payment - QR code payment
Vehicle Specification	Not applicable
Coupon Information	None

Advantages of Daiichi Kotsu Taxi

Peace of mind for pregnant women with the availability of labor taxis

Daiichi Kotsu Taxi provides labor taxis, which offer support for transportation during outings and labor to the hospital for pregnant women. During pregnancy, when there are many concerns, it is recommended to use Daiichi Kotsu Taxi, which allows you to travel with peace of mind.

Wider coverage area than GO

Daiichi Kotsu Taxi has a wider coverage area than GO. When traveling or on business trips to other regions, you are more likely to be able to use Daiichi Kotsu Taxi, which provides a sense of security. However, if you choose based on the breadth of coverage area alone, GO is recommended as it is wider and offers abundant coupons.

Service to send children to facilities

Daiichi Kotsu Taxi offers a service to pick up and drop off children at cram schools, nurseries, schools, and sports clubs. If parents are too busy to provide transportation, using this service is a good option as you just need to contact the dispatch center in advance.

Disadvantages of Daiichi Kotsu Taxi

Unable to specify vehicle type

Daiichi Kotsu Taxi does not allow you to specify the type of vehicle. Other taxi apps offer the option to use luxury cars or large vehicles for an additional fee, so the inability to specify the vehicle type is a disadvantage. For special occasions or when traveling with a large group, it is recommended to use GO or Uber Taxi.

Some drivers may have a volatile temperament

While this is a potential drawback that can occur with any taxi service, there is a possibility of encountering drivers with a volatile temperament. If you encounter a driver with such behavior, it is advisable to send feedback through the official website rather than addressing it on the spot to avoid potential conflicts.

No taxi coupons available

Daiichi Kotsu Taxi does not offer taxi coupons. DiDi Taxi and GO have a wide range of coupons, so if you prioritize the affordability of taxi fares, it is recommended to use other taxi apps.

Sanwa Kotsu | Save with the Premium Passport

Service Area	[Kanto] Tokyo/Saitama/Kanagawa
Pick-up Fee	$2.13-$2.98 *Varies depending on the taxi company
Reservation Fee	- Regular Reservation: $2.98 - Wagon Reservation: $7.23-$10.63 - High-grade Car Reservation: $7.23
Payment Methods	- Cash payment - Credit card payment - Ticket payment - Point payment
Vehicle Specification	◯
Coupon Information	None

Advantages of Sanwa Kotsu

Save with the Premium Passport

Plan Name	Sanwa Kotsu Premium Passport
Monthly Fee	$35.42
Benefits	- Monthly allowance of 5,500 points (1 point = $0.01) - Priority dispatch of well-mannered drivers - Priority participation in Sanwa Kotsu original tours

Sanwa Kotsu offers a service called Premium Passport (Pre-Pass). With Pre-Pass, you can join for $35.42 and receive $38.97 worth of points (coupons). If you use Sanwa Kotsu regularly, it is worth purchasing the Pre-Pass and you won't lose out.

Relaxing and careful driving service

Sanwa Kotsu provides a service called "Turtle Taxi" where drivers drive slowly and carefully. If you prefer a leisurely and safe driving experience, requesting a Turtle Taxi from Sanwa Kotsu is recommended. Some people prefer drivers who drive slowly and carefully, saying, "I'm not in a hurry, so I want them to drive slowly" or "I prefer a safe and comfortable driving experience."

Option to use luxury cars

Sanwa Kotsu offers a service where you can use luxury cars. You can rent a Toyota Crown for 2 hours at a cost of $99.19, which is suitable for business occasions or special events. Additionally, you can arrange a 10-seater Hiace for the same fee.

Disadvantages of Sanwa Kotsu

Pick-up fee is charged

One disadvantage of Sanwa Kotsu is that a pick-up fee is charged by all taxi companies. Additionally, when booking a wagon or a high-grade car, a reservation fee of $7.08 or more is applied, making the taxi fare relatively expensive. If you are using a taxi for regular purposes, it is recommended to use services like DiDi or GO.

Limited service area

One of the disadvantages of Sanwa Kotsu is its limited service area, which only covers three regions. There is a high possibility that it may not be available in your business or travel destination. If you frequently travel to other regions, it is recommended to use the GO, which is available in 40 prefectures.

High fares

Sanwa Kotsu generally has high fares. The pick-up fee increases the overall fare, and there are also charges when making a reservation. Additionally, arranging a luxury car like the high-grade taxi for 2 hours at a cost of $99.19  is relatively expensive. If affordability is a priority, it is recommended to use DiDi or GO, which offer abundant coupons.

Tsubame Taxi | Tourist-Friendly and Child-Friend

Service Area	[Chubu] Aichi
Pick-up Fee	$1.42
Reservation Fee	$2.07
Payment Methods	- Cash payment - Credit card payment - QR code payment - Electronic money payment - Transportation IC card payment
Vehicle Specification	X

Advantages of Tsubame Taxi

Choose a Sightseeing Course

Tsubame Taxi is a taxi company that is friendly to tourists. You can choose your favorite course from 12 basic courses and 2 fast-forward courses and enjoy sightseeing.

Children can ride alone

Tsubame Taxi has a "Kids Taxi" where children can ride alone with the parent's contact. It can be used for commuting to school, attending lessons, and various other purposes.

Peace of mind for pregnant women

Tsubame Taxi offers a service called "Angel Plan," which is a labor taxi. By registering your expected delivery date and hospital information, they will take you to the hospital without the need for detailed explanations when the time comes. If you are pregnant and have many concerns, it is recommended to use the labor taxi.

Disadvantages of Tsubame Taxi

Pick-up fee is charged

Tsubame Taxi charges a pick-up fee, which makes the taxi fare higher. The pick-up fee is $1.42, so it may not be a significant expense for one-time use, but if you use it frequently, it can add up. If you want to avoid pick-up fees, it is recommended to use DiDi, GO, or FuruKuru.

No taxi app coupons

Tsubame Taxi does not offer coupons. For example, DiDi offers coupons that can discount up to $7.08, and GO offers coupons that can discount up to a total of $49.59. If you want to use taxis at a lower cost, it is recommended to use other taxi apps.

Limited service area

Tsubame Taxi's app can only be used in Nagoya, which is a disadvantage. If you are on a business trip or traveling to other areas, you cannot use Tsubame Taxi. If you want to use a taxi in other regions, it is recommended to use GO, which has a wide service area.

Meitetsu Taxi | App from the long-standing Meitetsu Group

Service Area	[Chubu] Aichi
Pick-up Fee	$1.42
Reservation Fee	$3.05
Payment Methods	- Cash payment - Credit card payment - QR code payment - Coupon payment - Meitaku Club prepaid payment - Manaca card payment
Vehicle Type Specification	X
Coupon Information	None

Advantages of Meitetsu Taxi

Airport Fixed-rate Taxi

Meitetsu Taxi offers an "Airport Fixed-rate Taxi" that allows you to travel to the airport at a fixed rate. If you are in various areas of Nagoya, you can use the taxi at a fixed rate to travel to Chubu Centrair International Airport. If you want to go to the airport, it is recommended to use the Airport Fixed-rate Taxi.

Tourist Guide Taxi

Meitetsu Taxi provides a "Tourist Guide Taxi" that takes you around tourist spots in a taxi. They offer basic courses and fast-forward courses, and for an additional fee, they can guide you to places not included in the regular courses. If you want to explore Nagoya's tourist attractions, consider using the Tourist Guide Taxi.

Disadvantages of Meitetsu Taxi

Pick-up fee is charged

Meitetsu Taxi charges a pick-up fee, which can make the fare higher. Additionally, Meitetsu Taxi does not offer coupons through their app. If you prefer lower-cost options, it is recommended to use DiDi Taxi, which offers abundant coupons, or the GO.

Reservation fee is charged

Meitetsu Taxi charges a reservation fee. Each time you make a taxi reservation, a reservation fee will be applied. If you frequently make reservations, consider using DiDi Taxi, which offers free reservation fees.

What is a taxi app? Should you use it?

You can easily request a taxi, set your destination, and make payments within the app.

A taxi app is a convenient service that allows you to easily call a taxi nearby. With the app, you can easily request a taxi, set your destination, and make payments.

All interactions within the taxi can be completed within the app, eliminating any stress associated with using taxis.

Since taxi app fees are free, you should use them.

Since taxi app fees are free, I recommend installing and using them. Not only is it convenient for dispatching taxis, but you can also obtain coupons to reduce the fare and use taxis at the regular pick-up fee.

There is no reason not to use them.

What is the market share of taxi apps in Japan? Which apps are popular?

When the Kurashi Plus editorial team conducted a survey of 400 individuals asking "Which taxi app do you use?", the results showed that GO ranked first with 216 people, followed by DiDi Taxi with 105 people, and Uber with 29 people.

Survey Details (Click to expand)

Question	Which taxi app do you usually use or have you used?
Number of Respondents	400 people
Period	November 2022
Survey Agency	crowdworks

3 Advantages of Using a Taxi App

You can call a taxi to your desired location using the app

With a taxi app, you can specify your pick-up location on a map and call a taxi to your desired location. There's no need to search for prominent buildings or go to major streets.

Moreover, unlike hailing a taxi on the street, you can dispatch a taxi from the comfort of your home.

You can avoid the hassle of interactions within the taxi

With a taxi app, you can specify your destination before calling a taxi, eliminating the need for interaction with the driver. Additionally, if you choose to pay with a card or through the app, the fare will be automatically deducted after the ride, saving you the hassle of payment.

If you want to avoid cumbersome interactions, using a taxi app is recommended.

You can generate receipts within the app

A taxi app allows you to generate receipts from within the app. By checking your order history in the app and selecting the desired order for a receipt, it will be sent to the registered address.

Unlike paper receipts, you can generate receipts as many times as needed, eliminating the risk of losing them.

3 Disadvantages and Considerations of Using a Taxi App

Some areas are not supported

Not all areas support taxi apps. Even the app with the widest coverage, GO, only supports 44 prefectures, so it may not be available in other regions. When using a taxi app, it's important to check whether it supports your desired area.

Taxi Apps with Wide Coverage
GO	DiDi Taxi
44 prefectures	15 prefectures

Pick-up fees may apply

Using a taxi app incurs a pick-up fee since the taxi is called through the app. The pick-up fee can be up to $2.98, which is higher than hailing a taxi on the street.

However, you can choose taxi companies that don't charge a pick-up fee, so if you want to reduce costs, select those companies.

No option to call multiple taxis simultaneously

Most apps do not allow you to call multiple taxis simultaneously. Regular taxis can accommodate up to 5 passengers, excluding the driver, so if you have more than 5 people, you should place separate orders.

However, MK Taxi allows you to call up to 5 taxis simultaneously, making it a recommended option for larger groups.

▲Return to the table of contents for the taxi app ranking

How to Use a Taxi App (Calling Process) in 3 Steps - Illustrated with Images

Here is an easy-to-understand explanation of how to use a taxi app, using DiDi Taxi as an example. The basic steps are similar for most taxi apps.

How to Use DiDi Taxi
1	Open the app and enter your destination
2	Select the payment method and departure time
3	Choose the pick-up location and place an order

• STEP 1

  Enter your destination

  

  When you open the app, tap "Enter Destination" at the bottom of the screen and enter your destination. If you frequently visit a place, you can save it as a favorite, and it will be displayed in the Favorite tab, saving you the hassle of typing.

• STEP 2

  Select the payment method and departure time

  

  Select the payment method and departure time. You can choose from three payment methods: "Pay Pay," "Credit Card Payment," or "Cash/Other." The departure time can be selected up to two days in advance, with time increments of 10 minutes.

• STEP 3

  Choose the pick-up location

  

  Choose the pick-up location. There are two methods: selecting a recommended pick-up location or specifying a location yourself.

  Method 1: Selecting a Recommended Pick-up Location

  The recommended pick-up locations are listed in the center of the screen for changing the destination. These are convenient locations near your current location or popular pick-up spots.

  Method 2: Specifying the Pick-up Location Yourself

  You can specify the pick-up location yourself by moving the green pin on the map and placing it at the desired location.

Latest! List of Taxi App Coupons | Includes First Ride Free Coupons!

DiDi Taxi Coupons & Campaigns

Coupon Details	Coupon Code/How to Get	Maximum Discount
Referral Coupon	3689Y5LD	【Referrer】 $7.09 【Referee】 $3.55
DiDi Special Up to 25% off	None (up to 25% off during the promotional period)	Up to $21.28
Okinawa MaaS Special Discount Coupon	Check the Okinawa MaaS purchase site	$3.55
DiDi Special Up to 30% off [Weekend Only]	None (up to 30% off during the promotional period)	Up to $14.19

Here is a list of DiDi Taxi coupons and campaigns. The Referral Coupon can be obtained by simply entering the coupon code "3689Y5LD". Give it a try by entering the code.

GO Coupons & Campaigns

Coupon Details	Coupon Code/How to Get	Maximum Discount
Referral Coupon	Enter coupon code	$14.19 (both for the referrer and the referee)
Installation Thank You Coupon	Granted upon installation	$3.55
GO! Campaign	Granted with every ride	$31.92 ($3.55 coupon x 3 per month x 3 months)

Here is a list of coupons and promotions for GO coupon codes. Refer-a-Friend coupons can be obtained by simply entering the coupon code, and installation coupons can be obtained by simply installing the app; like DiDi, they can be used from the first time you download the app.

エスライド(S.RIDE) Coupons & Campaigns

Coupon Details	Coupon Code/How to Get	Maximum Discount
Referral Coupon	【Referrer】 Granted on the 10th ride 【Referee】 Receive referral code	【Referrer】 $14.19 【Referee】 $14.19
Coupons Distributed in Rear Seats	Granted from the taxi's rear seat tablet	$7.09

Here is a list of S.RIDE coupons and campaigns. Compared to DiDi and GO, obtaining coupons for S.RIDE is more challenging. To obtain the Referral Coupon, you need to find someone who has used S.RIDE at least 10 times.

ウーバータクシー(Uber taxi) Coupons & Campaigns

Coupon Details	Coupon Code/How to Get	Maximum Discount
Referral Coupon	Coupon Code: JPGG6u64zt *Available only on the first ride	$14.19

Here is a list of Uber taxi coupons and campaigns. Uber taxi offers high discount amounts for coupons, but they can only be used on the first ride. Make sure to enter the code and use it on your first ride.

4 Ways to Ride Taxis Cheaply Using Taxi Apps

Utilize Coupons from Taxi Apps

If you want to make the most of taxi apps, make sure to use coupons. Many apps provide referral codes, allowing you to get a discount of around $3.55 on your first ride.

However, please note that coupons cannot be used in combination. You cannot use coupons between different apps or even within the same app.

Use Multiple Taxi Apps

If you want to make the most of taxi apps, it's recommended to use multiple apps. Different apps offer different coupons, so using multiple apps allows you to access a wider range of coupons.

Taxi Apps with Many Coupons
DiDi Taxi	GO

Choose Taxi Companies without Pickup Fees

If you want to make the most of taxi apps, choose taxi companies that don't charge pickup fees. When you call a taxi through an app, there's usually a basic pickup fee, but there are some taxi companies that offer no pickup fees.

Use a Rewards-Based Taxi App

If you want to maximize your savings, consider using a rewards-based taxi app where you can earn points. Apps like DiDi and MK Taxi offer points based on your fare, which can be used to reduce your taxi fare.

Testing the Arrival Time of Popular Taxi Apps: DiDi, GO, S.RIDE

We tested the arrival time of popular taxi apps: DiDi, GO, and S.RIDE. The test was conducted in Ikebukuro during weekdays at 16:00.

[Results] The arrival time was approximately 2-6 minutes, providing a comfortable experience

DiDi	GO	S.RIDE
Approximately 2minutes	Approximately 5minutes	Approximately 6minutes

In this test, all three apps provided arrival times of around 2-6 minutes, making them convenient to use. While it took a bit longer in rural areas, hailing a taxi in Tokyo is relatively stress-free. However, please note that depending on weather conditions and time of day, the taxi may not arrive immediately, so caution is advised.

During the test using the GO, there was an issue where the arrival location was slightly off from the designated location. This can happen with any taxi app, so it's important to double-check if the driver is heading to the correct destination.

Frequently Asked Questions about Taxi Apps

Summary: Call Taxis Conveniently and Economically by Using DiDi and GO Together

If you're using taxi apps, it is recommended to use both DiDi Taxi and GO together. By using both apps, you can use them for everyday purposes as well as for business trips and travel.

Additionally, you can take advantage of coupons offered by both apps, making it a convenient and cost-effective way to use taxi services.

Recommended Taxi Apps
DiDi	GO