Why is it so difficult to get a taxi in Tokyo?

All seem to pass no matter what color light or if they have passengers, so I’m just confused. I’m doing something wrong. I know they can’t stop doing busy intersections, but even on the side roads, they don’t seem to stop.

7 comments
  1. You are likely standing somewhere that they cannot stop legally or safely. They have to abide by the traffic rules too. Just open up Google maps and head to the nearest subway or train station. There’s likely one within a short walk of where you are. Outside of the station, on one side or the other is a taxi stand/queue. Or, just search the nearby area in Google Maps for Taxi Stand and you’ll likely find an option nearby. Outside of hotels or major tourist spots like museums there’s also likely a taxi stand. Or, if at a restaurant or hotel, you can ask the staff to call a cab to pick you up. Alternatively, use Uber as in Tokyo it dispatches a cab to your location. Many of the ones passing by that seem empty are likely on their way to pickup those who’ve used an app to book their ride/pickup location.

  2. From my experience in Japan, you usually have to be at a designated taxi stand to catch a taxi. are you trying to hail one from random locations? Easiest thing to do is just go to a train section where they are guaranteed to have a taxi stand.

  3. During my trip last month, I just used Uber. There is an option for the cabs, and you can even see where they are and what time they will arrive.

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