Japanese Taxis Are A Treasure

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hroughout the 1980s and have visited almost every year since. I have ridden local taxis in Gunma and Saitama prefectures as well as those in large cities such as Tokyo and Osaka. I am not a fan of UBER being introduced in Japan, though I have used them in the US when traveling.The taxi experience in Japan is unique. It always involves a spotless vehicle. The driver will wear white gloves, showing he takes pride in his vehicle and chosen vocation. I say “he” as my drivers have always been male. It seems less than 2% of taxi drivers are female. That could be the subject of a separate article.Drivers can often be seen polishing their vehicles during any downtime. Taxis are a source of pride in Japan; for me, they seem part of the culture, similar to traditional black taxis in England, for example. One learns early on that the door is opened remotely by the driver and the passenger is never to touch the door handle whether embarking or disembarking.I had a friend in Gunma prefecture back in the 1980s who was a taxi driver. We went to see a

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movie together in a small local theater and he immediately rested his feet on the seat in front of him and lit up a cigarette in full view of the “no smoking” sign. He was a colorful character who peppered his language with the local slang, which was often off-color. Once he got behind the wheel of his taxi, however, he was a changed person. Putting on his gloves he was now a professional and took his job seriously. He did shut off the meter for a while when he drove a friend and me to a hot spring, but that was just him being a good buddy.I have heard tales of rude drivers and those that refuse to pick up foreigners. In my experience, the good far outweighs the bad, and refusing to pick up a foreigner may have more to do with fear of English than anything sinister. I always enjoy striking up a conversation with the driver. I will continue to use and enjoy taxis when in Japan and I hope that you will too.<figure id="61b1"><img src="https://cdn-images-1.readmedium.com/v2/resize:fit:800/1*ZCPYgBrRStT9Rynl1m-8Ig.png"><figcaption></figcaption></figure></article></body>

Or do you prefer UBER?

I saw an article talking about Tokyo taxi fares being increased for the first time in fifteen years. The reason given was fuel costs. I found this amusing since a separate article referenced the government extending its oil subsidy program so fuel rates would not increase. Hmm.

Regardless of the fare situation, I have always loved Japanese taxis since I first experienced them back in 1979. I lived in Japan throughout the 1980s and have visited almost every year since. I have ridden local taxis in Gunma and Saitama prefectures as well as those in large cities such as Tokyo and Osaka. I am not a fan of UBER being introduced in Japan, though I have used them in the US when traveling.

The taxi experience in Japan is unique. It always involves a spotless vehicle. The driver will wear white gloves, showing he takes pride in his vehicle and chosen vocation. I say “he” as my drivers have always been male. It seems less than 2% of taxi drivers are female. That could be the subject of a separate article.

Drivers can often be seen polishing their vehicles during any downtime. Taxis are a source of pride in Japan; for me, they seem part of the culture, similar to traditional black taxis in England, for example. One learns early on that the door is opened remotely by the driver and the passenger is never to touch the door handle whether embarking or disembarking.

I had a friend in Gunma prefecture back in the 1980s who was a taxi driver. We went to see a movie together in a small local theater and he immediately rested his feet on the seat in front of him and lit up a cigarette in full view of the “no smoking” sign. He was a colorful character who peppered his language with the local slang, which was often off-color. Once he got behind the wheel of his taxi, however, he was a changed person. Putting on his gloves he was now a professional and took his job seriously. He did shut off the meter for a while when he drove a friend and me to a hot spring, but that was just him being a good buddy.

I have heard tales of rude drivers and those that refuse to pick up foreigners. In my experience, the good far outweighs the bad, and refusing to pick up a foreigner may have more to do with fear of English than anything sinister. I always enjoy striking up a conversation with the driver. I will continue to use and enjoy taxis when in Japan and I hope that you will too.