Let me recall the first lessons in taxi riding I've had when I first visited this city several years ago.
- The back door can be controlled from the driver's seat. So do not be surprised if it opens up even before you reach that door handle.
- Do NOT tip taxi drivers!
- Make sure you ask one of your colleagues to write down the name of your destination (hotel, airport, etc.) A lot of the drivers do not speak English.
- Just like everything else, taking a taxi is expensive. You can check the rates at the back of the seat in-front of you.
- If you are travelling with a Japanese colleague who has a higher position than you, make sure that he enters the taxi first.
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Need Tokyo taxi numbers? Check here.
Believe me, riding a taxi in Tokyo is an experience in itself. You can even expect fancy doilies draped on the seats.
Taxi experience in Tokyo is a nice change of pace from the videogame-ish, "oh my god I'm going to die" experience in NYC :)
Almost all taxis will have an automatic door opener though most taxis do not have much luggage space in the trunk so if you are traveling with a huge suitcase, you may need to call, or have the hotel call for you, a van.
Writing the name of the destination is fine most of the time but, in Tokyo, with so many businesses, sometimes a name is not enough. Combine that with almost no street names and navigation being done by onboard trip computers and landmarks, it can be a bit of a hassle. I suggest, whenever possible, have a map of the area handy. Usually, the webpage for the hotel/store/restaurant/office building will have a map that you can print out and give to the driver.
Finally, most taxi drivers do not want to venture out of their area. In another words, if you are in Tokyo and you want to get a cab to go out of Tokyo to, say, Kawasaki or Chiba, don't be surprised if they turn you down. Especially since, once they drop you off, it's dead time for them driving back to Tokyo.
Same can be said for getting a cab outside of Tokyo and going into the city. In that case, it's best sometimes to take a train into Tokyo first and then grab a cab outside a Tokyo train station.
:)
Posted by: Tim Arai | May 30, 2006 12:40 PM | Permalink to Comment