Taxis in Osaka
Osaka taxis are in ample supply and make getting around this fast-paced city straightforward and seamless. Like most Japanese cities, Osaka has a well-connected public transport system, but it’s not the easiest for visitors to navigate. Fortunately, taxis in Osaka are incredibly reliable and well-maintained, allowing you to travel around the city with ease. Simply walk to a taxi rank, call a local provider, use an Osaka taxi app, or hail a cab from the streetside to secure a ride.
Most taxis in Osaka are black, but depending on the company, you might also spot yellow cabs. Official cabs will have a yellow, blue, or red sign on the roof that indicates it’s a taxi, typically accompanied by the vehicle’s identification number. Taxi fares in Osaka are based on meter readings, but some companies have fixed rates for specific routes, such as from Osaka Airport to the city center.
Hand picked & english speaking drivers
Same price as a regular Taxi from the line
Drivers are always on time
24/7 Email & Phone support
How much is a taxi in Osaka?
| Taxi prices | Day time (05:00 - 24:00) | Night time (00:00 - 05:00) | Duration |
|---|---|---|---|
| FROM KIX TO OSAKA CITY CENTER | 85.60 € | 102.70 € | 40 MIN |
| FROM ITM TO OSAKA CITY CENTER | 27.20 € | 32.60 € | 15 MIN |
| FROM OSAKA CITY CENTER TO OSAKA CASTLE | 11.20 € | 13.40 € | 10 MIN |
| FROM OSAKA CITY CENTER TO UNIVERSAL STUDIOS, OSAKA | 20 € | 24 € | 20 MIN |
| FROM OSAKA STATION TO OSAKA AQUARIUM | 25.60 € | 30.70 € | 15 MIN |
Osaka taxi prices
While some operators offer fixed fares for popular routes, most taxis in Osaka use meters to calculate the price. Osaka taxi prices depend on several factors, including distance, time, number of passengers, and time of day. Two separate tariffs are in place, as Osaka taxi fares increase by 20% for nighttime journeys between 22:00 and 05:00. You’ll also need to account for other extras, such as toll fees.
The current Osaka taxi rates are as follows:
Base fare: €4 (JPY 660)
Price per km: €1.60 (JPY 270)
On average, an Osaka Airport taxi to the city center will cost upwards of €85.60 (JPN 14,191) for a 40-minute journey. At night, this price will increase to around €102.70 (JPN 17,026). By comparison, a taxi to Osaka Castle from the center will come to around €11.20 (JPN 1,857) and take roughly 10 minutes, rising to €13.40 (JPN 2,221) for trips at night.
Read all reviews
How to get a taxi in Osaka
There’s no shortage of taxis in Osaka, and you won’t need to venture far to find a ride. In most cases, all you’ll need to do is make your way to a busy area, and you’ll spot a taxi rank. If there aren’t any ranks within walking distance, you can always flag down a taxi, arrange a cab using any of the taxi apps in Osaka, or call a local operator on the phone. Some of the main ranks in the city are located at transport hubs like Kansai Airport or Osaka Station, as well as at tourist hubs like Universal Studios or Osaka Castle.
You can tell an Osaka taxi is vacant by checking if the light on the roof is illuminated, though this can be challenging to spot during the daytime. If a driver pulls over, wait for them to open the door for you, as this is common practice in Osaka.
How to get a taxi from Kansai Airport
Kansai Airport has two terminals, each of which has designated taxi stands that operate 24/7. From terminal 1, look for the signage guiding you to exit E. As you walk through this exit, you’ll notice a taxi rank with a mix of small (kogata), medium (chugata), and large (ogata) cabs. If you’ve reserved a taxi in advance, use exit B for northbound journeys and exit F or G for southbound trips.
Terminal 2 has a dedicated taxi stand outside the International Arrivals Hall, with a similar mix of different-sized vehicles.
It’s important to keep in mind that even large Osaka taxis only hold up to five or six passengers, so you may need to pre-book a cab if you require a minivan or minibus.
How to get a taxi from Itami Airport
Itami Airport has a 24/7 taxi service that runs from outside the Arrivals Hall of the main terminal building. From the Arrivals area, follow the signs leading you to the monorail station until you reach the escalator, which will take you to the taxi rank.
Most taxis here can take between four and six passengers, and booking is advised for larger parties who don’t want to split up into multiple vehicles.
How to get a taxi from Osaka Station
If you’re looking for a taxi from Osaka Station, keep an eye out for the overhead signs for Sakurabashi Gate. Following these signs will guide you to the station’s main taxi rank, where cabs are readily available. Most taxis here can take up to four passengers, though some can carry up to six people.
How to get a taxi from Universal Studios
Universal Studios has a taxi stand situated on the grounds of the park right beside the bus stops. Although most taxis arrive close to closing time, there are generally a handful of drivers onsite during the middle of the day, too.
How to get a taxi from Osaka Castle
Osaka Castle lies in the center of its namesake park, and you’ll generally be able to hail a cab from streets close to any of the entrances. However, there’s also a rank beside the Otemon Gate, where you’ll find various-sized taxis. This spot is approximately 10 minutes from Osaka Castle on foot.
Most popular Osaka taxi apps
Many people prefer to book a ride online, which is when the many taxi apps in Osaka come in handy. This option allows you to pay online and usually offers a set fare for the journey. Some of the top-rated Osaka taxi apps include GO and Uber.
Keep in mind that with ride-sharing apps, waiting times can be long during rush hours or busy tourist seasons. If you want to take advantage of the fixed fares these apps offer but don’t want to risk lengthy waiting times; you might prefer to book an Osaka taxi with a trustworthy company like Welcome Pickups. We ensure you don’t waste any time on your vacation and get you where you need to be as quickly as possible.
Useful Osaka taxi numbers
It’s always a good idea to have some Osaka taxi numbers on hand if you’re having no luck hailing a taxi or using a ride-sharing app. You may find that many operators speak very little English, so it’s best to ask your hotel or the restaurant or bar you’re at to call one for you. The following are the numbers for some of the most reputable taxi services in Osaka.
MK Taxi Osaka: +81 (6) 7178 4441
Ken’s Osaka Taxi: +81 (90) 1256 7840
Shochiku Taxi: +81 (6) 6574 2250
Booking your Osaka taxi in advance
Rather than wasting valuable time in Osaka waiting for cabs or trying to work out public transport timetables, why not book a taxi in Osaka with Welcome Pickups? It can be overwhelming trying to find your feet in a new city, especially when you don’t speak the language, but our five-star service and on-time pickups will ensure your trip is relaxed and hassle-free.
Osaka taxi tips
- Tipping isn't customary in Osaka and is even considered rude in many circumstances.
- Osaka taxi doors open automatically, meaning you must wait for the driver to open them rather than use the handles.
- Most taxis in Osaka can be paid for using cards or cash. If you opt for the latter, you must use the local currency, Japanese Yen.
- English isn't widely spoken in Osaka, so always have the address of your destination in digital or written form.
- Only hail a taxi from the road if there's space for the driver to pull over safely. Otherwise, they may not stop for you.
Wheelchair-accessible taxis in Osaka
Because standard taxis in Osaka aren’t typically suitable for passengers with reduced mobility, your best option is to arrange wheelchair-accessible transport ahead of time. While you can place fold-up wheelchairs in the trunk for free, you’ll need to contact local providers like MK Taxi Osaka to book adapted vehicles with the correct support and adaptions for passengers.
Safety and complaints for taxis in Osaka
Taxis in Osaka are among the safest and most dependable you’ll find anywhere in the world. Drivers are polite, honest, and safe, so the chances of you encountering any issues are extremely slim. Nonetheless, problems can arise in any city, and if you want to report an incident, make sure you get the driver’s name, identification number, and registration at the end of the ride.
Once you’ve gathered this information, you’ll need to file a report with the taxi company in question. If you wish to take things further, reach out to the authorities at +81 (050) 3816 2787 at any time to speak to an agent in English.