Last year, when I visited Yonago, I took taxis frequently. Surprisingly, I didn't feel much financial burden. It felt like I could cross an entire neighborhood for the same 2,000 yen. In Fukuoka, the meter seemed to climb quickly with just a short distance, but in Yonago, I barely felt that.
Why is it so different in the same country, Japan? I was curious, and I looked into it to help with my trip in August. There really is a difference. As of 2026, the basic taxi fares in Tokyo and Fukuoka have been lowered, and rural areas are inherently cheaper than major cities. And there was a reason why taxis in small cities were cheaper than in big cities.
Many people traveling to Japan might think, "Taxis are expensive, so I'll only use public transport." But depending on the region, taxis can actually offer better value. I've summarized the details below.
Japanese Taxi Basic Fares Vary by City (As of May 2026)
The difference between cities is surprisingly significant.
Tokyo 23 Wards: Basic fare 500 yen (up to 1km). It was originally 730 yen but was lowered in 2026. This seems to have significantly reduced the burden for short distances.
Osaka: Basic fare 600 yen (up to 1.2km). Kyoto and Kobe are at similar levels.
Fukuoka: Basic fare 580 yen (up to 1.3km). It was lowered in February 2026. Slightly cheaper than Osaka.
Regional Cities (Yonago, Tottori, Matsue, etc.): Usually around 410-500 yen. This is the cheapest range.
Among Koreans, the image of "Japanese taxis = 8,000 won basic fare" is strong, but that's an old story. Even in Tokyo, the basic fare now starts from 5,000 won.
There's a Specific Reason Why Taxis Are Truly Cheaper in Small Cities
Looking at just the basic fare, there isn't much difference between Tokyo/Fukuoka and regional areas, right? But in practice, the experience was completely different. The reason is Japan's combined distance and time-based fare system.
Japanese taxis charge not only by distance but also by time if the speed drops. If the speed is below 10 km/h or during traffic lights, 100 yen is added every 1 minute and 30 seconds. Complicated, isn't it?
In big cities, there are many traffic lights and congestion, so this time-based fare accumulates quickly. That's why the meter went up so fast even for short distances. On the other hand, in regional areas like Yonago, roads are open and there are fewer traffic lights, so the time-based fare is rarely applied. Since only the distance-based fare is calculated, you can travel much further for the same 2,000 yen.
What I experienced in Yonago was exactly this. When I thought about it after returning to Korea, the meter went up slowly. When I took a taxi in downtown Fukuoka, I saw 100 yen ticking up every time we hit a traffic light, but in Yonago, there were almost no such stops.
Details Koreans Often Miss
If you plan to take a taxi, there are a few things worth knowing.
The GO app supports Korean. You can enter your origin and destination to check the estimated fare in advance, and it's easy even if you don't speak Japanese. Think of it like Kakao Taxi.
Also, consider fixed-fare taxis. Many airport-to-city routes operate on a fixed fare. For example, Fukuoka Airport to Hakata Station has a fixed fare of 1,240 yen. It's safer and cheaper than going by meter.
For 4 passengers, it's really good value. If four people ride together, the cost per person can be similar to the subway, so if you have a group, I definitely recommend taxis.
And don't forget about the automatic doors. Japanese taxi rear doors open automatically. Don't try to open them yourself. The driver will also open them with a button when you get off.
You can get a receipt by simply saying "Ryoshusho kudasai (領収書ください)."
Sightseeing Taxis (Local Secret Tip): This was truly unexpected. Some regional cities offer fixed-fare sightseeing taxis for foreign tourists. Yonago, where I visited, is one such place. You can get 3 hours for 4,000 yen, for up to 4 people per taxi. This is about 40% of the local fare, meaning if 4 people ride together, it's 1,000 yen per person for a 3-hour custom tour. You can book in advance at the Yonago City Tourist Information Center inside Yonago Station or through the Yonago Tourist Navigator Sightseeing Taxi. You can plan your desired sightseeing course for 3 hours and return. This fixed-fare sightseeing taxi system is available in various regional cities across Japan. I recommend asking at the tourist information center in the area you're visiting.
Conclusion
The idea that "Japanese taxis are expensive" is outdated. As of 2026, basic fares in Tokyo and Fukuoka have been lowered, and small cities have always been cheaper. And due to the combined distance and time-based fare system, you can travel much further for the same money in small cities.
2,000 yen in Fukuoka = a few blocks / 2,000 yen in Yonago = an entire neighborhood. This is the true picture of Japanese taxi fares.
Next time I travel to Yonago or another small city, I plan to mostly use taxis for shorter distances. It's affordable, convenient, and most importantly, it shortens travel time, allowing me to see more attractions. Especially with a group, a fixed-fare sightseeing taxi course is worth trying. Today, I've summarized Japanese taxi fares. I'll write more if anything else comes to mind tomorrow.