Accessible Taxis & Transfers

JPN Taxi: Tokyo's Universal Design Taxi

The JPN Taxi, manufactured by Toyota, is a universal design vehicle developed in consultation with disability advocates as part of Japan's accessibility goals for the 2020 Olympics and Paralympics. It has become the standard taxi in Tokyo, and you will see them everywhere with their distinctive tall, boxy shape in dark blue or black.

Wheelchair Ramp Features

The JPN Taxi has a built-in rear ramp system that allows a wheelchair user to board while remaining seated in their wheelchair.

• The rear seats fold up, and a ramp folds out from the trunk area.
• The ramp width accommodates standard manual and power wheelchairs.
• The vehicle has a flat, low floor designed for wheelchair access.
• One companion can ride alongside the wheelchair user.
• The wide, power-operated left-side sliding door provides easy entry for ambulatory passengers as well.

Ramp Deployment: What to Expect

The ramp deployment process takes about 3 to 5 minutes. The driver must fold the rear seats, remove a cover, and assemble the ramp from the trunk. Some newer JPN Taxi models have a simplified ramp that deploys faster.

Booking Taxi Apps

GO App (Most Popular)

GO is the most widely used taxi app in Japan, covering 45 of 47 prefectures. It is available in English and Japanese.

• Download: Available on iOS and Android.
• Wheelchair request: When booking, tap the "Details" button to request a taxi with wheelchair accommodation or wide sliding doors. The app can filter for vehicles equipped for wheelchair boarding.
• Payment: Credit card through the app, or cash to the driver.
• Availability: GO has the largest fleet of any taxi app in Tokyo. However, wheelchair-accessible vehicles are a subset of the total fleet, so wait times may be longer than for a standard taxi.

Japan Taxi App

The Japan Taxi app (now integrated into GO in many areas) also allows booking in English. Wheelchair-accessible vehicle requests are available in some regions.

Uber Japan

Uber operates in Tokyo but with a smaller fleet than GO. Uber does not offer a dedicated wheelchair-accessible vehicle category in Tokyo. Standard Uber vehicles can accommodate a folding wheelchair in the trunk if you can transfer to a car seat.

Pricing

Tokyo taxis use meters. There is no surcharge for using a wheelchair-accessible vehicle.

• Starting fare: Approximately 500 JPY for the first 1.1 km.
• Per km after that: Approximately 400 to 500 JPY per additional kilometer (the meter increases in increments based on distance and time).
• Late night surcharge: A 20% surcharge applies between 10:00 PM and 5:00 AM.
• Expressway tolls: If the route uses an expressway (common for airport transfers), the passenger pays the toll on top of the metered fare.

Typical Fare Estimates

Accessible Hire Cars and Van Services

For groups or travelers needing a dedicated accessible vehicle for a full or half day, several companies offer wheelchair-accessible van hire with a driver.

• WHILL rental service: WHILL (a Japanese mobility company) offers short-term rental of power wheelchairs and scooters with delivery to your hotel. While not a taxi service, it can replace the need for taxis on many trips. Book at whill.inc or through Scootaround.
• Private accessible van hire: Several companies offer ramp-equipped vans with drivers for sightseeing, airport transfers, and multi-day trips. Search "wheelchair accessible van Tokyo" or ask your hotel concierge for recommendations. Typical pricing is 30,000 to 50,000 JPY for a full day (8 hours).
• Hotel shuttle services: Some larger hotels offer accessible shuttle services to airports and popular destinations. Ask when booking your room.

Airport Transfers by Accessible Taxi

For wheelchair users, a pre-booked accessible taxi or van is often the most convenient airport transfer option, especially for Haneda Airport.

Haneda Airport

• A metered taxi from Haneda to central Tokyo costs 5,000 to 8,000 JPY.
• JPN Taxis are available at the taxi rank, but a ramp-equipped vehicle is not guaranteed without advance booking.
• For a guaranteed accessible vehicle, book through the GO app (with wheelchair specification) at least 1 hour before your desired pickup, or call a taxi company directly.

Narita Airport

• A metered taxi from Narita to central Tokyo costs 20,000 to 30,000 JPY due to the 60 km distance.
• For this route, the Narita Express train (3,070 JPY) is far more economical and is wheelchair accessible. See our Airport guide for details.
• If you prefer a taxi from Narita, book a flat-rate airport transfer in advance. Several companies offer fixed-rate transfers ranging from 20,000 to 35,000 JPY, which avoids highway toll surprises.

Tips for Taxi Travel in Tokyo

• Door opens automatically. The rear left door on Tokyo taxis opens and closes automatically. Do not try to open or close it yourself as it may interfere with the mechanism.
• Cash and card. Most Tokyo taxis accept credit cards and IC cards (Suica/PASMO) in addition to cash.
• Show your destination. If you cannot communicate your destination verbally, show the address in Japanese on your phone. Google Maps works well for this. The driver can follow the GPS route.
• Receipts. Always take a receipt (the driver will offer one). It shows the taxi company name and ID number, useful if you leave something in the car.
• Service dogs. Service dogs are welcome in all taxis, including JPN Taxis. No additional charge applies.
• Wheelchair dimensions. JPN Taxis can accommodate wheelchairs up to about 70 cm wide and 120 cm long. Larger power wheelchairs may not fit. Check with the taxi company in advance if you use a large power wheelchair.