If you’ve ever hopped in a taxi in Japan and wondered why a short ride costs more in one city than another, you’re not imagining it. Japan’s taxi system is regulated by region, and each area’s association (under national rules) publishes its own fare structure. Below is a quick, traveler-friendly breakdown of the base fare, the distance included, and the late-night surcharge for six major cities.
The basics of how the meter starts
In most Japanese cities, the meter begins with an initial (base) fare that covers a set initial distance. After that, the fare increases by distance and, in slow traffic, by time. Late-night/early-morning rides typically add a surcharge. A practicle calculator might help more.
City-by-city snapshot (standard/regular taxis)
| City | Base fare | Distance included | Late-night surcharge |
|---|---|---|---|
| Tokyo | ¥500 | Up to 1.096 km | +20% from 10:00 p.m. to 5:00 a.m. (東京のタクシー［一般社団法人 東京ハイヤー・タクシー協会］) |
| Osaka | ¥600 | Up to 1.2 km | +20% from 10:00 p.m. to 5:00 a.m. (一般社団法人大阪タクシー協会) |
| Kyoto | ¥500 | Up to 0.9 km (Kyoto city area) | +20% generally from 10:00 p.m. to 5:00 a.m. |
| Sapporo | ¥670 | Up to 1,463 m | Late-night surcharge applies from 10:00 p.m. to 5:00 a.m. (ようこそさっぽろ) |
| Fukuoka | ¥670 | Up to 1,064 m | +20% from 10:00 p.m. to 5:00 a.m. (Taxi Fukcty) |
| Nagoya | ¥500 | Up to 0.91 km | +20% from 10:00 p.m. to 5:00 a.m. (meitakyo.com) |
Tokyo
Tokyo’s central fare (23 wards, Musashino, Mitaka) starts at ¥500 for up to 1.096 km, with the usual 20% late-night premium from 10 p.m. to 5 a.m. (東京のタクシー［一般社団法人 東京ハイヤー・タクシー協会］) This relatively short initial distance is one reason short hops can feel pricey.
Osaka
Osaka’s standard taxis list an initial fare of ¥600 for 1.2 km. (一般社団法人大阪タクシー協会) The association also notes a 20% surcharge between 22:00 and 5:00, with some variation by company within the official range. (一般社団法人大阪タクシー協会)
Kyoto
Kyoto’s Kyoto city area revised fares show a typical base of ¥500 with an initial distance effectively set around 0.9 km for standard vehicles. The Kyoto taxi association indicates that late-night/early-morning rides are generally 20% higher from 10 p.m. to 5 a.m. (Kyoto Taxi Association)
Sapporo
Sapporo’s visitor-facing official transport information lists a base fare of ¥670 up to 1,463 meters, and states that a late-night surcharge applies from 22:00 to 5:00. (ようこそさっぽろ)
Fukuoka
The Fukuoka City Taxi Association provides clear figures: ¥670 for up to 1,064 m for regular cars, with a 20% late-night increase from 22:00 to 5:00. (Taxi Fukcty)
Nagoya
Nagoya Taxi Association information shows ¥500 for up to 0.91 km for standard cars and a 20% late-night/early-morning increase from 22:00 to 5:00. (meitakyo.com)
Why fares differ across Japan
Japan’s taxi fares aren’t set city-by-city in an ad hoc way—they’re governed by a national framework. The Ministry of Land, Infrastructure, Transport and Tourism (MLIT) uses a regional fare-block system and specifies approved fare ranges; within these bounds, companies choose and file their exact fares. (Ministry of Transport)
Local conditions then shape the numbers. Larger, busier, or higher-cost urban zones may adopt shorter initial distances or higher base amounts to reflect operating costs and demand. Regional associations also show that even within the same city, there can be company-level variation as long as it remains inside the official range. (一般社団法人大阪タクシー協会)
In short: the rules are national, but the economics are local—and that’s why your “first kilometer” can look quite different across Japan.
Practical tips for travelers
- Expect the 10 p.m.–5 a.m. bump. Most major cities listed here apply a ~20% surcharge during these hours. (東京のタクシー［一般社団法人 東京ハイヤー・タクシー協会］)
- Short rides can feel expensive in cities with shorter initial distances (like Nagoya and Kyoto). (meitakyo.com)
- Traffic matters. Slow movement can trigger time-based additions, even on short routes (noted in multiple association explanations). (東京のタクシー［一般社団法人 東京ハイヤー・タクシー協会］)
Last Updated: 2026-01-03
Disclaimer: Actual fares vary by route, traffic conditions, time-based charges, and the taxi company’s specific rate within the approved range.
