I’ve decided to make a separate blog post on this question as I’m asked it so often.
Do Japanese taxis accept more than 4 passengers at a time?
Almost always no (if they do – they could be fined for breaking the law.
If you need a taxi for 5 -8 people the simpliest answer is that you are probably best to get two cabs. Particularly if it is a spontaneous decision to travel somewhere by taxi. Van taxis aren’t impossible to find but it’s definitely harder – so I would just save yourself the stress and do two taxis or go to public transport.
Alternative, download the Didi App, Go Taxi app or you can use Uber (but this does end up being a Japanese taxi anyway but is good if you don’t want to hail a cab or you just don’t want to talk to the driver at all, I guess….). A van will take much longer to turn up so I only recommend doing this ahead of time though as you may have to wait a while for the right type of car to become available.
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What about travelling to and from the aiport with a large group in Japan?
Before I tackle this answer – if you are flying into Haneda, Tokyo ,I recommend considering a taxi when you arrive into Japan – it will take approximately 30 mins to central tokyo and cost approx 8000-9000 yen. I know that might seem like a lot but if you are tired and have children travelling with you – you just need to get to your hotel without worrying about directions or looking for elevators for suitcases etc. I consider this cost an extension of your flight costs – it’s part of getting to Japan. You can be super thrifty from Day 2 of your holiday.
If you are booking an airport transfer and want to get a driver for everyone to travel together, I recommend using this private transfer service. A private transfer service is also best when you need car seats for kids or need to transport a family member who uses a wheelchair.
I also recommend weighing up the costs and train changes as well as looking up the timetable for the ‘airport limousine bus‘* (this is my favourite way to get to Narita from Tokyo when I am with my kids. There is a toilet onboard, free wifi, the staff put your luggage under the bus – it’s just so nice and easy. There are seatbelts in the bus too. You don’t need to be staying at one of the hotels the airport limousine bus stops at, either. Just take the bus to the closest option to your hotel and then walk or take a short taxi ride the rest of the way. )
If you are flying into Kansai International Airport in Osaka, I recommend looking at the aiport limousine bus options there too or trying MK taxi.
See here for more tips on travelling in a taxi in Japan with kids.
PLEASE NOTE: This article contains some affiliate links. If you purchase something through one of these links, I will receive a small commission at no additional cost to you.
