Taxi

Taxis in Japan are another convenient transportation option. One downside to rail travel in Japan is that the trains only go as far as the train stations. They also stop running around midnight. So if your ultimate destination is beyond walking distance from the train station, or if you’re out on the town late at night, a taxi may be your best, and sometimes only, option!
While Japan taxis are convenient, they are also a bit pricey. As of June 2014, fares are 730 yen for the first 2,000 meters, and 90 yen for each additional 288 meters traveled. Between the hours of 10pm and 5am, the rate increases by 20%.

Catching a cab in Japan is actually quite easy. Here’s how it works:

If you’re at the train station, simply line up at the taxi stand and wait for the next available cab.
When hailing a cab on the street, hold up your arm to signal an unoccupied taxi.

This picture is an empty car.
In Japan, taxi doors open and close automatically.
Most Japanese taxi drivers do not speak English, but this should not be a problem as long as you can tell them the name of your destination. If you can’t, but can show it to the driver from a guidebook or map, this should usually be sufficient.
Once you arrive at your destination pay the driver the amount shown on the meter. Tipping taxi drivers is unnecessary, as tipping is not customary in Japan.