5 reasons why the taxi app 'GO' is your ideal travel companion in Japan

Gone are the days of frantically waving down cabs on busy streets or struggling to find a taxi stand in an unfamiliar neighbourhood. The GO app brings unprecedented ease to getting around in Japan. With near-nationwide coverage – the app works in every prefecture except Shimane – you can easily hail a taxi whether you’re in the bustling streets of Tokyo, exploring the popular sightseeing areas of Hokkaido or navigating the historic temples and alleyways of Kyoto. 

The app’s intuitive interface makes booking a ride as simple as a few taps on your screen, eliminating the need to recite detailed instructions while riding. Open the app and input the pick-up and drop-off points, request a cab, find your ride by matching the license plate with the app, tell the driver the confirmation number displayed on the pick-up screen and voila! 

The app interface is available in English and the mapping system has a powerful search function with a large database of sightseeing spots, restaurants and addresses to choose from.

Japan is gradually catching up with the rest of the world when it comes to cashless payment, and the GO app has arguably been at the forefront in this regard. GO eliminates the stress of fumbling for cash or wondering if your credit card will be accepted. The app seamlessly handles payment methods including international credit cards and digital wallets like Apple Pay. The app remembers your payment preferences, so you don’t have to re-enter card information for each ride. Moreover, if you select ‘GO Pay’ as your payment method (and have GO Pay linked with a credit card or similar) when requesting a taxi, you won't have to make any transactions while in the car.

One of the most common challenges for non-Japanese speakers when taking a taxi is explaining their destination to the driver. The GO app smashes this language barrier by allowing you to input your destination directly into the app. Simply enter the destination or drop a pin on the map and the app communicates everything to your driver. 

In the event that you can’t find the cab you requested, you can communicate with the driver via preset messages through the app for added convenience.

GO boasts the largest number of taxi cabs supported by any taxi-hailing app in Japan, which makes finding a ride to your destination that much easier. The app displays the requested cab’s current whereabouts on a map and the estimated time of arrival at the pick-up point for added peace of mind, giving you information on potential delays in real time. 

With GO’s extensive network of cabs, there’s no need to look for a taxi stand. GO users can secure an available taxi that’s already in the vicinity thanks to the app’s smart dispatching system, which efficiently matches passengers with nearby drivers.

GO goes above and beyond when it comes to offering various vehicle options to match your specific needs. Planning a special occasion that calls for a fancy ride, need a larger cab to fit your suitcases, or maybe a wheelchair-accessible vehicle? GO has you covered, letting you select the perfect ride for your situation.

The app also allows you to request taxi drivers with the best user review scores, taxis with air purification, and the JPN Taxi, a hybrid-electric taxi cab built to universal design specifications with added comfort and accessibility. (Note that additional charges apply for special requests, which may also not be satisfiable in all areas).

Download the app now on the App Store and Google Play

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Sourced from data.ai by Sensor Tower

- Number of taxi app downloads in Japan（Total of App Store and Google Play）

- Survey period: October 1, 2020 - Dec 31, 2024

- Among the top 5 taxi apps in Japan, GO has an 80% market share of total usage time.（Total of iOS and Android smartphone）

- Survey period: January 1, 2021 - Dec 31, 2024

*2

In-house research (Based on the interview survey of 5,151 taxi businesses including sole proprietors conducted from '22 Jun to '25 Jan)