Have you ever wondered what it’s like to be a taxi driver in Japan? Getting a taxi in Tokyo is a luxury for most people. Aside from the benefits of a convenient transportation medium, you receive some interesting information about Tokyo’s hidden gems and local areas from their taxi drivers.

Taxi drivers can be good conversationalists and can offer some form of comfort to their passengers. Hence, many taxi companies are also looking for non-Japanese drivers to help bring language skills and adaptability to the job! Your understanding of other cultures and customs and Japanese hospitality culture makes for a wonderful driver.

Being A Taxi Driver In Japan Is A Highly-Paid, Freedom-Filled Profession In Japan

Being a taxi driver in Japan is a very well-paid, respected profession, with the freedom of movement. Many people compare it to part-time driving for online reservation taxi companies such as S.RIDE or TAXI GO but depending on your hard work you can earn up to 10 million yen per year! In comparison, the average salary of a taxi driver in America is 36,300 USD. If you are someone who doesn't fancy the idea of being stuck in an office all day, maybe navigating the streets in a taxi is the job for you! With this in mind, here are some additional benefits of being a taxi driver!

Flexible Schedule With Lots Of Holidays

You can have a fulfilling private life with a convenient taxi shift schedule! Have 233 days off per year! It depends on the company but one system, for example, allows you to work every other day and only requires you to work 11 or 12 days a month. You get two days off a week (including the rest day after the night shift) and can take up to four consecutive days off twice a month. This flexible work schedule is unique to taxi drivers who can make the most of their private time this way!

Sightsee At Work

While it’s not the same as going sightseeing yourself, you can learn more about the area, discover all the interesting spots and better navigate local areas in Japan while working as a taxi driver. Have memorable conversations with your customers while taking them to and from sightseeing spots or make new connections by traveling with tourists. Additionally, you can also take a stroll around a Japanese town or city on your break and visit new areas you’ve never been to before.

Learn More About Japan Through The Training

To work as a taxi driver you need to have a license and study the names and geography of your designated local area. This could be a great opportunity to learn more about the roads and famous spots in your area, or even the stories behind certain buildings and historical places. You can always come back to visit any of these places during your shift with your customers and become a good source of information on Japanese places for tourists as well.

Communication is Key

If you are someone who has great communication skills then this might be just the job for you. Your priority may be ensuring that the customer reaches their destination safely but communication, as we mentioned before, is also very important and beneficial for you to gain good connections. Through training and experience, you can learn how to make your customers feel comfortable through communication and hospitality. One way that most non-Japanese drivers at taxi services connect to clients is by talking about their home country!

Great Pay

You are guaranteed a salary of over ¥300,000 per month after only 6 months after you start as a driver! This salary will increase depending on how hard you work.

Foreigner-Friendly Companies With Thorough Support

While there are many taxi companies out there, only some have support and training for non-Japanese applicants. These companies understand the concerns of non-Japanese residents in Japan and can support you through the whole process. The training cost is covered by the company and allows you to obtain an Ordinary Vehicle Class 2 Driver's License which is required for becoming a taxi driver. The instructors teach non-Japanese drivers how to provide Japanese-style hospitality as well as the all-important local geography knowledge and driving skills. Other foreign drivers are already working there so you have a colleague support group of other like-minded people in place ready to help you feel welcome.

The Typical Schedule Of A Taxi Driver

This is what a typical day working as a taxi driver in Japan could look like.

07:00 Work begins

Drivers will inspect the taxis so the customers can ride safely and comfortably. The built-in navigation systems available in all taxis also need to be tested. The office shares any notices or important information and then the drivers are ready to take to the roads.

10:00 Driving starts

In the mornings the drivers target people commuting, shopping, or airport pick-ups and drop-offs.

12:00 Lunch

Drivers can take a lunch-time break where they want, and will fully refresh to continue with the afternoon driving.

13:00 Driving continues

In the afternoon, the drivers target sightseers, shoppers, and business people on their way to meetings.

16:30 Break / Dinner

Before it gets busy in the evenings, drivers take a break, an early dinner and maybe fill up the tank if need be.

19:00 Driving continues

This is where the best money is made! Drivers target commuters, people on their way home from drinking, and partygoers who have missed the last train.

03:00 Return to the garage

Back in the garage drivers clean the cars, record mileage, etc, and then the workday is finished! It may be long hours but the breaks throughout the day help drivers stay refreshed! Taking these breaks wherever you like after dropping off your customers is an overlooked perk of the job. You can find new favorite spots, and visit new sights!

It’s hard to determine which is the best taxi company for you, as there are so many out there! Through the Guidable Jobs website, we help you find the perfect taxi driver job that will fit your schedule, leave you fulfilled, and help you earn a stable income here in Japan. Our staff is here to help provide you with the advice and support you need, so don’t hesitate to follow your dreams of working in Japan, and give taxi driving a try. We wish you the best of luck in your job search.