From the 20th, taxi fares in Tokyo’s 23 wards were raised for the first time in approximately three and a half years. Not only distance-based surcharges but also time-based surcharges will be higher than before.
■10% Taxi Fare Increase in 23 Wards The initial fare of 500 yen remains unchanged, but the fare system has changed. From the 20th, taxi fares were revised in Tokyo’s 23 wards, Mitaka City, and Musashino City. While fares still start at 500 yen, the distance covered by the initial fare has been shortened from “1.096 kilometers” to “1 kilometer.” Also, the distance at which the meter increases by 100 yen has changed from “every 255 meters” to “every 232 meters.”
For example, if you take a taxi from Tokyo Station to Shinjuku Station, a distance of approximately 7.4 kilometers, the fare, which used to be 3100 yen, will now be calculated to be 3500 yen. The following comments were heard from passengers regarding the fare increase in the 23 wards, the first in approximately three and a half years. A passenger (in his 50s) said, “I came from Shinanomachi (to Shimbashi). It cost 3,000 yen, which is about 500 yen more than last week, for the same distance.” A passenger (in his 70s) said, “(Q. What was the fare from Hiroo to Shimbashi last time?) It was about 2,800 yen (last time). It’s about 3,000 yen (this time). It’s a bit tough.”
■Time-based surcharge reduced by 100 yen per 10 seconds It’s not just the “fare rule based on distance” that has changed. The surcharge added based on the length of the ride has also been changed. The time-based surcharge, which applies when the speed drops below 10 km/h due to red lights or traffic jams, has also been increased from “100 yen every 1 minute and 35 seconds” to “100 yen every 1 minute and 25 seconds.” The following comments were heard from taxi drivers regarding this price increase.
A taxi driver (in his 30s) said, “I suppose there are some unavoidable aspects to it. I would be happy if the fare increase was reflected in my salary, but if it’s just the meter going up, then nothing will change.” According to the Tokyo Hire-Taxi Association, this fare increase is mainly to address the need to improve the working conditions of drivers. The impact of rising fuel prices due to the situation in Iran is not included, and depending on future developments, there is a possibility of further fare increases. (From the broadcast on April 21, 2026) [TV Asahi NEWS]
