【Pick-up】DiDi Taxi
DiDi is one of the world’s largest ride-hailing services, operated by the Chinese company Didi Chuxing. In Japan, DiDi launched its services in 2018, initially focusing on the Kansai region, and it has since expanded to 15 prefectures, including Tokyo.
DiDi offers a wide range of payment options, including cash, credit cards, and QR code payments like Rakuten Pay, making it convenient for all users. Whether you need a ride during the day or late at night, DiDi lets you quickly book a taxi and pay smoothly. 🚖✨
| Service | DiDi |
| Scheduled Ride Booking | Available |
| Payments | Cash,Credit Card, QR Payments |
| Service Areas | Hokkaido, Miyagi Tokyo, Kanagawa, Saitama, Chiba Yamanashi, Shizuoka, Aichi Osaka, Kyoto, Nara, Hyogo Hiroshima, Fukuoka, Nagasaki, Okinawa *Excluding some areas |
Click here for detailed service areas.
What is DiDi Taxi?
DiDi is one of the world’s largest transportation platforms, offering a wide range of mobility services, including the DiDi TAXI taxi-hailing app, DiDi Hitch hitchhiking app, and DiDi Bike-Sharing app.
In Japan, DiDi launched its services in 2018, initially focusing on the Kansai region, and has since expanded to operate in 15 prefectures nationwide.
How to Use DiDi Taxi
Here’s how to use DiDi:
- Request a Ride
- Get In
- Get Out
Request a Ride
Open the DiDi app and enter your destination. Next, select your payment method and set your pickup location. The app will then search for the taxi that can reach you the fastest from nearby vehicles. You can also check the estimated arrival time and real-time location of the taxi directly in the app. 🚖📱✨
Get In
After getting in, the taxi will usually take the shortest route to your destination, but you can also request a preferred route if you like.
Depending on the driver, they may also confirm the destination or route with you to ensure everything is correct. 🚖🗺️✨
Get Out
When you arrive at your destination, if you chose in-app payment, you can simply get out of the taxi without any extra steps. If you selected in-car payment, you’ll pay the fare directly to the driver.
After the ride, you’ll have the option to rate your driver through the app. 🚖✨
Benefits of DiDi Taxi
Here are the main benefits of using DiDi Taxi:
- Cashless Payments
- Point Program
- Driver Safety
- Multilingual Support
- Fast Pickup
Cashless Payments
DiDiでは、アプリ決済が可能で方法としては、クレジットカードや電子マネー、QRコードなどが可能です。車内決済も可能なので、現金ももちろん使用できます。
さまざまな支払い方法があるので、安心してタクシーを利用できます。
Point Program
With DiDi, you can earn points every time you ride, just like with credit cards or airline miles. This is the only point program offered by a taxi app in Japan, making it a major advantage.
You can redeem accumulated points for discounts, and depending on your membership rank, you can earn 1%–3% of your fare as points, meaning the more you ride, the more you save.
This program is especially attractive for business travelers and frequent taxi users. 🚖✨
Driver Safety
DiDi drivers undergo a pre-screening process, ensuring a safe experience for passengers. Through the app, you can check driver details and ratings before your ride.
You can also view information about the assigned taxi, such as the car model, license plate number, and driver profile. The app also shows the real-time location of the taxi and the estimated arrival time.
All of this allows you to ride with peace of mind and confidence.
Multilingual Support
Not only is DiDi convenient for use within Japan, but it’s also highly accessible for international travelers, as the app supports multiple languages, including English.
This means you can book and use taxis without worrying about language barriers, making your travel experience smoother and more comfortable.
Fast Pickup
DiDi is known for its fast pickup times, with taxis typically arriving within an average of 5 minutes after booking — a major advantage over other services.
The app is powered by AI technology, which not only calculates straight-line distance but also considers current traffic conditions to optimize dispatch. Additionally, it offers a recommended pickup spot feature, making it easier for both passengers and drivers to find each other quickly and smoothly.
Disadvantages of DiDi Taxi
Here are some of the main drawbacks of using DiDi Taxi:
- Limited Service Areas
- Possibility of Cancellation
- Cannot Book Multiple Taxis at Once
Limited Service Areas
Currently, DiDi’s service areas are limited, so it’s important to check in advance whether your location is covered. Compared to other taxi apps, DiDi operates in fewer areas, so knowing its service range ahead of time is essential for a smooth experience.
Possibility of Cancellation
If the driver gets caught in traffic or is unable to arrive at the pickup point on time, there’s a possibility that your booking may be canceled.
To avoid this, it’s recommended to book your ride with extra time in mind, especially during busy periods.
Also, during bad weather or peak traffic hours when taxi demand is high, it’s particularly important to make reservations early to ensure you get a ride when you need it.
Cannot Book Multiple Taxis at Once
When using the DiDi app, you cannot book multiple taxis at the same time.
If you need several taxis, you’ll need to combine it with another taxi app or call a taxi company directly to arrange multiple vehicles. 🚖📱📞
Summary
In this article, we introduced the DiDi taxi-hailing app. As one of the world’s largest transportation platforms, DiDi is also highly recommended for international travelers.
In Japan, the service is currently available in 15 prefectures, but since it’s not yet nationwide, make sure to check the service areas in advance to enjoy a smooth and comfortable taxi experience.
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