Hokkaido Transportation Guide: Taxi Edition – Explore Sapporo with Ease Even Without Japanese

There are many taxis on Japanese streets with little hearts on top, as if they’ve been “liked” — like this one driving through the bustling Susukino district of Sapporo.

These adorable taxis all belong to MK Taxi, a well-known Japanese taxi group. In Sapporo alone, they operate 104 vehicles, serving over 2,500 customers daily, and hold the largest taxi market share in Hokkaido.

This article uses MK Taxi as an example to share a transportation guide for getting around Hokkaido by taxi:

(1)If you don’t speak Japanese, hiring an in-car interpreter can solve all your communication problems

Want to ask locals for recommendations? Need to make a quick stop? Want to go somewhere but have trouble explaining? For just ¥1,500 (about ¥90) per hour, you can have an interpreter accompany you the whole way, solving all communication issues — even cheaper than hiring a tutor!

In-car interpreters are available for a minimum of 3 hours. Besides relaying your various requests, you can also ask the driver to share local sightseeing information and have the interpreter pass it along to you. It’s also useful for displaying professionalism during overseas work and ensuring impeccable hospitality.

(2)Taxi charter service offers the most comfortable and convenient Hokkaido travel experience

No exposure to sun or rain, no bitter cold or snowstorms, no worries about getting lost or missing the bus, and no need to carry heavy luggage. You decide where to go, and an experienced driver will navigate, take photos, and introduce attractions along the way... This is what true comfort and convenience in independent travel feels like.

Looking at this waiting figure, there’s a sense of reassurance and warmth.

(3)Don’t want to deal with public transport? Opt for a flat-rate service from New Chitose Airport to your specified destination

After landing, grab your luggage, and see everyone around you with their big bags, just like you, ready to leave New Chitose Airport. You really don’t want to squeeze into public transport, especially when seats aren’t guaranteed. If public transport can’t take you directly to your destination, consider using the flat-rate service from New Chitose Airport to your specified location.

It only costs ¥7,500 or ¥8,000 to reach the city center. If four people share the ride, that’s just ¥1,875 (about ¥110) or ¥2,000 (about ¥120) per person — not much different from taking public transport with transfers, but with less travel time and a better experience.

If there are more people, you can pay an extra ¥2,000 to upgrade to an Alphard van that seats five.

(4)Thoughtful “door-to-door” service makes it easy and reassuring for elderly passengers with limited mobility

The taxi service is very accommodating — you won’t bump your head, struggle with doors, or face any hassle. Just step in and you’re on your way, then step out at your destination.

(5)Taxi charters offer excellent value depending on group size and itinerary

Here’s the official price list:

The above are the latest prices updated as of July 1, 2019.

From left to right, top to bottom, the prices are for different vehicle types and rental durations.

If you specifically request an English-speaking driver, there’s an additional ¥1,000 per hour fee.

Parking fees, tolls, admission tickets, and meal costs are not included. Departure and return must be within MK Taxi’s service area: Sapporo City, Ebetsu City, Ishikari City (excluding some areas), and Kitahiroshima City.

(Alphard vans can accommodate up to 5 passengers)

(Business vans can accommodate up to 9 passengers)

Compared to public transportation, hiring a private car saves you the time of walking to the station, waiting, navigating your way, spares you the hassle of carrying luggage, allows you to enjoy a comfortable in-car environment, and lets you travel without worrying about other passengers. Plus, it becomes more cost-effective the more people there are.

    All services can be booked online or by phone. Simply enter the following link in your browser to visit the official Chinese website.

Payment methods include cash, credit card, Alipay, and WeChat Pay.