Do You Need Child Car Seats for Taxis in Japan?
- litschkap
- 9 hours ago
- 2 min read
Japan is an incredible destination for families—blending ancient traditions, futuristic cities, and one of the safest travel environments in the world. But while navigating Tokyo’s skyline or Kyoto’s historic streets with kids, you might wonder: Are child car seats required in taxis in Japan?
Here’s what traveling families need to know about keeping children safe on the road in Japan.
What Are the Car Seat Laws in Japan?
Japanese traffic laws state that children under 6 years old must use a child restraint system while riding in a car. This applies to private vehicles and, in theory, also to hired cars like taxis.
However, in practice, taxis are legally exempt from this rule when the ride is considered “urgent” or when child seats are not available. This loophole means you can legally ride in a taxi without a child seat, but it’s far from the safest choice—especially in busy cities or on highways.
Do Taxis in Japan Provide Car Seats?
Most taxis in Japan do not carry car seats unless requested in advance. Whether you’re in Tokyo, Osaka, Kyoto, or Sapporo, it’s highly unlikely a standard street-hailed taxi will have one onboard. Some ride-hailing services may allow for booster seats, but infant and toddler seats are rarely provided without pre-booking.
Even hotel concierge services and airport taxis typically require a special request if you need a child seat—and availability may be limited during peak travel seasons.
The Safer Option: Book a Taxi With Car Seats in Advance
The best way to travel securely with kids in Japan is to pre-book a taxi that guarantees the correct child car seat for your child’s age and size.
At Taxibambino.com, we make it simple to book child-safe taxis throughout Japan, including major hubs like Tokyo, Osaka, Kyoto, and Fukuoka. Whether you’re arriving at Haneda or Narita Airport or exploring the countryside, we’ve got you covered.
You can request:
Rear-facing infant seats
Forward-facing toddler seats
Booster seats for older children
All drivers are vetted, and the car seat is installed and ready when you get in.
Should You Rent a Car in Japan?
While Japan has a world-class train network, some families consider renting a car for trips outside the cities. Rental car companies do offer child seats, but you’ll need to reserve them in advance, and you may have to install them yourself—with instructions often only in Japanese.
For airport transfers, hotel pickups, or short trips within cities, booking a taxi with a car seat is the more practical and comfortable choice.
Family Travel Tips for Japan
Book early, especially during national holidays like Golden Week and New Year
Provide your child’s age, weight, and height when booking to get the best-fit seat
Choose air-conditioned vehicles—summers in Japan can be humid and hot
Avoid relying on public taxis if you need a car seat, as availability is extremely limited
Explore Japan Safely With Your Family
Japan is unforgettable for kids and adults alike—from sushi trains and snow monkeys to bullet trains and cherry blossoms. But don’t let safety fall through the cracks when it comes to transportation.
Visit Taxibambino.com to pre-book taxis with child car seats in Japan, and travel with confidence—wherever your journey takes you.
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