By Taxi in Osaka

You'll have no problem hailing taxis on the street or at taxi stands. (A red light in the lower left corner of the windshield indicates availability.) The problem is Osaka's heavy traffic. Fares are metered at ¥550-¥640 for the first 1 m (2 km), plus ¥90 for each additional 500 yards. Few taxi drivers speak English, so it's advisable to have your destination written in Japanese characters to show to the driver. It's not customary to tip, and many taxis now accept credit cards. Late at night, generally after midnight, there's a 20% surcharge.