Is it normal to talk to taxi drivers in Japan?
Depends.It depends
Yes, it’s fine to chat politely with a taxi driver in Japan, but quiet rides are normal too. Follow the driver’s lead and don’t take a short or reserved reply personally.
A brief greeting or a little small talk is perfectly okay. Some drivers enjoy chatting; others keep the ride quiet or may have limited English, so a conversation may not get far.
You can start with a simple comment or question and see how they respond. If they answer briefly or focus on driving, let the conversation rest—silence in a taxi isn’t rude or awkward.