Raw Japan

Skipping the taxi

Looking for extra motivation to walk away the pounds? Japan’s Happinet Toys is selling a pedometer that calculates how much money you save on taxi fares by walking as well as the calories you burn.

The meter on the ”Taxi Walker” starts at 710 yen ($7.90) — the same as the initial fare for most Tokyo taxis and which covers the first 2 km  (1.2 miles). Once the user has walked more than 2 km, the pedometer tacks on 90 yen for each additional 280 meters.

Happinet says it’s recommended for anyone from thrifty housewives to businessmen who often take taxis — especially after going out for post-work drinks. You can read more about it here.

I gave the Taxi Walker a try and found that it adds a fun twist to what can be a mundane form of exercise.