Japanese for Taxis — Hailing, Giving Directions & Paying | Nihongo to Japan
Japanese taxis are clean and the drivers polite — a handy option at night or when you have lots of luggage, though pricier. The doors usually open and close automatically, so don't pull them yourself. Most drivers don't speak much English, so a few basic phrases make things smoother.
Giving your destination
- 〇〇ホテルまでお願いします (〇〇ほてるまでおねがいします) — To the 〇〇 Hotel, please
- 〇〇駅へお願いします (〇〇えきへおねがいします) — To 〇〇 Station, please
- この住所まで行ってください (このじゅうしょまでいってください) — Please go to this address (show the address)
- 急いでいます (いそいでいます) — I'm in a hurry
- ゆっくりで大丈夫です (ゆっくりでだいじょうぶです) — No rush, take your time
- トランクを開けてもらえますか？ (とらんくをあけてもらえますか) — Could you open the trunk? (for luggage)
Requests & paying
- だいたいいくらぐらいですか？ (だいたいいくらぐらいですか) — About how much will it be?
- ここで止めてください (ここでとめてください) — Please stop here
- もう少し先でお願いします (もうすこしさきでおねがいします) — A little further, please
- ここで降ります (ここでおります) — I'll get off here
- カードで払えますか？ (かーどではらえますか) — Can I pay by card?
- 領収書をください (りょうしゅうしょをください) — A receipt, please
- おつりはいりません (おつりはいりません) — Keep the change
Japan has no tipping culture — just pay the metered fare and take your change as usual. Saying "keep the change" (おつりはいりません) is only for rounding up a small amount and is not expected.
Travel tips
- In a Japanese taxi the left rear door (curbside) is automatic — don't open or close it yourself, just wait for the driver; the other doors are manual
- For ride-hailing apps, try GO or DiDi: set your destination and hail without speaking Japanese
- Most cabs accept credit cards, but a few old-school taxis may be cash-only — worth checking beforehand
FAQ
How much is the starting taxi fare in Japan?
It varies by region; in Tokyo it starts around ¥500, then charges by distance. Late at night (usually 22:00–05:00) a night surcharge of about 20% applies, so keep that in mind before you ride.
Where can I catch a taxi in Japan?
Mainly at taxi stands (タクシー乗り場) in front of stations, or by hailing on the street (flag one down when the red 空車 'vacant' light is lit). Using the GO or DiDi app is even easier — no waiting around.