As convenient as the train system is, there are still times when you will need to take a taxi in Japan. While taking a cab long distances will still cost you a lot more than other forms of public transport, you can almost be assured of a comfortable and safe experience with a smartly dressed driver and clean car. Here are some basic facts about the Japan taxi system that are handy to keep in mind before you catch one.

Catching a taxi in Japan is usually quite a simple and civil affair. You either hail one off the street, wait for one at a taxi stand, or book one via a smartphone app or via phone.

1. How to Find a Taxi Stand

Taxi stands are commonly located in front of train stations and can also be found in front of large hotels or hospitals.

2. How to Catch a Taxi On the Street

Go to the nearest main street and look for a taxi with the word 空車 (ku-sha) such as below, which means “available”. Even if you cannot remember the Japanese, do try to keep in mind that “available” signs for taxis in all over Japan are red.

Hail a taxi by stepping to the edge of the street, look intently at the driver, wave or raise a hand to get the taxi driver's attention.

When a Japanese taxi driver stops to pick you up, he will almost always put on his hazard lights as he pulls over to the side of the road. Don’t bother reaching out to open the backseat door–this is controlled by the driver and it will swing open automatically for you. No Smoking is allowed within the taxis. If you would like to consume food within the taxi, it would be polite to ask even though the driver will usually give their consent.

Taxi Marquee Signs

Below is an explanation of all of the typical signs you will see on a Taxi marquee. These signs are basically the same throughout Japan in general.

1) Warimashi

Increased Night Fare – Between the hours of 11 pm – 5 am, taxis charge an additional 20% fare so you will see this sign on many taxis available during that timeframe.

2) Chinsou

not available

3) Kaisou

out of service

4) Kashikiri / Geisha

reserved, on the way to a pick-up

5) Yoyakusha

reserved for specific amount of time

Taxi stands

As if it wasn’t easy enough to find a taxi in Japan just walking down the street, there are also taxi stands. Conveniently located all over town, you can expect to find them near high foot-traffic areas such as train stations and of course at big hotels, where more often than not a long row of taxis will be lining up for passengers. Although you may be tempted to hop into the taxi which happens to be closest to you, please do not. Japanese taxi etiquette dictates that you ride the one at the front of any given line—even if you’re alone!

Japanese Taxi Words and Phrases for Getting to Your Destination

Don’t rely on a taxi drivers’ knowledge of English to get you where you want to go. If you haven’t been to your destination before and can’t give the driver directions in Japanese, it’s a good idea to have the address at hand for the driver to input into the taxi’s GPS system. A note with the address in Japanese, a physical map, a screen capture, or the website of your destination are all preferable to verbal confirmation only. That said, you will probably need to say a few things during your trip.

This is a hypothetical dialogue between a driver and passenger, illustrating how you might communicate. There is also a list of common words you will need to know when instructing a taxi driver where to drop you off. Japanese follows English in each sentence.

Explaining your destination

Driver: “Where would you like to go?”
Dochira made?

You: “Please take me to Roppongi 3-chome”
Roppongi san-chome made onegai shimasu.

Driver: “Certainly.”
Kashikomarimashita.

Giving directions

"Please turn left (right) at the next corner.
"Tsugi no kado wo hidari (migi) ni magatte kudasai/Tsugi no kado hidari desu.

"Please stop just before the traffic lights."
Shingou no temae de tomete kudasai.

"My apartment (house) is right on the next corner."
Watashi no apato (ie) wa tsugi no kado desu.

"Please stop here."
Koko de tomete kudasai.

"How much?"
Ikura desuka?

"Please give me a receipt."
Ryoshusho wo kudasai / Reshiito wo kudasai.

Tip: It is advisable to receive a receipt as you can find the taxi company's contact information on it. It is very useful in case you lost something in a taxi.

Common words

Take a Taxi in Japan 

Standard sedan taxi	Van taxi
Electric vehicle taxi

Taking a taxi in Japan is a wonderful option, especially when it comes to clean, simple and convenient intra-city public transport that doesn’t care what time it is. So the next time you’ve missed your train, are looking to pamper your feet a little or have a lot of luggage to carry, don’t hesitate to call or hail a taxi!