← All articles

Taking a Taxi in Japan: The Automatic Door and Saying Where to Go

Don't reach for the taxi door in Japan — the driver opens the back door for you.

Taking a Taxi in Japan: The Automatic Door and Saying Where to Go
  • The rear left door opens and closes automatically, so you don't touch it.
  • Once inside, say your destination by place name or address.
  • Many taxis take cards, but carry some cash too. No tip is needed.

Hailing the taxi and getting in

Many taxis are waiting in front of the station.

On the street, a taxi stops if you raise your hand.

A taxi that is free shows red characters on the front window.

The rear left door of a taxi opens automatically.

When it is late at night and there are no trains, a taxi is very handy. But it costs more than a train or a bus.

Please don't open or close the door yourself.

The driver presses the button for you.

You wear a seat belt in the back seat too. Please fasten it after the door has closed.

Saying where you want to go

Once you are inside, you say where you are going.

Please say 「東京(とうきょう)駅(えき)までお願(ねが)いします」 (to Tokyo Station, please).

The name of a hotel or a store is fine too.

If you don't know how to say it, show the map on your phone.

When you get off

When you arrive, say 「ここで止(と)めてください」 (please stop here).

You hand the money to the driver before getting out.

You pay the amount in yen shown on the meter.

Many taxis accept cards, but let's bring cash as well.

Words in this article

タクシータクシー
taxi
運転手うんてんしゅ
driver
自動じどう
automatic
開くあく
to open
閉めるしめる
to close
渡すわたす
to hand over

You don't need to tip. Say 「ありがとうございました」 and get out.