How to Take a Taxi in Japan

The Auto-Opening Door (Don’t Touch It!)

The most important thing to know about Japanese taxis:

The rear left door opens and closes automatically.

What to do:

1. Stand back when the taxi stops
2. Wait for the driver to open the door
3. Get in
4. Don’t touch the door — the driver closes it

When exiting:

1. Pay the driver
2. Wait for the driver to open the door
3. Get out
4. Don’t touch the door — the driver closes it

Why: The driver controls the door with a lever. Touching it can break the mechanism or cause injury.

Front passenger seat: You can open this door yourself, but most passengers sit in the back.

How to Hail a Taxi

Method 1: Street Hail

Look at the taxi’s windshield sign:

Sign Color	Meaning
Red (空車 kūsha)	Available — raise your hand
Green (賃走 chinso)	Occupied — don’t hail
Yellow (迎車 geisha)	On the way to pick up a reservation
No light	Off duty

How to hail:

1. Stand on the side of the road (not in the street)
2. Raise your hand when you see a red-lit taxi
3. Make eye contact with the driver
4. Step back as the taxi pulls over

Best locations:

• Major streets (avoid narrow alleys)
• In front of hotels
• Near train stations (but use taxi stands there)

Method 2: Taxi Stands (タクシー乗り場)

Found at:

• Train stations
• Airports
• Hotels
• Shopping centers
• Tourist attractions

How to use:

1. Join the queue
2. Wait your turn
3. Get in the next available taxi

Don’t skip the line — Japanese queues are strict.

Method 3: Ride-Hailing Apps

GO Taxi (formerly Japan Taxi + MOV)

• Largest fleet in Japan
• English interface
• Cashless payment
• Track your taxi in real-time
• Booking fee: ¥0-¥600 depending on area

Download: iOS App Store / Google Play

How to use:

1. Download GO app
2. Set pickup location (or use current location)
3. Set destination
4. Choose payment method
5. Request taxi
6. Track arrival on map

Other apps:

• Uber — available in Tokyo but limited fleet, more expensive
• DiDi — Chinese app, some English support
• S.RIDE — Japanese app, limited English

Recommendation: Use GO Taxi for the best experience.

Method 4: Phone Call

Call a taxi company directly:

Tokyo taxi dispatch:

• Nihon Kotsu: 03-5755-2336
• Hinomaru Taxi: 03-3814-1111
• Checker Cab: 03-3591-2111

What to say: “Takushii onegaishimasu. [Your address].” (タクシーお願いします。[住所])

Dispatch fee: ¥300-¥600 added to your fare.

Language barrier: Most operators speak Japanese only. Apps are easier.

Taxi Fares in Tokyo (2024-2026)

Standard Metered Fare

Tokyo 23 wards, Musashino, Mitaka:

Distance/Time	Fare
Initial fare (first 1.096km)	¥500
Each additional 255m	¥100
When traveling under 10km/h	¥100 per 1 min 35 sec

Tama area (western Tokyo):

Distance/Time	Fare
Initial fare (first 1.091km)	¥500
Each additional 233m	¥100
When traveling under 10km/h	¥100 per 1 min 25 sec

Late-Night Surcharge (深夜割増)

22:00-5:00: +20% on the metered fare

Example: ¥2,000 fare becomes ¥2,400 at night.

Long-Distance Discount

Fares over ¥9,000: 10% discount on the amount over ¥9,000

Example: ¥10,000 fare = ¥9,000 + (¥1,000 × 0.9) = ¥9,900

Expressway Tolls

You pay tolls in addition to the fare.

The driver will show you the toll receipt.

Typical Costs

Route	Distance	Fare (approx)
Tokyo Station → Shibuya	6km	¥2,500
Shinjuku → Roppongi	5km	¥2,000
Shibuya → Asakusa	10km	¥4,500
Haneda Airport → Central Tokyo	15-20km	¥6,000-¥8,000
Narita Airport → Central Tokyo	60km	¥20,000-¥25,000 (use train instead)

Taxis are expensive compared to trains. Use them for:

• Late-night travel (after last train)
• Heavy luggage
• Groups of 3-4 people (split the cost)
• Short distances where train transfers are inconvenient

Payment Methods

Cash

Always accepted. Have yen ready.

How to pay:

1. Check the meter when you arrive
2. Hand cash to the driver
3. Receive change and receipt

Large bills: ¥10,000 notes are usually fine, but drivers may struggle with change late at night. ¥1,000 and ¥5,000 notes are safer.

IC Card (Suica/Pasmo)

99.4% of Tokyo taxis accept IC cards (as of 2025).

How to pay:

1. Tell the driver “IC card de” (ICカードで)
2. Tap your card on the reader (usually on the back of the front passenger seat)
3. Wait for confirmation beep
4. Take your receipt

Make sure you have enough balance. Check before the ride.

Credit Card

Most taxis accept credit cards (Visa, Mastercard, JCB, Amex).

How to pay:

1. Tell the driver “Credit card de” (クレジットカードで)
2. Insert or tap your card
3. Sign or enter PIN if required
4. Take your receipt

Some older taxis don’t accept cards. Check the sticker on the window before getting in.

Mobile Payment

Accepted in some taxis:

• PayPay
• LINE Pay
• Rakuten Pay
• Apple Pay / Google Pay (via credit card)

Look for stickers on the taxi window.

Tipping

DO NOT TIP.

Tipping is not part of Japanese culture. The driver will refuse or be confused.

Just pay the metered fare.

Showing Your Destination

Method 1: Google Maps Screenshot

Most reliable method for tourists:

1. Open Google Maps
2. Search your destination
3. Take a screenshot showing:
   • Destination name in Japanese
   • Map with pin
   • Address
4. Show the driver

Drivers can read the map and address.

Method 2: Say the Address

If you speak Japanese, say:

“[Destination] made onegaishimasu.” ([目的地]までお願いします。)

Example: “Shibuya eki made onegaishimasu.” (渋谷駅までお願いします。)

Method 3: Hotel/Business Card

Carry your hotel’s business card (usually at the front desk).

Show it to the driver when returning to your hotel.

Method 4: Write It Down

Write the destination in Japanese on paper:

• Hotel name
• Address
• Landmark

Use the hotel’s Japanese name, not the English name.

Basic Phrases

Situation	Japanese	Pronunciation
”To [place], please”	[場所]までお願いします	[basho] made onegaishimasu
”Stop here, please”	ここで止めてください	Koko de tomete kudasai
”How much?”	いくらですか？	Ikura desu ka?
”Receipt, please”	領収書をお願いします	Ryōshūsho o onegaishimasu
”IC card”	ICカードで	IC card de
”Credit card”	クレジットカードで	Credit card de
”Thank you”	ありがとうございます	Arigatō gozaimasu

Most drivers don’t speak English, but they’re used to tourists. Pointing and showing your phone works.

Taxi Etiquette

Do:

• Sit in the back seat (rear left is standard)
• Wear your seatbelt (required by law in back seat)
• Keep your voice down (taxis are quiet)
• Wait for the driver to open/close the door
• Pay promptly when you arrive

Don’t:

• Touch the door
• Eat or drink in the taxi
• Smoke (all taxis are non-smoking)
• Tip the driver
• Slam the door (it’s automatic)
• Get in a taxi with a green light (occupied)

Troubleshooting

Problem	Cause	Solution
Driver doesn’t understand destination	Language barrier	Show Google Maps screenshot or hotel card
Taxi won’t stop	You’re in a no-stopping zone	Move to a legal stopping area (not near intersections)
Driver refuses the ride	Destination is too close or outside their area	Try another taxi or use the train
Card payment declined	Taxi doesn’t accept your card type	Pay with cash or IC card
Meter seems high	Late-night surcharge or traffic	Check if it’s 22:00-5:00 (20% surcharge applies)
Can’t find a taxi	Peak hours (rush hour, rain, Friday night)	Use GO app to reserve, or wait at a taxi stand
Driver took a longer route	Avoiding traffic or one-way streets	Trust the driver — they know the fastest route

Special Taxi Services

Large Taxis (ジャンボタクシー)

Capacity: 6-9 passengers

When to use:

• Large groups
• Lots of luggage

How to book: Call dispatch or use GO app (select “large taxi”)

Fare: Higher base fare (around ¥700-¥800)

Wheelchair-Accessible Taxis

Available in major cities.

How to book:

• Call dispatch in advance
• Use GO app (select “welfare taxi”)

Fare: Same as regular taxis

Fixed-Fare Airport Taxis

Haneda Airport ↔ Central Tokyo:

• Fixed fares available to certain areas
• ¥5,300-¥8,200 depending on destination
• Book at airport taxi counter

Narita Airport ↔ Central Tokyo:

• Fixed fares available
• ¥20,000-¥26,000 depending on destination
• Not recommended — take the train (¥3,000, 1 hour)

FAQ

Q: Can I hail a taxi from the right side of the road?
A: Yes, but the door only opens on the left side. The driver may need to make a U-turn or you’ll have to cross the street.

Q: What if I leave something in the taxi?
A: Call the taxi company immediately (check your receipt for the company name and taxi number). Tokyo taxis have a very high lost-and-found return rate.

Q: Can I request a specific route?
A: Yes, but drivers usually know the fastest route. If you have a preference, show them on a map.

Q: Do taxis accept foreign credit cards?
A: Most do (Visa, Mastercard, Amex). JCB is a Japanese card and always works.

Q: Can I share a taxi with strangers to split the cost?
A: No. Japanese taxis don’t do ride-sharing. Each ride is private.

Q: What if the driver doesn’t know where my destination is?
A: Show them the address or map. Drivers have GPS, but small streets can be tricky. A phone number for the destination helps (they can call for directions).

Q: Are taxis safe for solo travelers at night?
A: Yes. Japanese taxis are very safe. Drivers are professional and licensed.

Q: Can I book a taxi in advance?
A: Yes. Use the GO app or call dispatch. Booking fee applies (¥300-¥600).

Last verified: February 2026