How to ride a taxi in Japan: automatic doors, signs and payment

How to find a free taxi

Look at the small sign at the front of the taxi. The colors are the key.

• Red: the taxi is free and can pick you up.
• Green: the taxi is busy with a passenger.

You can wave from the side of the road, or go to a taxi stand at a station or hotel. Taxi apps such as S.RIDE, Uber, DiDi and GO also work in English once you download them.

The automatic door

The rear door on the passenger side opens and closes by itself, and the driver controls it. Wait for it to open, get in, and wait for it to close.

Do not pull or push the door by hand. It can damage the door and surprise the driver.

Tell the driver where to go

Drivers in big cities may speak some English, but not always. Show your destination written in Japanese on your phone or on a card, especially if it is not a famous sight or hotel.

Paying for the ride

• Credit cards are generally accepted in taxis in major cities. In the countryside you may need cash.
• Tipping is not expected and drivers do not accept it. Pay the fare on the meter.
• A late-night surcharge applies from 10 p.m. to 5 a.m. Highway tolls are paid by the passenger.

FAQ

Sources

• Japan National Tourism Organization (JNTO): Taxis in Japan

Related tips

• Do you tip in Japan?Short answer: no. Tipping is not expected in restaurants, cafes, taxis or hotels in Japan. Here is when it is fine, and what to do instead.
• Suica and IC cards: how visitors can pay for trains and shopsA Suica is a rechargeable IC card for trains, buses, vending machines and many shops. Visitors can get a Welcome Suica card or use Welcome Suica Mobile on a phone.
• Emergency numbers in Japan: 110, 119 and the visitor hotlineWho to call in Japan: 110 for the police, 119 for an ambulance or fire, and a 24-hour English hotline for visitors.