Your Guide to Taking a Taxi in Japan: How to Ride, Pay, and Request English Support

Table of contents

Your Guide to Taking a Taxi in Japan: How to Ride, Pay, and Request English Support

Your Guide to Taking a Taxi in Japan: How to Ride, Pay, and Request English Support

Hello! I’m Miyabi, a mom living in Japan.
If you’re planning to visit Japan and are unsure about using taxis, you’re not alone. While taxis in Japan are safe, clean, and reliable, there are a few things you should know in advance — especially about payment and language support.

1. What Makes Japanese Taxis Unique?

Automatic doors: Don’t try to open or close the door yourself — the driver controls it.
No tipping: The meter fare is all you pay.
Very clean and punctual: Vehicles are well-maintained, and drivers are polite.

2. How to Take a Taxi in Japan

Hail a taxi on the street: Look for the red sign that says “空車” (available).
Use taxi stands: Found at major train stations, airports, and hotels.
Use a taxi app: The most popular in Japan are GO and DiDi.

3. Payment Options (and Important Tips)

Cash (Japanese yen)
Credit cards (Visa, MasterCard, AMEX — not all taxis accept them!)
IC cards like Suica or PASMO (prepaid transport cards)

Important:

Not all taxis accept credit cards or IC cards.
Some taxis, especially in rural areas or privately owned ones, may not be able to give change for a 10,000 yen bill.
Always ask the driver before getting in:
“Can I pay by credit card?” or “Is it OK to pay with a 10,000 yen bill?”

Most taxis will have stickers on the window or door showing accepted payment methods. Look for them before you enter.

4. Want an English-Speaking Driver?

Unfortunately, not all drivers speak English. If you want to be sure, it’s best to reserve a taxi in advance by phone.

Recommended service:

Nihon Kotsu (Japan’s major taxi company) offers an English-language phone line.
Details and booking: Nihon Kotsu English Support Page

This is especially helpful for airport transfers, business trips, or when traveling with family.

5. Using Taxi Apps in Japan

There are two major apps you can use to call a taxi:

GO App: Available in many cities across Japan
DiDi App: English support available, works in limited areas

With these apps, you can:

Set pickup and drop-off locations
Pay with credit card through the app
See your fare estimate

6. Other Things to Know

Late-night fares: A 20% surcharge applies between 10 PM and 5 AM.
Rural areas: Fewer taxis, so calling ahead is recommended.

Useful Japanese Phrases for Taxis

Here are a few simple phrases that might help you:

“クレジットカード使えますか？”(くれじっとかーど　つかえますか？) — Can I use a credit card?
“1万円しかありませんが、大丈夫ですか？”(1まんえん　しか　ありませんが、だいじょうぶ　ですか？) — I only have a 10,000 yen bill. Is that okay?
“英語を話せる運転手さんはいますか？”(えいご　を　はなせる　うんてんしゅ　さん　は　いますか？) — Is there a driver who speaks English?