Taxi

❃ Taxi

タクシー乗り場はどこですか？ [ Takushī noriba wa doko desu ka ]: Where is the taxi stand?
タクシーを呼んでください。 [ Takushii o yonde kudasai. ]: Please call a taxi.
この住所までお願いします。 [ Kono juusho made onegaishimasu. ]: To this address, please.
東京駅まで行ってください。 [ Toukyou eki made itte kudasai. ]: Take me to Tokyo Station, please.
ここを右に曲がってください。 [ Koko o migi ni magatte kudasai. ]: Please turn right here.
まっすぐ行ってください。 [ Massugu itte kudasai. ]: Please go straight.
あの信号の手前で止めてください。 [ Ano shingou no temae de tomete kudasai. ]: Please stop before that traffic light.
ここで降ろしてください。 [ Koko de oroshite kudasai. ]: Please drop me off here.
急いでいます。 [ Isoide imasu. ]: I'm in a hurry.
どのくらい時間がかかりますか。 [ Dono kurai jikan ga kakarimasu ka. ]: How long will it take?
いくらですか。 [ Ikura desu ka. ]: How much is it?
クレジットカードで払えますか。 [ Kurejitto kaado de haraemasu ka. ]: Can I pay by credit card?
領収書をお願いします。 [ Ryoushuusho o onegaishimasu. ]: A receipt, please.
お釣りは結構です。 [ Otsuri wa kekkou desu. ]: Keep the change.
トランクを開けてもらえますか。 [ Toranku o akete moraemasu ka. ]: Could you open the trunk?

Cultural notes

Taking a taxi in Japan is a uniquely luxurious and highly regulated experience that perfectly reflects the nation's dedication to impeccable customer service. The very first thing you will notice is the vehicle itself: Japanese taxis are immaculately clean, often featuring white lace seat covers, and the drivers, known as "Untenshu" (運転手), typically wear crisp suits, ties, and pristine white gloves. One of the most important cultural quirks for foreigners to remember is the automatic left rear door. The driver controls this door with a hydraulic lever from the front seat; you must never try to open or close it yourself, either from the inside or the outside, as forcing it can damage the mechanism and is considered extremely rude. When giving your destination, it is highly recommended to provide a well-known local landmark rather than a specific street address. Because the Japanese addressing system is based on blocks rather than street names, even local drivers can struggle with exact numbers. Saying "Tokyo eki made itte kudasai" (東京駅まで行ってください - Please go to Tokyo Station) or showing the driver a map on your phone is the most effective strategy. As the journey concludes, the meter will display the exact amount owed. Unlike in many Western countries, the absolute golden rule in Japan is that tipping is strictly prohibited. If you try to tell the driver to keep the change ("Otsuri wa kekkou desu" - お釣りは結構です), they will likely chase you down the street to hand you your remaining coins. You simply pay the exact fare shown on the meter, take your receipt ("Ryoushuusho" - 領収書), and wait for the driver to automatically open the door for you to exit gracefully.

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