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How to call a cab in Japan? Cab terms and phrases are also introduced!

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Cabs in Japan


Most people in Japan probably use public transportation such as trains and buses to get around. However, when traveling from home to your destination with large luggage, or when going to a place far from a bus stop or train station, it is convenient to take a cab. Cabs are more expensive than trains and buses, but it is a good idea to learn how to hail a cab in Japan in case you need to use one someday.

In this issue, we will introduce how to call a cab in Japan and some points to keep in mind. We have also compiled a list of cab terms and phrases that are useful to remember, so please take a look.

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How to call a cab in Japan

There are three ways to call a cab in Japan

  • Use the app
  • Call the cab company
  • Ask the hotel staff

Each is described in detail.

Use the app

This is how to call a cab using a cab app.

First, download the application from the official website and register the necessary information. Set your boarding and alighting locations (destinations), then make a dispatch request and you are good to go. Please remember to turn on the GPS function so that you can see your current location.

If you find it confusing to pay in cash, you can use a cab dispatch application that allows online payment.

The following three cab apps are recommended for online payment.

GO・GO (former MOV・JapanTaxi)
Official site:GO 《GO》, an application that allows you to call a cab.
Areas covered: Tokyo, Saitama, Chiba, Kanagawa, Ibaraki, Gunma, Miyagi, Hokkaido, Fukuoka, Osaka, Hiroshima, Nara, Kyoto, etc.

GO is discussed in more detail in the following article.
▶︎ The Japanese cab dispatch app "GO 《GO》" will change the experience of transportation!

Uber Taxi
Official site:Uber Taxi
Areas covered: Tokyo, Yokohama, Osaka, Nagoya, Kyoto, Sapporo, Fukuoka, etc.

DiDi
Official site:DiDi 《DiDi》A cab app that comes in 5 minutes on average
Areas covered: Tokyo, Saitama, Chiba, Kanagawa, Hokkaido, Fukuoka, Osaka, Shizuoka, Hiroshima, Kyoto, Okinawa, etc.

There are also cabs that go directly to the airport!

Are you a little concerned about access to the airport?

To all such foreigners,"Near Me (ニアミー)"is recommended.

This is a fixed rate door-to-door service from your hotel or lodging to the airport that has already been chosen by over 400,000 people. The small number of passengers allows you to enjoy safe and reliable transportation in Japan. This service is especially suitable for those who take early morning or late night flights and for those who want to avoid traffic congestion during Japan's consecutive holidays.

When you use the service for the first time, you will also receive 30% OFF for the first time, and further discounts are available for 3 or more people with family or friends. When you visit Japan,"Near Me (ニアミー)"and experience comfortable airport access.

For more information: ▶︎ Near Me Airport

Call the cab company

You can also call a cab company directly and ask for a cab. You will be asked to provide your name, pick-up address, and destination address in English or Japanese.

If it is busy, the car may not be dispatched immediately, so we recommend that you call well in advance of your arrival.

The three 24-hour cab companies and their contact information are as follows

  • Nippon Kotsu Co.
    • Phone number: 03-5755-2336
    • Official site:NIHON KOTSU
      Operators specializing in English-language support are available.
  • Kokusai Jidosha Co.
    • Phone number: 03-5530-6001
    • Official site:KM Taxi
  • Teito Motor Transport Co.

Ask the hotel staff

You can also ask the staff of the hotel you are using to call a cab for you.
If you need to call a cab when you are out of town and do not know how to contact the cab service, you can ask the staff to do so.

How to catch a cab in Japan

In Japan, you can catch a cab on the street or at a train station without using an app or phone.

Search by the roadside

In Japan, cabs are numerous throughout the city, so it is relatively easy to find a cab on the main street. If you see a cab with an "empty" sign approaching, sign for it by raising your hand so the driver can see it.

Note that you basically cannot catch a cab on Main Street in the opposite lane.

Search by Station

In Japan, most stations have cab stands.
If you take a cab waiting at a cab stand, be sure to take the first cab.

If there are people waiting, you will be placed at the end of the line and wait your turn.
In most cases, the driver will open the rear passenger door for you, but if the driver does not notice you, knock lightly on the window to let him know.

Cab Fares in Japan

The fare for a cab is the "starting fare," which is always paid when riding in a cab, plus the distance traveled, and is indicated on the meter inside the car. The starting fare is indicated on the back window of the cab or inside the car, so it is a good idea to check the fare before getting in.

Similarly, payment by credit card or other means is also mentioned. If you wish to pay by card or electronic money, please check in advance.

In addition, the following charges may apply to cabs

  • surcharge
    • From 10:00 p.m. to 5:00 a.m., there is a surcharge of 20%. Cabs with a "surcharge" sign are more expensive than regular cabs, so be careful.
  • express charge
    • If you use the expressway, an expressway fee will be charged separately. Please note that it will not be displayed on the meter.
  • one-way car rental fee
    • If you call a cab by phone or app or make a reservation, you may be charged a "pick-up fee. It is added to the meter fare when you get out of the cab, so it is best to keep this in mind.
      Also, if a driver is kept waiting, a "waiting fee" may be charged.

Japanese Taxi Terms and Phrases

Here are some cab terms and phrases that are useful to know when using a cab in Japan.

Cab Terminology (Taxi Super Sign)

Available Signs

  • "空車" (vacant, kusha): a cab with no passengers in it.
  • 「割増」(surcharge, warimashi): Taxis that charge a late-night and early-morning surcharge.

Unavailable Signs

  • "賃走" (metered fare, chinso): Taxi with a customer in it
  • "回送" (deadhead, kaiso): Taxis that cannot be operated for business.
  • "迎車" (pickup service, geisha): a cab that picks up customers
  • "貸切" (charter, kashikiri): a chartered cab
  • "予約車" (reserved taxi, yoiyakusha): a cab that has already been reserved

Phrases for taking a cab

When calling a cab

You:タクシーを呼んでください。
Taxi o yonde kudasai.
Please call a Taxi.

You:迎えに来てもらえますか。
Mukaeni kite moraemasu ka?
Could you come pick me up?

Driver:住所はどこですか？
Jusho wa doko desu ka?
What is your address?

Driver:今からお迎えに参ります。
Imakara omukae ni mairimasu.
I'm on my way to get you.

Inside the Taxi

Driver:どちらまでですか？
Dochira made desuka?
Where would you like to go?

You:____（場所）までお願いします。
____ made onegai shimasu.
____ (address or name of the location) please.

Driver:かしこまりました。
Kashikomarimashita.
Certainly.

You:目的地までどのくらいかかりますか？
Mokutekichi made dono kurai kakarimasu ka?
How long does it take to get to the destination?

You:ここで右（左）に曲がってください。
Koko de migi (hidairi) ni magatte kudasai.
Turn right (left) here,please.

You:まっすぐ行ってください。
Massugu itte kudasai.
Go straight,please.

You:信号の手前でとめてください。
Shingou no temae de tomete kudasai.
Please stop just before the traffic lights.

You:急いでもらえますか？
Isoide moraemasu ka?
Could you please hurry up?

You:ここで待っていてください。
Koko de matteite kudasai.
Please wait here.

You:XXの隣にあります。
XX no tonari ni arimasu.
It's next to XX.

You:XXの近くにあります。
XX no chikaku ni arimasu.
It's near XXX.

You:ここでとめてください。
Koko de tomete kudasai.
Please stop here.

You:このあたりでおろしてもらえますか？
Kono atari de orosite moraemasuka?
Can you drop me off around here?

You:いくらですか？
Ikura desuka?
How much?

Driver:XX 円です。
XX Yen desu.
It's XX Yen.

You:領収書をください。
Ryousyuusyo o kudasai.
Please give me a receipt.

Driver:お忘れ物のないようにしてください。
Owasuremono no naiyouni site kudasai.
Make sure you haven't forgotten anything.

Points to keep in mind when taking a cab in Japan

Finally, here are a few things to keep in mind when taking a cab in Japan.

  • Doors open and close automatically.
    • The door on the left side of the rear seat of a Japanese cab is opened and closed by the driver. There is no need to open and close the door yourself.
  • Smoking is not permitted inside the vehicle
    • All cabs in Japan are non-smoking.
      Eating and drinking are allowed, but there is a possibility that odors may linger and drinks may be spilled. It is best to refrain from eating and drinking in the car as much as possible.
  • Do not place carry-on cases or wet umbrellas on the seat.
    • If you bring in a carry case, the casters may stain the seat. Try to place it on the floor, not on the sheet.
      Wet umbrellas should also be placed on the floor or held vertically by hand, not on the seat.
  • Tipping is not required.
    • In Japan, tipping is not required for cabs, so you can pay exactly what you paid. Of course, if you pay more, you will always get change.

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summary

In this article, we have introduced how to call a cab in Japan and some important points to keep in mind.

  • Use an app, call a cab company, or look for one on the street or at a train station.
  • Some cabs accept credit cards and electronic money.
  • Cab fares are basically displayed on the meter.
  • The "vacant" and "premium" signs indicate a cab that is available for boarding.
  • Remember that doors are automatic, no smoking in the car, and no tipping is required.

Unlike trains and buses, cabs allow you to get in and out wherever you wish. Please use the phrases introduced here to make the most of cabs in Japan.

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