Daily Life Lessons · Transportation
Learn how to stop or call a taxi, how to ride (automatic doors, telling the driver your destination, seat belts), and how to pay, so you can use a taxi on your own when you need to.
You can take a taxi from a taxi stand at a station, hospital, or similar place, stop one on the street by raising your hand when its sign shows "vacant" (空車), or call one by phone or with a taxi app. If you have a taxi come to you, there may be a pick-up charge (迎車料金).
The rear door is often an automatic door that the driver opens and closes, so wait instead of opening it yourself. After getting in, tell the driver your destination. Showing the name of the place or the address is the surest way. Wearing a seat belt is required even in the back seat.
The fare is determined by the meter. Besides cash, some taxis accept credit cards, QR code payments, and other methods. If you have a receipt, it is easier to contact the taxi company if you leave something behind. There are also universal design (UD) taxis that you can board while staying in your wheelchair, and they charge the regular taxi fare.
タクシーに 乗る 方法です。
- タクシー乗り場から 乗ります。 - 道で「空車（くうしゃ）」の タクシーに 手を 挙げます。 - 電話や アプリで 呼びます。（お金が 多く かかることが あります）
うしろの ドアは、運転手が 開けます。自分で 開けないで 待ちます。
行き先を 言います。住所や 地図を 見せても いいです。
シートベルトを します。うしろの 席でも します。
お金は メーターで 決まります。カードが 使える タクシーも あります。
領収書（りょうしゅうしょ）を もらうと、忘れ物の ときに 便利です。
車いすの まま 乗れる タクシー（UDタクシー）も あります。
How do you stop a taxi on the street?
Raise your hand to a taxi showing "vacant," at a safe spot where it is easy to get in.
What do you do about the taxi's rear door?
The rear door is often an automatic door that the driver opens and closes, so wait until it opens.
What about seat belts in the back seat of a taxi?
Wearing a seat belt is required on all roads, even in the back seat.
If you leave something in a taxi, which of these helps you contact the taxi company?
You can contact the taxi company written on the receipt.
How much does a universal design (UD) taxi cost?
UD taxis charge the regular taxi fare.
Q. I can't say my destination well in Japanese.
A. Showing the driver a map app screen or a note with the name or address of your destination makes it easier to communicate.
Q. Can I use a credit card or smartphone payment?
A. More and more taxis accept them, but it depends on the car. It is reassuring to check with the driver before or when you get in.
Q. Are there times when fares are higher?
A. Late at night and at some other times, an extra charge may apply. Fares and the hours of extra charges differ by region.
This practice tool asks questions in random order (it works when JavaScript is enabled). You can still read all the questions and explanations above without it.
Systems and procedures may differ depending on the city, ward, town or village where you live and on the time of year. Please check the latest information from your local government or the relevant organizations.
Content checked on: 2026-09-28
This page is a translation of the Japanese original. If the translation and the original differ, the Japanese version takes precedence. View the Japanese original