First Move
Look for the characters 空車, often shown in red, then stand slightly back and let the driver open the rear door.
Quick steps
- Look for 空車, then raise your hand or wait at a taxi stand.
- Stand back and let the driver handle the rear door.
- Show your destination on a map or in Japanese.
Say or show this
Use these phrases to speak or point when you need help.
Show the destination on your phone while saying this.
Koko made onegaishimasu.
ここまでお願いします。
To here, please.
Use when you want to check the payment method.
Kaado wa tsukaemasu ka?
カードは使えますか？
Can I pay by card?
Use when you want to get out at the current spot.
Koko de daijoubu desu.
ここで大丈夫です。
Here is fine.
If You See or Hear This
Kuusha
空車
It means: Available.
Your move
This taxi can usually pick up passengers.
Geisha
迎車
It means: Reserved or on the way to collect someone.
Your move
This taxi is already spoken for.
Chinsou
賃走
It means: Occupied and running on the meter.
Your move
Another passenger got there first.
If You’re Stuck
Check the characters instead of relying only on the color, as displays can vary. When the taxi stops, give the rear door some space. The driver controls it from the front. If you grab the door at the same moment, you and the taxi may begin a very polite argument.
Tiny Culture Note
Japanese taxis remove two small decisions from the passenger: Is this taxi free? Read 空車. Should I open the door? No—the driver already has it. The strange part lasts about five seconds. After that, it feels wonderfully convenient.