Calling a Cab, Japan Style

For these reasons, navigating taxis in Japan is done very much in the traditional manner: using licensed taxis. However, there are a few subtle differences to what you may be used to overseas.

To make sure you don't get lost in translation, in this article I will explain the rules and quirks that will make your experience using taxis in Japan a smoother and more stress-free endeavor.

In the order of the picture above, here is what each sign means:

1. 「支払」When the previous passenger of the taxi is arranging payment for their fare this sign will be shown in the window. If you are nearby it is alright to stand near the front of the taxi to be the next in line to be the next passenger. 
2. 「貸切」 A chartered cab is not a regular cab, but a cab that is hired out on a time-based or distance-based basis. It is suitable for family trips, sightseeing with a small group of people, and transportation to and from stations and airports.
3. 「回送」When the vehicle must refuel, or the driver is eating, resting, returning, etc. With this status, the vehicle is not available for hailing. 
4. 「割増」Between midnight and 5 am (may vary by location) this status may be shown. This status indicates an increased surcharge due to the late hour. In most cases, if you are far from home, it may be better to avoid taking taxis at this hour if it can be helped. 
5. 「賃走」This means that the meter is on and running.
6. 「空車」This means the taxi is available and is the sign you most want to look out for when looking for a ride.
7. 「高速」When you get on the highway, the driver switches the meter from "fare" to "highway". This means that the time-based fare addition has been increased. Therefore, if you go the same distance on a regular road and get caught in a traffic jam, both time and distance will be added to your fare, and this may end up being more expensive.
8. 「介護」Meaning something similar to “nursing care” is a status in which the taxi is transporting a vulnerable person, either someone very elderly or has special needs. Usually used as a sign to other drivers to be cautious when driving around this vehicle. 
9. 「予約者」Reserved. This usually means the taxi is reserved and is not open to being hailed.

There's a lot of different statuses using very complicated Kanji, so a good rule of thumb is to look out for the very vibrant red sign which often suggests a free taxi.

The first 1.2km is 450 yen (Tokyo. Varies by location), and 80 yen is added for every 255m thereafter. In addition, in order to keep the meter running even when the vehicle is stopped in traffic jams or waiting at traffic lights, the system also includes time in the calculation.

The fare incremental notice display is shown on the left or below the fare. It is not a mandatory display, but an additional display to dispel the distrust that passengers may have when the meter goes up the moment they arrive at their destination.

For a handy graphic on how much a taxi would be in your area check here. (Japanese only)

• 〇〇〇 made onegai shimasu ➜  please take me to 〇〇〇
• Koko made de daijoubu desu  ➜  Right here is fine, thank you. (When you want to stop.)
• Daitai doregurai kakarimasu ka?  ➜  How long will the ride take? 
• Koko made ikura gurai desu ka?  ➜  How much (about) will the ride be?
• Shiharai ka-do de onegai shimasu  ➜ Payment by card, please.
• Shiharai genkin de onegai shimasu  ➜  Payment by cash, please.