Japanese Phrases for Taxi Rides

Get in, give directions, and pay — without awkward silence.

Taxis in Japan are clean, reliable, and the doors open automatically — but talking to the driver is still on you. Most drivers don't speak English, and showing a map on your phone only gets you so far. If you need to give turn-by-turn directions or explain a detour, you need actual words. These phrases cover getting in, directing the driver, and handling payment without awkward misunderstandings.

Getting In & Directions

  • すみません、東京駅までお願いします。

    Sumimasen, Toukyou eki made onegaishimasu.

    Excuse me, to Tokyo Station, please.

  • この住所までお願いします。

    Kono juusho made onegaishimasu.

    To this address, please.

  • あの交差点を右に曲がってください。

    Ano kousaten wo migi ni magatte kudasai.

    Please turn right at that intersection.

  • まっすぐ行ってください。

    Massugu itte kudasai.

    Go straight, please.

  • ここで止めてください。

    Koko de tomete kudasai.

    Please stop here.

Payment & Requests

  • クレジットカードは使えますか？

    Kurejitto kaado wa tsukaemasu ka?

    Can I pay by credit card?

  • レシートをお願いします。

    Reshiito wo onegaishimasu.

    A receipt, please.

  • トランクを開けてもらえますか？

    Toranku wo akete moraemasu ka?

    Could you open the trunk?

  • だいたいいくらくらいかかりますか？

    Daitai ikura kurai kakarimasu ka?

    Roughly how much will it cost?

Special Requests

  • 急いでいるのですが、間に合いますか？

    Isoide iru no desu ga, ma ni aimasu ka?

    I'm in a hurry — will we make it in time?

  • エアコンをもう少し弱くしてもらえますか？

    Eakon wo mou sukoshi yowaku shite moraemasu ka?

    Could you turn the AC down a bit?

  • コンビニに寄ってもらえますか？

    Konbini ni yotte moraemasu ka?

    Could you stop at a convenience store?

  • あと少し先で降ろしてください。

    Ato sukoshi saki de oroshite kudasai.

    Please drop me off a little further ahead.

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Related Guides

Japanese Phrases for the Train Station

Japanese Phrases for Restaurants

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