General Information on TaxisTaxis are a costly and unnecessary alternative to the efficient public transportation public system in larger cities in Japan. However, in smaller cities such as Numazu City, taking a taxi from the nearest train station to your final destination may be a good alternative to waiting for an infrequent bus. If you travel in a group of three or more people, it could even be more economical.
Taxi fares usually start around 600-700 yen for the first two kilometers and increase by roughly 100 yen for every additional 500 meters traveled. The cost also increases when the taxi is not moving for a prolonged time. As shown in the illustration below, a red plate shows that the taxi is vacant while a green plate indicates that is not available. The taxi’s left rear door is opened and closed automatically by the driver. Do not open or close it by yourself. You are not supposed to tip taxi drivers, as the service is included in the price. It is recommended to give the driver the precise address of your destination on a piece of paper or point it out on a map especially if your destination is not well-known. Numazu, Mishima, Shimizu and Nagaizumi Area Taxi Companies
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Coming soon for other areas.
Useful phrasesHow to Call a Taxi
1. Dial the taxi number and when someone answers, say (in Japanese): Omukae ni kite moraemasu ka? おむかえにきてもらえますか。Could you come pick me up? 2. They should say yes (hai はい) and ask for your address (Jūsho) , which might sound something like: Juusho wa doko desu ka? じゅうしょはどこですか。What is your address or from where do you want to get picked up? 3. Tell them your address in Japanese (or the address of where you're at, or a significant place in the area). In response, they should say something along the lines of OK and then most likely: Ima kara omukae ni kimasu. いまからおむかえにきます。 I'm on my way to get you. 4. They might give you a time estimate as to when they will arrive. How to Get Where You're Going 1. Once you're in the taxi, the driver might ask "dochira e?" (どちらへ?) or "dochira e ikimasu ka" (どちらへいきますか?") 2. Tell them (or show them) where you want to go. You can say the name plus "おねがいします" (onegaishimasu). 3. If you show them an address, you can say "ここへ行ってください" (koko e itte kudasai). If the place isn't well-known, they might ask for nearby landmarks or you might need to give some simple directions after they find the neighborhood or general location. Some of the Japanese phrases below might help:
Source: "HOW TO: Find and Call a Taxi in Japan | Surviving in Japan: (without Much Japanese)." HOW TO: Find and Call a Taxi in Japan | Surviving in Japan: (without Much Japanese). Web. 27 Mar. 2016. <http://www.survivingnjapan.com/2013/07/how-to-find-and-call-taxi-in-japan.html> .
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