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How a Japanese taxi door works

Don't touch it. The rear door opens and shuts on its own, and reaching for it marks you as a first-timer.

  1. 1Stand back from the rear left door and wait. The driver opens it for you with a lever up front — it swings open on its own.
  2. 2Get in. Don't pull the door, and don't try to close it behind you.
  3. 3When you arrive and pay, wait again — the driver releases the door and it opens. Step out.
  4. 4Leave it; the driver closes it once you're clear.

Heads up. Grabbing or slamming the door is the reflex to unlearn. It's automatic; the driver works it, not you.

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