Get ready for an amazing adventure in Japan! To ensure your trip starts safely, you need to be aware of a common scam at both Haneda and Narita Airports. After a long flight, the last thing you want is to be scammed by an illegal taxi. In Japan, you should be aware of two types of illegal taxi scams: the well-known ‘white-T’ taxis and a new, more deceptive type that uses legitimate-looking ‘green-plate’ vehicles.
My name is Kekochi, and I’ve been a taxi driver in Japan for 11 years. With a Japanese spirit of hospitality, I’d like to share the ins and outs of taking a taxi for people from overseas.
Remember this: In some cases, the people running these illegal businesses at Haneda and Narita airports are not Japanese. A legitimate Japanese taxi driver will never approach you inside the terminal building to offer a ride. If you use an illegal taxi, you run the risk of not receiving adequate compensation if you are involved in an accident or other trouble.
Reference news : Case of Narita Airport
Reference video : Case of Haneda Airport & Narita Airport
It seems that Japanese drivers are also committing illegal acts in rural areas.
Reference video : Case of touting at Kawaguchiko Station
What is an Illegal “White-T” Taxi?
“White-T” taxis are private cars that operate illegally without a proper license. They often approach tourists directly in the arrival hall, offering either a “cheap” ride or an exorbitantly expensive one.
The New Case: A taxi with a green license plate that cannot be obtained through normal means.
These vehicles have green license plates, which are used by licensed taxis and commercial vehicles in Japan, making them look legitimate.
In Japan, only vehicles with green license plates are legally allowed to carry passengers for a fee. While obtaining a green license plate requires passing a very strict screening process, some people are illegally acquiring them through questionable means and using them to solicit customers.
This isn’t just about illegally soliciting customers; it also raises another issue: some companies are profiting from the illegal and prohibited practice of “name lending.”
General Warning Signs
They will not have a taxi sign on the roof, a driver’s license will not be displayed, and they will only accept cash or vague payment methods.
No Taxi Stand
Scammers will approach you inside the terminal building, not at the official taxi stand.
No Roof Sign
Even with a green license plate, a legitimate taxi will always have a lit-up taxi sign on its roof and a meter inside.
Fixed, Unreasonable Price
They will insist on a fixed, unofficial price and do not have a meter to show the fare.
Useful Resources for Taking a Taxi in Japan
Official taxis in Japan operate based on meters set by Japanese law and fares determined for each region. During normal business hours, taxis are legally required to follow the meter. These meters, which are regulated by law, are designed to prevent customers from being charged exorbitant fares and suffering losses.
When taking a taxi in Japan, especially in the Tokyo-centered Kanto region, the following website provides information in multiple languages about flat-rate taxis and app-based taxi services. We highly recommend you check it before your trip.
Note: Various conditions must be met for the flat-rate fare to be applied.
Tokyo Taxi Center English information page
The Tokyo Taxi Center is a great resource that ensures Tokyo taxis are operating properly and honestly. They manage the rules for premium taxi stands, including the one at Haneda Airport. The center also provides helpful information for foreign visitors, including:
- Tokyo’s basic fare system and flat-rate fares
- Explanations of text displayed on the front of taxis
- Guidance on taxi etiquette and hospitality
Tokyo Hire Taxi Association English information page
The Tokyo Hire Taxi Association website also provides detailed information on flat-rate fares. You can find a list of major taxi models in Tokyo, as well as the phone numbers for each company. However, with app-based taxi services being more common, it can sometimes be difficult to get through by phone.
Kanagawa Prefecture Taxi Association English information page
By hovering your cursor over the “For Customers” tab, you can access a wealth of information, including:
- Basic taxi usage and etiquette
- Fares and charges
- Route fare searches
- Flat-rate fares in Kanagawa Prefecture
- Ride-hailing app information
How to Get a Legitimate Taxi at Haneda & Narita Airports
It’s simple! Always use the official taxi stands. Just follow the signs that say ‘TAXI’. At these stands, you’ll find official taxis with a roof sign and a meter inside. The drivers are licensed professionals who will use the meter to calculate your fare.
At Haneda Airport, taxis are almost always readily available at all terminals with little to no waiting time. The only time you might encounter a long line is during the middle of the night, if a major flight delay causes a large number of people to disembark at the same time and there aren’t enough taxis immediately available.
Normally, flat-rate fares require a reservation, but at Haneda and Narita airports, they are also available without one. These rules are set by the Tokyo Taxi Center, and official taxis in Japan must follow them. (Note that there may be cases where a flat-rate fare is not available depending on your destination.)
Haneda Airport
↑You can check the taxi stand numbers and other details on the official website above.
At Haneda Airport Terminals 1 and 2, the taxi stands are divided by destination: one for “Tokyo, Chiba, and Saitama Prefectures”, and another for “Kanagawa Prefecture”. For example, if you’re going to Asakusa in Tokyo, take a taxi from the Tokyo-bound stand. If you’re heading to Yokosuka in Kanagawa Prefecture, use the Kanagawa-bound stand.
Be careful, as taking a taxi from the wrong stand could result in a loss. Japanese taxis operate under different prefectural jurisdictions, so a Tokyo taxi, for instance, cannot apply the flat-rate fare for a trip to Kanagawa.
Haneda Airport Terminal 3, which primarily handles international flights, is different. It has only one taxi stand, so you don’t need to worry about lining up based on your destination. However, this terminal is a key location to be extra vigilant. This is because foreign tourists, who may be unfamiliar with Japan, are often targeted by foreign drivers who do not follow Japanese laws.
Narita Airport
Narita Airport is located in Chiba Prefecture. While I am a taxi driver in Tokyo and not an expert on other prefectures, the official website above provides useful information on flat-rate fares from Narita Airport to Tokyo, as well as the boarding locations for each terminal. We highly recommend you check it before your trip to Japan.
Conclusion
Your Japanese driver will be waiting for you at the official taxi stand at Haneda or Narita Airport. By simply using these official stands, you can ensure a safe and reliable ride to your destination and start your trip to Japan worry-free. Have a fantastic time!
けこち
special thanks
Japanese translation by Gemini