Unlicensed Taxi Drivers Target Foreign Visitors at Haneda Airport

Key Takeaways

• Five unlicensed taxi drivers arrested at Haneda Airport in February 2024 targeting foreign visitors.
• Unlicensed taxis use white plates, charge higher fares, and often lack insurance or official permits.
• Authorities distribute multilingual flyers and increase patrols, but enforcement faces legal and resource challenges.

A surge in unlicensed taxi drivers targeting foreign visitors at Haneda Airport has become a pressing issue in Japan 🇯🇵, especially as international tourism reaches record highs in 2025. These illegal operators, often called shirotaku or “white taxis,” are exploiting gaps in law enforcement and the confusion many travelers face upon arrival. Despite recent arrests and increased efforts by authorities, the problem continues to grow, raising concerns about safety, fair competition, and the overall experience for foreign visitors.

Who, What, When, Where, and Why: The Current Situation at Haneda Airport

Unlicensed taxi drivers, many of whom are foreign nationals themselves, have been operating with increasing frequency at Haneda Airport since early 2024. These drivers specifically target foreign visitors, who may not be familiar with Japan’s taxi system or the risks associated with illegal transportation. The issue has escalated alongside a record-breaking influx of international tourists, making Haneda Airport a hotspot for this kind of activity.

In February 2024, police arrested five individuals—four Chinese nationals and one Japanese citizen—for running unlicensed taxi services at Haneda. These arrests were part of a broader crackdown, but they have not stopped the rise in illegal taxi operations. Law enforcement officials admit that catching these drivers is difficult, as they must secure clear evidence that a fare was paid, often relying on passenger testimony.

How Unlicensed Taxi Drivers Operate at Haneda Airport

The methods used by unlicensed taxi drivers at Haneda Airport are both simple and sophisticated. Here’s a step-by-step look at how these illegal operations typically unfold:

1. Solicitation: Drivers, often speaking Mandarin, approach foreign arrivals inside the terminal or just outside. They may hold signs, but usually do so discreetly to avoid drawing attention from authorities.
2. Negotiation: Using translation apps, drivers negotiate fares with travelers. These fares are often much higher than the legal rate, taking advantage of visitors’ unfamiliarity with local prices.
3. Booking: Some rides are pre-arranged through overseas ride-hailing or travel websites, such as Booking.com or Chinese-language apps. Brokers may coordinate between customers and drivers.
4. Operation: If questioned by police, drivers claim they are picking up friends, exploiting a loophole in the law that makes enforcement challenging.
5. Payment: Passengers pay in cash or through online platforms. There is no official receipt, and travelers have no legal recourse if something goes wrong.

This system allows unlicensed taxi drivers to operate in plain sight, making it hard for police to intervene unless they catch the driver in the act and can prove a fare was exchanged.

Legal Requirements and How to Spot a Licensed Taxi

Japan 🇯🇵 has strict rules for anyone who wants to transport passengers for money. To legally operate a taxi, a driver must have a Class 2 driver’s license and a business permit. Licensed taxis are easy to spot because they have green license plates. In contrast, unlicensed taxis—shirotaku—use white license plates.

Key differences between legal and unlicensed taxis:

• Legal taxis: Green plates, full insurance, regulated fares, official booking channels, and high safety standards.
• Unlicensed taxis: White plates, little or no insurance, unregulated fares (often much higher), informal booking, and increased safety risks.

The Ministry of Land, Infrastructure, Transport and Tourism (MLIT) has responded by distributing flyers in English and Chinese at Haneda and other airports. These flyers warn travelers about the dangers and illegality of using white-plate taxis. However, as of June 2025, there have been no major changes to the Road Transportation Law, so enforcement relies on existing rules and public awareness campaigns.

For more details on official taxi regulations and traveler advisories, you can visit the MLIT official website.

Quantitative Data: Arrests, Complaints, and Financial Impact

The scale of the problem is clear from recent statistics:

• Arrests: In February 2024, five people were arrested for illegal taxi operations at Haneda Airport.
• Complaints: The number of complaints about unlicensed taxis using Chinese apps has risen sharply—from 2 in 2021, to 4 in 2022, and 20 in 2023.
• Earnings: One unlicensed driver reported making about ¥400,000 per month, with peak months (such as Chinese New Year) bringing in over ¥1 million.
• Fare gouging: Unlicensed drivers have been caught charging as much as ¥10,000 for a trip from Haneda to Ginza, which is about ¥2,000 more than the legal fare.

These numbers highlight both the financial incentive for illegal operators and the growing risk for foreign visitors.

Challenges for Law Enforcement and Airport Authorities

Police and airport officials face several obstacles in tackling this issue:

• Proof of payment: Officers must catch drivers in the act and get passengers to confirm they paid for the ride. Without this, it’s hard to secure a conviction.
• Resource demands: Investigations are time-consuming and require significant manpower.
• Passenger cooperation: Many foreign visitors are unwilling or unable to testify, either because of language barriers or fear of getting involved in legal matters.

As a result, even with increased patrols and public warnings, many unlicensed taxi drivers continue to operate with little fear of being caught.

Impact on the Taxi Industry and Community Concerns

Licensed taxi operators and industry associations are worried about the impact of unlicensed taxis. They argue that illegal drivers create unfair competition, undercutting legitimate businesses and damaging the reputation of Japan’s taxi industry. There are also serious safety concerns, as unlicensed taxis may not have proper insurance or vehicle maintenance.

Community leaders have stepped in to warn travelers. Jed dela Vega, president of Pinoys Everywhere—a Filipino community group in Tokyo—has publicly advised Filipino tourists to avoid white-plate taxis. He stresses the risks of overcharging, lack of insurance, and possible legal trouble if an accident occurs.

Why Foreign Visitors Are Especially Vulnerable

Foreign visitors are the main targets for unlicensed taxi drivers at Haneda Airport. There are several reasons for this:

• Language barriers: Many travelers do not speak Japanese and may have trouble reading signs or understanding official instructions.
• Unfamiliarity with local rules: First-time visitors may not know how to spot a legal taxi or what a fair fare should be.
• Online booking confusion: Some travelers book airport transfers through overseas websites or apps, not realizing they may be connecting with unlicensed drivers.

This makes it easy for illegal operators to approach and convince foreign visitors to accept their services, often at inflated prices and with no legal protection.

How to Protect Yourself: Practical Advice for Travelers

If you are arriving at Haneda Airport, there are several steps you can take to avoid falling victim to unlicensed taxi drivers:

• Look for green license plates: Only use taxis with green plates, as these are fully licensed and insured.
• Book through official channels: Reserve airport transfers through your hotel, airline, or official taxi apps. Major airlines like ANA offer trusted transfer services.
• Avoid solicitors: Do not accept rides from people who approach you inside the terminal or outside official taxi ranks.
• Ask for a receipt: Licensed taxis will always provide an official receipt.
• Report suspicious activity: If someone offers you a ride in a white-plate car, inform airport staff or police.

These simple steps can help ensure your safety and avoid legal or financial problems during your visit.

Legal and Policy Background: Why the Problem Persists

Japan’s taxi industry is tightly regulated, with strict licensing and fare controls. However, the rise of ride-hailing apps and online booking platforms has made it easier for unlicensed drivers to reach foreign customers. Before the COVID-19 pandemic, unlicensed taxi operations were already a concern, but the problem has grown much worse with the recent tourism boom.

Despite increased enforcement and public education, there have been no major changes to the law as of June 2025. This means that police are still limited in what they can do unless they catch drivers in the act and can prove a fare was paid.

Stakeholder Perspectives: What Different Groups Are Saying

Law Enforcement: Police want stronger investigative powers and more cooperation from passengers. They say that without clear evidence, it’s hard to prosecute offenders.

Industry Experts: Many experts believe that better public education and technological solutions—such as improved signage and official taxi apps—are needed to help tourists identify legal taxis.

Community Organizations: Groups like Pinoys Everywhere are calling for stronger warnings and outreach to vulnerable groups, especially first-time visitors and those who do not speak Japanese.

Summary Table: Legal vs. Unlicensed Taxis at Haneda Airport

What’s Being Done: Official Responses and Future Outlook

The Ministry of Land, Infrastructure, Transport and Tourism has stepped up efforts to warn travelers, handing out flyers in multiple languages and increasing patrols at Haneda and Narita airports. Airport authorities are also working to improve signage and traveler education, making it easier for foreign visitors to spot legal taxis.

While there are no major legislative changes on the horizon, ongoing pressure from the taxi industry and the public may lead to future reforms. These could include stronger enforcement powers for police or new technology to help travelers verify taxi licenses.

As reported by VisaVerge.com, the issue of unlicensed taxi drivers at Haneda Airport is likely to remain a challenge as long as tourist numbers stay high and enforcement tools remain limited. However, continued efforts by authorities and community groups may help reduce the risks over time.

Implications for Stakeholders

For Foreign Visitors:
– Risks: Overcharging, lack of insurance, and no legal recourse if something goes wrong.
– Confusion: Difficulty telling legal taxis apart from illegal ones, especially for first-time visitors.
– Safety: Increased risk of accidents or disputes with no official support.

For Law Enforcement:
– Challenges: Resource-intensive investigations and reliance on passenger testimony.
– Limitations: Difficulty catching offenders without clear evidence.

For the Taxi Industry:
– Financial impact: Loss of revenue to illegal operators.
– Reputation: Damage to the image of Japan’s taxi industry.

For Community Groups:
– Advocacy: Need to educate and protect vulnerable travelers.
– Support: Providing advice and warnings to specific communities.

Official Resources and Where to Get Help

• Haneda Airport Official Website: For the latest updates and official guidance, visit the Haneda Airport Passenger Terminal site.
• MLIT (Ministry of Land, Infrastructure, Transport and Tourism): For official policy statements and traveler advisories.
• Major Airlines: Trusted airport transfer reservation services with licensed operators.
• Community Groups: Organizations like Pinoys Everywhere offer peer advice and support.

What to Watch For: Future Developments

Authorities are expected to keep up their enforcement efforts and public awareness campaigns, especially as tourist numbers remain high. Haneda and Narita airports will likely expand multilingual signage and traveler education to help visitors avoid unlicensed taxis. While no major legal changes are planned right now, ongoing pressure from the taxi industry and the public could lead to new rules or technology to make it easier to spot legal taxis.

Actionable Takeaways for Travelers

• Always use taxis with green license plates.
• Book airport transfers through official apps, hotels, or airline partners.
• Never accept rides from individuals soliciting inside the terminal or outside official taxi ranks.
• Report suspicious activity to airport staff or police.

By following these steps, foreign visitors can protect themselves from the risks posed by unlicensed taxi drivers at Haneda Airport and enjoy a safer, more pleasant experience in Japan 🇯🇵.

Conclusion

The rise of unlicensed taxi drivers at Haneda Airport is a complex problem fueled by booming tourism and gaps in enforcement. While authorities have increased patrols and public education, the issue persists due to legal limitations and the clever tactics used by illegal operators. Foreign visitors are especially at risk, facing the possibility of overcharging, lack of insurance, and no legal protection if something goes wrong. The best way to stay safe is to use only licensed taxis and official booking channels. As Japan 🇯🇵 continues to welcome more international travelers, ongoing efforts by the government, industry, and community groups will be crucial in addressing this challenge and ensuring a safe environment for everyone.

Learn Today

Unlicensed Taxi → A taxi operating without government permission or proper licensing, often unregulated and risky.
Haneda Airport → One of Tokyo’s major international airports where unlicensed taxis target foreign visitors.
Shirotaku → Japanese term for illegal ‘white taxis’ using white license plates and avoiding regulations.
Licensed Taxi → A taxi with official permits, green license plates, regulated fares, and proper insurance.
MLIT → Japan’s Ministry of Land, Infrastructure, Transport and Tourism, overseeing transportation regulation and policy.

This Article in a Nutshell

Haneda Airport faces a rising issue with unlicensed taxi drivers preying on foreign visitors. Despite arrests and warnings, these white-plate taxis exploit language barriers and legal loopholes, charging inflated fares and risking traveler safety. Using only licensed taxis with green plates is critical for a safe experience in Japan’s booming tourism scene.
— By VisaVerge.com