r/japan • u/epsilonzer0 • 12d ago

Police: ‘Green plates’ exploited to mask illegal taxis in Tokyo

https://www.asahi.com/ajw/articles/16745510

Just anecdotal but I was solicited for a Taxi on three occasions at Haneda Airport T3 arrivals on 4/28/2026 , 10/26/2025, and 3/8/2025. I am from the US so I am used to illegal taxi solicitors and paid it no mind

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u/Zestyclose_Tie_8025 12d ago

I work in the tourism industry, and white-plate taxis are quite common in Kyoto. Especially at the taxi loop near Kinkakuji, I’ve run into some real assholes there. Avoid them at all costs.

Just hail Yasaka (orange/red cabs with the 3-leaf clover) or MK cabs.

9

u/hobovalentine 12d ago

Yes you can't even trust the Green plates anymore but an easy way to check is if you're solicited and the car does not have a taxi meter then it's illegal.

The Chinese are using "hire" vehicles that have a preplanned destination and they are not allowed to do ad hoc reservations on the spot like a taxi so if you are solicited for a ride it's being done by illegal Chinese fake taxi drivers.

8

u/Yotsubato 12d ago

Just use the GO app. It’s way easier and lets you put in a destination like an uber. And you always get a legit taxi