This was such an easy stress free experience. I have taken many airport transfers and this was by far the easiest and most efficient experience I have ever had. The communication was frequent and proactive. I cannot say enough about this company. 100% recommend
How can I tell if a Japan airport transfer is licensed?
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Look at the number plate: in Japan, vehicles licensed to carry paying passengers have green plates, and every RydAgent airport transfer is run by a licensed operating company, with green commercial licence plates and appropriately licensed drivers. A private car taking fares without a permit is a shiro-taku (“white taxi”, named after its white plate), which Japan's transport ministry calls a serious violation of the Road Transport Act. Before you ride, check the plate colour and ask which company operates the car. A hire car is booked in advance; a driver touting for passengers at the airport isn't allowed.
How to check your transfer
- 1
Look for a green plate
Commercial passenger vehicles in Japan carry green number plates; private and rental cars carry white ones.
- 2
Ask who operates the car
A legitimate service can name the licensed transport company running your ride.
- 3
Check the driver's licence
Drivers carrying paying passengers need a Type 2 driver's licence (第二種運転免許), Japan's professional passenger licence.
- 4
Don't accept touts at arrivals
Hire cars in Japan run on advance booking only, and drivers touting for passengers at the airport aren't allowed. Official taxis wait at the taxi rank.
Why does it matter?
Japan's transport ministry warns that with an unlicensed operator, nobody may be managing the driver's health or the vehicle's safety, and you may be charged an inflated fare. A private car taking fares may also lack commercial passenger insurance. Private cars may carry paying passengers only under narrow government-approved schemes, such as Japan-style ride-share since 2024, which runs under a licensed taxi company in designated areas and time slots.
How are RydAgent rides run?
RydAgent doesn't own cars: it arranges each ride with one of six licensed partner transport companies in Japan. Every ride uses green-plate commercial vehicles and drivers with a professional passenger licence, carries commercial passenger insurance, and that holds when a partner passes a ride to another company too. RydAgent itself is run by PLENS Inc., registered with Saitama Prefecture as a Travel Service Arrangement Business (No. サー184).
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