In recent years, there has been a sharp increase in websites promoting “private taxi” or so-called “budget chauffeur” services in Japan. When I launched my own website in 2020, the only ones that showed up in search results were a few services like “Lexus Taxi” or “Honda Alphard.” But when I recently searched for “private taxi golf transfer,” I was surprised by the sheer number of new websites that have since emerged.
What shocked me even more was the AI-generated summary now displayed by Google Search. As someone with over 17 years of hands-on experience and more than 1,000 golf transfers under my belt, I immediately recognized that many of these summaries contain inaccurate, misleading, or completely fictional claims.
That’s why I decided to restart this blog—to provide accurate, experience-based insight and help customers choose a driver based on substance, not search visibility.
🚨 Be Careful with SEO-Optimized Articles
Some blog titles sound authoritative, such as:
“Pros and Cons of Hiring a Private Taxi for Golf Transfers”
“Why the Alphard Is the Best Choice for Airport Transfers”
But most of these articles are written purely for SEO—by operators with little to no field experience. If they don’t show any real photos, client feedback, or job samples, their claims are empty at best.
🛣 Two Backgrounds: Taxi vs. Chauffeur
In Japan, private taxi drivers usually come from one of two backgrounds:
- Taxi Background: Years of experience with street pickups, meters, and radio dispatch
- Chauffeur Background (Hire Car): Former executive drivers handling airport transfers, golf outings, VIPs, and private assignments
Those with a chauffeur background often have over 10 years of prior experience in reserved transfers—even before becoming independent.
🕵️♂️ Suddenly “Experienced”?
It’s not uncommon these days to see a new website pop up as soon as the driver switches to a luxury vehicle like the Alphard. Overnight, they claim to be “experienced” in golf transfers or airport pickups.
But meaningful experience cannot be created instantly. True credibility comes from a consistent history of actual service, not a newly written profile.
📸 Are Their Records Visible?
Since opening my business in 2018, I’ve regularly posted real examples of transfers on Instagram and blog entries.
Phrases like “many years of experience” mean very little if there’s nothing to back them up. Experience must be visible, verifiable, and consistent.
🧾 Private Taxi = Sole Proprietor
In Japan, all private taxi operators are sole proprietors, not corporations. However, some websites describe themselves as a “company,” with terms like “corporate profile” or “about our company.”
This is often an attempt to make the business appear larger or more professional than it really is. Please be cautious—misleading language is often a red flag.
🏷 “VIP Chauffeur Service”? Be Skeptical.
Some websites promote phrases like “VIP chauffeur” or “executive driving.” But under Japanese law, chauffeur vehicles (ハイヤー / hire cars) operate under a different license system from private taxis.
If the driver did not previously work in an official chauffeur role (such as with a limousine company or executive fleet), these are just marketing terms.
And remember: “VIP” originally means Very Important Person—not just anyone. Is the service truly fit for dignitaries, or is it simply luxurious language?
🩺 Health and Responsibility Matter, Too
A professional driver is not just about experience—it’s also about health. Physical condition is directly linked to safety.
While private taxi drivers in Japan tend to be older, that alone shouldn’t be mistaken for reliability. Health management—exercise, nutrition, and sleep—is part of our responsibility as professionals.
✅ In Summary: Choose by Proof, Not Appearances
- Do they show visible records (photos, past work, client posts)?
- Do they avoid misleading words like “company,” “VIP,” or “chauffeur”?
- Do they have a true background in reserved driving (golf, airport, executive)?
- Do they seem to be physically fit and health-conscious?
Luxury vehicles are just tools.
What really matters is the person behind the wheel—their experience, integrity, and dedication to your safety.
This photo was taken at the entrance of Taiheiyo Club Narita Course, a prestigious golf course located in Narita, Chiba Prefecture. Fujisaki Taxi provides reliable golf transfer services in this area, offering professional support for both domestic and international clients. The vehicle shown represents over 17 years of real-world experience in executive and golf transportation, including numerous transfers from nearby Narita Airport.