Unlicensed Taxi Operation Targeting Tourists Near Mt. Fuji Leads to Arrest

A Chinese national residing in Tokyo was apprehended by the Yamanashi prefectural police on Tuesday. The arrest was made on suspicion of violating the Road Transportation Law by operating an unlicensed taxi service. The service catered to foreign tourists in the northern foothills of Mt. Fuji.

The arrest occurred amidst a rise in illegal taxi operations in the region. This increase coincides with a surge in inbound tourism. Local taxi operators have reported a loss of business. This situation highlights the urgent need for effective measures against these illicit services, which have proven difficult to control.

Police reports indicate that the 44-year-old suspect, who claimed to be a company executive, allegedly entered into a transportation agreement with two foreign tourists on Tuesday. He transported them in a private vehicle from Tokyo towards Oishi Park in Fujikawaguchiko, Yamanashi Prefecture, for a fee. The suspect has admitted to driving the vehicle but denies knowledge of a contractual agreement with the tourists.

Investigators, focusing on unlicensed taxi services in the area, became suspicious of the relationship between the driver and the passengers. This led to questioning and the uncovering of the alleged illicit activities. The agreement reportedly involved transporting the tourists to JR Odawara Station in Kanagawa Prefecture. Police are continuing their investigation into the details of the alleged illegal service.

Local authorities have noted a significant increase in foreign tourists visiting the park in recent years. This is due to the panoramic views of Mt. Fuji and Lake Kawaguchi. This increase has led to a rise in unlicensed taxi operations. Similar situations have been observed around Arakurayama Sengen Park and a convenience store in Fujikawaguchiko, both offering views of Mt. Fuji.

Concerns are growing regarding the safety and reliability of these unlicensed services. Unlike licensed taxi drivers who hold a class 2 driver’s license, unlicensed drivers may lack the necessary driving skills and knowledge to handle accidents. There have been reports of accidents involving unlicensed taxis and instances where legitimate taxi operators have lost passengers to these illegal services, harming their businesses.

A senior official from the Yamanashi prefectural police acknowledged the challenges in addressing the proliferation of unlicensed taxis. The official stated that these taxis are difficult to distinguish from licensed ones. Furthermore, drivers often claim they are simply giving friends a ride, making it difficult to confirm the existence of a paid contract.