7 reasons to choose Japan Private Drivers for your journey
Licensed chauffeurs, accessible travel, and stress-free planning
Tokyo’s transport system is admired around the world. Subways run with precision, and bullet trains connect the capital to other cities like clockwork. For many travellers, that efficiency is part of the experience.
But when you’re arriving with children, elderly parents, or a group on a tight schedule, public transport isn’t always practical. Navigating multiple transfers, heavy luggage, and language barriers can quickly turn convenience into complexity.
Japan Private Drivers at Narita Airport (Image credit: Japan Private Drivers)
A professional driver from Japan Private Drivers takes that pressure away—picking you up directly from Haneda or Narita Airport, your hotel, or Tokyo Disney Resort, and delivering you safely to your next stop.
Our chauffeurs are licensed, vetted, and supported by an operations team based right here in Tokyo. Families with strollers, business groups, and visitors who value comfort and safety trust us to make every transfer smooth and dependable.
Below, we share seven reasons why Japan Private Drivers is the preferred choice for private transportation in Tokyo—whether you’re here for business, leisure, or a family visit.
7 reasons to choose Japan Private Drivers
Peace of mind comes from knowing all bases are covered. These reasons explain how we do it.
All our drivers are fully licensed
When you book a private driver in Japan, the first question to ask is simple: are they licensed to carry paying passengers? At Japan Private Drivers, the answer is always yes. Every chauffeur we work with holds a Class 2 commercial license, the qualification required by Japanese law for professional drivers.
This license is more than a piece of paper; it means the driver has undergone rigorous training, safety checks, and testing to meet government standards. Vehicles are also required to meet inspection and insurance rules, so you know both the driver and the car are compliant.
Unlicensed providers may appear cheaper, but they lack this oversight. That can leave you exposed if there’s an accident, a cancellation, or even something as simple as needing help with accessibility. With JPD, safety comes first. You can step into the vehicle confident that the person behind the wheel is qualified, insured, and accountable.
2. The travel is designed around your plans
Every trip looks different, and so does every journey with Japan Private Drivers. Some travelers need a simple airport transfer straight to their hotel after a long flight. Others want the same driver for several days in a row, covering everything from Tokyo’s neon districts to the shrines of Kyoto, the hot springs of Hakone, or even a road trip up to Hokkaido.
Having one dedicated driver means your schedule is frictionless—no waiting in taxi lines, no deciphering timetables, no juggling multiple bookings. Your driver already knows your group, your luggage needs, and your preferred pace. That continuity saves time and reduces stress, especially for families or business groups moving between meetings and sightseeing.
Be it a half-day excursion to Mount Fuji or a week-long circuit across several regions, the itinerary is built around what you want to see and how you want to travel.
3. We offer clear, transparent pricing
Japan Private Drivers is not the cheapest option you’ll find—and that’s deliberate. Our fares follow the rates set by the Japanese government for licensed chauffeur services. On top of this, we include a planning and service fee, which covers the support of our operations team before and during your trip.
Lower prices advertised elsewhere can be misleading. Some providers operate at a loss to attract bookings, while others work without proper licenses or insurance. Both create risks for travelers. At JPD, every driver and vehicle is vetted to ensure they meet legal and safety standards.
What you’re paying for isn’t just the ride, it’s peace of mind. Transparent pricing, government-compliant fares, and continuous support mean your journey is safe, sustainable, and properly managed from start to finish.
4. We make Japan accessible for every traveler
Japan’s sights should be open to everyone, but getting to them isn’t always straightforward if you’re traveling with elderly parents, young children, or relatives with mobility needs. That’s why accessibility is central to how Japan Private Drivers operates.
Our fleet includes vehicles that can accommodate wheelchairs and strollers, with drivers trained to assist passengers who may need extra time or physical support. We plan routes that reduce unnecessary transfers and factor in rest stops, elevators, or flatter walking paths where possible. For families, drivers help with luggage and child seats, making it easier to keep the group together and comfortable.
We believe every traveler has the right to experience Tokyo fully—whether that means exploring its gardens and temples, attending an event or meeting, or simply enjoying a calm, stress-free ride through the city. Accessibility isn’t an add-on for us; it’s built into how we design every journey.
5. We provide English-speaking support
Communication can make or break a trip. While many of our chauffeurs speak some English, availability of fully English-speaking drivers cannot always be guaranteed. When possible, we pair groups with drivers who are comfortable in English.
If that isn’t an option, our in-house coordination team is only ever a phone call away. They bridge the language gap quickly if you need to adjust the itinerary, ask for a stop, or clarify details with your driver, for example. This system ensures you’re never left struggling to communicate, even in areas where English is less commonly spoken.
With this backup in place, you can travel knowing that support is always within reach.
6. Our vehicles are maintained to the highest standard
The pandemic reminded all of us how easily germs can spread in enclosed spaces, and we’ve built that awareness into our cleaning routines. Every vehicle in our fleet is thoroughly prepared before each journey, with three steps that keep the environment fresh and safe.
Vacuum: We use high-performance Dyson vacuums to remove dust, crumbs, and allergens from every corner, including seats and floors. This is especially important for families with small children or travelers sensitive to pollen.
Sanitize: All high-touch surfaces—armrests, handles, seatbelts—are treated with SWIFF, a plant-based antimicrobial spray that’s hypoallergenic and fragrance-free. It’s gentle for travelers with allergies or sensitive skin.
Replace filters: Our vehicles use HIACE air filters that trap pollen, bacteria, and other airborne irritants. These are replaced regularly, ensuring the air you breathe is as clean as the seats you sit on.
For business travelers, spotless vehicles also mean arriving at meetings looking professional and put-together.
7. We take the stress out of travel
When you’re in Japan, the focus should be on the moments you’ve come to experience: sharing a steaming onsen with your family, visiting a district you’ve only heard stories about, or walking through Tokyo’s quiet backstreets. Our role is to handle the logistics so those moments aren’t overshadowed by stress.
That philosophy comes from our founders, Wanping Aw and Kazuhisa Tokuda. Wanping, an educator and licensed guide, has spent years helping visitors see Japan with fresh eyes. Tokuda, a certified logistics coordinator, understands how to make complex journeys run smoothly and comfortably.
Together, and through their sister company TokudAw, they’ve shaped Japan Private Drivers into a service grounded in care and detail. The result: travel that feels calm, well-supported, and connected to Japan in a meaningful way.
How Japan Private Drivers compares
Japan offers many ways to get around, and for short hops or solo travel, public transport often works well. But when you’re managing luggage, children, elderly relatives, or business schedules, the picture changes. Here’s how different options stack up:
Bus:
Pros: Low cost, extensive networks, good for solo travelers
Cons: Crowded, limited luggage space, fixed routes, not ideal for families or seniors
Bullet Train (Shinkansen)
Pros: Fast, reliable, iconic Japanese experience
Cons: Only runs between major stations; onward transfers still needed; expensive for groups
Normal Taxi
Pros: Easy to find in cities, good for short rides
Cons: Small vehicles, limited luggage space, high fares for long distances, limited English support
Japan Private Drivers
Pros: Licensed vetted-chauffeurs local to the area who can offer you local knowledge, door-to-door service, accessible vehicles, tailored itineraries at your own pace
Cons: Higher cost than public transport; advance booking recommended
Each option has its place, but for families, groups, and travelers with accessibility needs, Japan Private Drivers provides the reassurance that the journey will be safe, straightforward, and adapted to you. It’s professional transport that frees you from transfers, timetables, and the stress of piecing journeys together.
Tips for making the most of your journey
A private driver service works best when it’s built around your needs. The more detail you share when booking, the smoother your trip will be. Here are a few things worth keeping in mind:
Book early. Demand is high during cherry blossom season, summer holidays, and New Year. Early reservations secure the right vehicle and driver for your trip.
Be specific about your group. Let us know how many people are traveling, whether you’ll have children or elderly relatives with you, and if you need space for strollers or wheelchairs.
Mention luggage. Suitcases, sports gear, or shopping bags all take up space. Accurate details help us assign a vehicle that fits comfortably.
Ask about accessibility. We can arrange wheelchair-accessible vans, step assistance, and drivers trained to support passengers with mobility needs.
Share your itinerary. Even a rough plan—sightseeing stops, meetings, or rest days—helps us map out realistic timings and routes.
Clarify language needs. English-speaking drivers can sometimes be arranged, and if not, our in-house coordination team will always be available.
A little preparation goes a long way.
The easiest step of your trip starts here
Choosing how to get around Japan shapes the whole experience. Licensed chauffeurs, carefully maintained vehicles, and attentive support mean you can move through the country with confidence—no matter if it’s a first family trip, a business delegation, or a return to familiar roots. Japan Private Drivers takes the uncertainty out of travel so you can focus on the people and places you’ve come to see. When the details are handled, the journey feels effortless.
