If you’re planning a private tour in Japan, you’ve probably come across both travel agencies and transportation services—and it’s easy to assume they’re one and the same. In reality, they serve different purposes, and knowing how they work together can make your trip planning a whole lot smoother.

At TokudAw, we operate as a Destination Management Company (DMC)—a step beyond a typical travel agency. We help you plan your trip from start to finish, then pair it with the right transportation, whether that’s our in-house fleet in Tokyo or one of our long-standing, vetted partners across Japan.

We’ve found that guests sometimes expect a private car service to come with a full tour guide, or assume that all vehicles are operated directly by the agency. These expectations are completely understandable—but clarifying the difference between who plans your journey and who drives you during it helps us ensure the right fit from the start.

This blog breaks it all down: what a travel agency or DMC like TokudAw does, what a transportation service provides, and how the two work together to deliver the kind of thoughtful, well-executed travel experience we’re known for.

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Visiting Japan opens doors to cultural experiences, from the beauty of its traditional tea ceremonies to the bustling streets of its modern cities. Yet, for many travelers, using local transportation is a daunting challenge – especially when it comes to hailing a taxi.

Surprisingly, Japan faces a significant issue with taxi availability – particularly in metropolitan areas like Tokyo. This scarcity leaves tourists struggling to find a reliable ride, and the situation worsens because of language barriers and the complex layout of Japanese cities. That’s why you need to have a clear understanding of the Japanese transport system to make the most out of your trip.

For that reason, here are some savvy tips to help you understand what it takes to get a taxi in Japan without getting scammed.