The areas near Mt Fuji have always been a popular sightseeing destination, but without a car it’s rather inconvenient to get to the top. At one of the train stations in Gotemba, Shizuoka Prefecture, a queue of taxis line up to take travelers to nearby destinations like Gotemba Ski Resort or Mt Fuji. Kujira Toyota Crowns, 230 Nissan Cedrics and 710 Nissan Violets seem to be the cabs of choice here. The center Violet wears the livery of the Fujikyu Shizuoka Taxi Co., which is still in use today.
Cars can only climb to the 5th Station (there are 10 in all), but during snowy weather buses and cab companies may refuse to ascend the legendary mountain. Private cars are allowed, however, so plan accordingly.
I’m assuming this is a vintage photo, not current? A Showa Snap perhaps?
Of course, now I see it’s filed under Shows Snap… :facepalm:
I really like the Showa Snaps, and I particularly like the taxis.
I was in Kyoto in September and I was headed to the Imperial Palace for a tour. I went to the taxi rank and in the cue was a very cool older Crown, so I thought I’ll wait until the taxis in front of it leave and then step up catch the older one. All but one of the taxis in front went quite quickly but the last one was sitting there for ages, and I was loitering looking in the window of a camera shop next to the head of the rank. Eventually I gave up and walked around the corner and then out of nowhere an even older and cooler one came a round the corner and I waived it down and got the ride I wanted.
Great experience! How old are we talking?
Thanks Ben.
It was an S110 4 door hardtop; very smooth and comfortable and in great condition. I want to ask the driver about the car, but he didn’t speak any English, although I could tell he was very proud of the car.