Can I ride a robotaxi in Tokyo?

What's happening in Tokyo

Two launches are lined up for Tokyo, and neither has started. Waymo has already driven autonomously in the city, supervised by Nihon Kotsu crews. On Sep 14, 2026, it said it intends to serve its first fully autonomous public rides in Tokyo in 2027, bookable through the GO app and the Waymo app. Waymo made that plan conditional on obtaining the necessary permits and approvals, and no service area has been published.

Wayve is the other one. Wayve, Uber and Nissan announced on Mar 11, 2026 a Tokyo pilot using Wayve-powered Nissan LEAF cars on the Uber network. It is targeted for late 2026 with a trained safety operator in the car, subject to discussions with authorities. No rides had started as of Oct 13, 2026.

The legal groundwork exists. Japan's amended Road Traffic Act created a permit system for driverless (Level 4) operation, called 'specified automated operation', which took effect in April 2023. The Japan rules page covers it. For a trip planned today, Tokyo is a city to watch. US riders already book Waymo in its own app in Phoenix and Los Angeles, and in Tokyo GO would be a second way in. Follow updates on Waymo in Tokyo and Wayve in Tokyo.