Lit clusters: cities with public driverless rides. Rings: testing or announced.
Can I ride Waymo in Tokyo?
Waymo has driven autonomously in Tokyo under supervision from Nihon Kotsu crews and intends to offer its first fully autonomous public rides there in 2027, subject to approvals.
- Status
- Testing
- Since
- Book in
- GO and Waymo apps
- Last checked
Riding Waymo in Tokyo
Waymo is working with two local partners: Nihon Kotsu, whose crews supervise the test cars, and GO. When public rides start, Waymo says riders will be able to book through either the GO app or the Waymo app. That would make Tokyo one of the few cities where Waymo appears inside another company's app, as it already does with Uber in Austin.
A Sep 14, 2026 Waymo blog post set the 2027 target, and ASCII.jp noted that it depends on obtaining the necessary permits and approvals. Japan's permit system for driverless 'specified automated operation' comes from an amended Road Traffic Act, in effect since April 2023 (see Japan rules). Waymo hasn't published a service area, airport plan or age rules for Tokyo, which sits under 'Up Next' on its updates page.
No robotaxi carries public riders in Tokyo today. The other name in the city is Wayve, whose pilot with Nissan and Uber is targeted for late 2026 and would keep a safety operator in the car. Waymo aims to go straight to fully autonomous rides instead. Its other overseas project, London, is also still in testing.
The details
- Status
- TestingWaymo has driven autonomously in Tokyo, supervised by Nihon Kotsu crews, and plans its first fully autonomous public rides in 2027 through the GO and Waymo apps, subject to approvals.
- Since
- Sep 14, 2026Waymo announced a 2027 target for public riders with Nihon Kotsu and GO
- Book in
- GO app, Waymo app
- Freeways
- Not usedNo rider service in this city.
How a ride works
Book in the GO app or Waymo app. The step-by-step riding guide covers finding the car, unlocking it, starting the ride and getting help.
Timeline
- Waymo said it intends to give its first fully autonomous public rides in Tokyo in 2027 with Nihon Kotsu and GO. Source
Waymo in Tokyo: questions
Can I ride Waymo in Tokyo?
Waymo is testing in Tokyo with Nihon Kotsu crews supervising and doesn't carry public riders yet.
Which apps will book Waymo in Tokyo?
Waymo says Tokyo riders will be able to book through the GO app or the Waymo app once public rides begin.
Who is Waymo working with in Tokyo?
Waymo's Tokyo partners are Nihon Kotsu, whose crews supervise its test cars, and GO, whose app will offer Waymo rides.
Sources
- Waymo: Waymo Updates
- Waymo: Opening our doors to Tokyo riders in 2027 with Nihon Kotsu and GO, Sep 14, 2026
- ASCII.jp: Waymo's Autonomous Taxis Coming to Tokyo, Callable via GO App, Sep 15, 2026
"Reported" means one news report that the operator or a regulator hasn't confirmed yet.
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