Uber does not operate in most of Japan, but the service is available in a small number of cities
Uber stopped operating in Japan in 2017, when it sold its ride-hailing business to a local competitor. The company still offers Uber Eats (food delivery) in major cities like Tokyo, Osaka, and Kyoto, but you cannot request a car through the Uber app anywhere in the country. If you are traveling to Japan and plan to use ride-hailing, you will need to use a different service.
The reason Uber withdrew was partly regulatory: Japan's taxi licensing system is strict, and Uber's model of using private drivers did not fit the existing legal framework. Local companies had already built strong networks, and Uber decided the market was not worth the investment to restructure.
Key Takeaways
- Uber ride-hailing shut down across Japan in 2017, but Uber Eats still operates in Tokyo, Osaka, Kyoto, and other major cities.
- GO (formerly Grab) is the main ride-hailing app available nationwide and works similarly to Uber, with upfront pricing and in-app payment.
- Traditional taxis are widely available and reliable, especially in cities, though they do not use an app and payment is cash or card at the vehicle.
- Japan Railways (JR) and local transit systems are often faster and cheaper than ride-hailing for getting around cities.
GO: The ride-hailing app that replaced Uber
GO is the largest ride-hailing app in Japan and functions much like Uber did. You can request a car, see the driver's location in real time, and pay through the app. GO operates in Tokyo, Osaka, Kyoto, Nagoya, Fukuoka, and other major cities. The app shows upfront pricing before you confirm the ride, and you can pay by credit card or prepaid balance.
GO is a merger of two Japanese services (Uber's former competitor and another local app) and has the largest driver network in the country. If you are used to Uber's interface, GO will feel familiar. The main difference is that GO is Japan-only, so you cannot use it in other countries.
GO is available on iOS and Android. You will need a Japanese phone number to set up an account, though some travelers report success using their home country number. If that does not work, you can ask your hotel to help you register or use a prepaid SIM card with a Japanese number.
Traditional taxis: How they work and when to use them
Taxis are everywhere in Japan and are a reliable alternative to ride-hailing. You can hail one on the street, find them at taxi stands outside train stations, or call a taxi company by phone. Fares are metered, and you pay the driver in cash or by card when you arrive. Drivers do not use an app, so you cannot see the fare in advance or track the car's location.
Taxi fares vary by city and distance. In Tokyo, a short ride might cost 1,000 to 2,000 yen (roughly $7 to $14 USD), while longer trips cost more. Tipping is not expected in Japan. Most taxi drivers do not speak English, so it helps to have your destination written down in Japanese or to show the address on your phone's map.
Taxis are often more expensive than GO or public transit for longer distances, but they are faster than waiting for a ride-hailing driver in quiet areas or late at night. In rural areas where GO does not operate, taxis may be your only motorized option besides rental cars.
Public transit: Usually faster and cheaper than any ride service
Japan's train and bus systems are extensive, punctual, and cheaper than ride-hailing for most trips. In Tokyo, the subway and JR trains connect almost everywhere, and a single ride costs 170 to 320 yen (roughly $1 to $2 USD). Buses are similarly affordable and cover areas trains do not reach.
For visitors, a prepaid transit card like Suica or Pasmo works on trains, buses, and even some convenience stores across the country. You can buy one at any train station for around 2,000 yen (about $13 USD), which includes 1,500 yen in stored value. You tap the card at the gate or on the bus reader, and the fare is deducted automatically.
Public transit is usually faster than ride-hailing during rush hours because trains run on fixed schedules and do not get stuck in traffic. For trips between cities, Japan Railways (JR) operates the Shinkansen (bullet train) and other long-distance services. If you plan to take multiple train trips, a Japan Rail Pass may save money, though it must be purchased before you arrive in Japan.
Renting a car in Japan: When it makes sense
Car rental is an option if you plan to explore rural areas or travel at your own pace. You will need an International Driving Permit (IDP) from your home country plus a valid driver's license. Rental companies like Toyota Rent a Car, Nippon Rent a Car, and international chains operate at airports and in cities.
Driving in Japan requires adjusting to left-side traffic and Japanese road signs. Parking in cities is expensive and hard to find; many hotels and restaurants do not have parking lots. Gas (petrol) is sold by the liter and costs more than in the United States or Europe. For most travelers, public transit and ride-hailing are simpler and cheaper than renting a car.
Comparing costs: GO, taxis, and transit side by side
| Service | Typical cost (short trip) | How to pay | Availability |
|---|---|---|---|
| GO ride-hailing | 1,000–2,500 yen ($7–$17) | Credit card or app balance | Major cities only |
| Taxi | 1,000–2,000 yen ($7–$14) | Cash or card at vehicle | Cities and towns |
| Train or bus | 170–320 yen ($1–$2) | Suica/Pasmo card or cash | Nationwide |
| Rental car | 5,000+ yen per day ($35+) | Credit card at rental counter | Airports and cities |
Frequently Asked Questions
Can I use my Uber account or credits in Japan?
No. Uber ride-hailing does not operate in Japan, so your Uber account and credits cannot be used for transportation. Uber Eats works in some cities if you want to order food delivery, but you cannot request a car. You will need to read GO or use taxis and public transit instead.
Does GO work if I do not have a Japanese phone number?
GO requires a phone number to register, and some users report that foreign numbers do not work. If your home country number is rejected, you can buy a prepaid SIM card at the airport with a Japanese number, or ask your hotel to help you register. Some travelers have also had success using a temporary Japanese number from services like Wise or Revolut.
Is it safe to use taxis in Japan?
Yes. Taxis in Japan are safe, regulated, and drivers are professional. All taxis have meters, and fares are standardized by city. The main challenge is communication if the driver does not speak English, so write your destination in Japanese or use a map app to show the address.
What is the cheapest way to get around Japan?
Public transit (trains and buses) is the cheapest option for most trips. A Suica or Pasmo card costs about 2,000 yen upfront and works on all trains and buses nationwide. Single rides cost 170 to 320 yen in cities. For longer distances, the Japan Rail Pass can save money if you take multiple train trips, but it must be purchased before you arrive.
Can I use Google Maps to call a taxi in Japan?
Google Maps shows taxi stands and some taxi company phone numbers, but you cannot book a taxi through the app itself. You can call the number directly (though language may be a barrier) or hail a taxi on the street. GO and other ride-hailing apps integrate with maps, so those are easier if you have the app installed.