If you’re visiting Japan and wondering, “Can I use Uber in Japan as a tourist?”—you’re not alone. Many travelers expect Uber to work just like it does back home, but Japan has a unique transportation culture. As a native Japanese person living near Osaka, I’m here to explain how Uber works in Japan, what alternatives locals actually use, and when Uber might (or might not) help you during your stay.
Uber is available in Japan—but only in limited areas and not in the way you’re used to.
Most Japanese people use trains, buses, or other taxi apps instead of Uber.
Taxi fares in Japan are fixed and regulated, so price transparency is not a major issue.
While Uber might help in some situations, it’s often not the most convenient choice.
Is Uber Available in Japan? What Tourists Need to Know
Where can you actually use Uber?
As of May 2025, Uber is available in 15 prefectures across Japan. Keep in mind—service areas can change from time to time. So, it’s always a good idea to double-check the app before making plans.
Uber is mainly available in big cities like Tokyo, Osaka, Kyoto, and Nagoya. Even in these cities, the service may only cover certain areas, not the entire city.
Also, when you book a ride in Japan, you’re usually getting a regular taxi through the Uber app—not an UberX like in other countries.
| Region | Prefectures |
|---|---|
| Hokkaido | Hokkaido |
| Tohoku | Aomori, Iwate, Miyagi, Fukushima |
| Kanto | Tokyo, Kanagawa |
| Chubu | Aichi, Ishikawa |
| Kansai | Osaka, Kyoto, Hyogo |
| Chugoku | Hiroshima |
| Shikoku | Kochi |
| Kyushu & Okinawa | Fukuoka, Okinawa |
✅ Note: Even within these prefectures, Uber Taxi may only be available in selected areas.
This makes Uber a useful option for travelers—especially if you’re not confident speaking Japanese. Just open the app, set your destination, and let the driver do the rest!
Uber in Japan is not rideshare
In Japan, Uber doesn’t operate with private car owners like in the U.S. or many other countries. The Japanese government has strict regulations on ridesharing. Most Uber rides in Japan are actually licensed taxis booked through the app.
Why Uber feels different in Japan
Culturally, Japan is cautious about new transportation systems. The country has an incredibly efficient and punctual public transport system, which leaves little demand for Uber-style services. Also, Japanese people often prioritize safety and trust in established systems like taxis or trains.
Can you use Uber in Tokyo or Osaka?
Technically yes, but you’ll find it far less common than you expect. In both Tokyo and Osaka, Uber mostly acts as a taxi-hailing app. In my experience, most locals don’t use Uber—it’s more often used by curious tourists.
Cost comparison: Uber vs Taxi vs Public Transport
| Option | Typical Cost (Short Trip) | Availability | Notes |
|---|---|---|---|
| Uber | ¥800–¥1200 | Limited (urban areas) | Usually just a regular taxi |
| Taxi (street hail) | ¥800–¥1200 | Easy in cities | Regulated pricing, safe and clean |
| Train/Subway | ¥190–¥300 | Extremely reliable | Best option for speed and cost |
Summary of Uber availability
Uber exists in Japan, but only as a taxi-booking tool in major cities. Don’t expect ridesharing or wide coverage. It’s better viewed as one of many transport options, not your primary one.
How Japanese Locals Get Around (and Why That Matters for You)
Why most Japanese don’t use Uber
As a local, I’ve never used Uber personally. Most Japanese people rely on public transport, which is clean, safe, punctual, and cheap. In cities, taxis are easy to hail. Uber is simply not part of our daily life.
Taxi apps locals prefer (and you can use too)
If you want to use an app like Uber, I recommend trying:
GO (by JapanTaxi) – Very popular, especially in Tokyo and Osaka
DiDi – Good support in multiple languages
S.RIDE – Easy to use, decent coverage
These apps often offer more availability and better integration with Japanese taxis than Uber.
Do you need an app? Hailing taxis in Japan
In most urban areas, it’s easy to hail a taxi from the street, especially near train stations and hotels. Late at night or during rain, apps can help, but generally you won’t struggle to find one.
Why public transport is still king
Japan’s trains and subways are world-class. They’re always on time, have English signage, and cover nearly every corner of major cities. Most locals avoid taxis or Uber because trains are simply more practical.
Language barriers and how to deal with them
Many taxi drivers speak little or no English. Having your destination written in Japanese (or showing a map on your phone) helps. Apps like Google Translate or even the taxi apps themselves often have built-in translation tools.
Summary: Should tourists use Uber in Japan?
You probably don’t need Uber in Japan. With easy access to trains, affordable taxis, and other taxi apps, most tourists can get around just fine. If you do want to try it, use it as a backup, not a primary method of transportation.
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