In short, yes, you can use Uber in Tokyo, but mostly to hail a taxi. But, more often than not, stopping a random taxi on the street might be faster (and sometimes cheaper) than requesting a taxi via the ubiquitous app. Uber is relatively new to Japan, and as a result, its network isn't the largest.

Yes, Uber is available and works effectively in Japan, but it operates quite differently than in the United States or Europe. In 2026, pure "ridesharing" (private citizens driving their own cars) remains largely illegal in Japan due to strict taxi regulations. Consequently, when you request an Uber, you are actually hailing a professional, licensed taxi through the Uber interface. This service is available in major urban centers like Tokyo, Kyoto, Osaka, and Fukuoka, as well as near major international airports like Narita and Haneda. While convenient because it removes the language barrier and handles payments digitally, Uber is often more expensive than flagging a taxi on the street due to the app's "dispatch fee." For the most comprehensive coverage, many travelers in 2026 also install "Taxi GO," which is the dominant local app with a much larger fleet of vehicles, especially in smaller cities. Regardless of the app used, Japanese taxis are renowned for being impeccably clean, with drivers who often wear white gloves and operate automatic doors, providing a premium transport experience.