In many big cities, Uber is the go-to app for cheap and easy travel, ride-sharing, and even food delivery. However, in Tokyo, you'll notice that using the Uber app for rides isn't as common as you'd think. In short, yes, you can use Uber in Tokyo, but mostly to hail a taxi.

Uber does exist in Japan, but it functions differently than in many other countries due to strict transport regulations. In major cities like Tokyo, Kyoto, and Osaka, the Uber app primarily acts as a hailing service for licensed taxicabs (Uber Taxi) rather than private "rideshare" drivers. You will still see the familiar interface and upfront pricing, but the vehicle that arrives will be a standard Japanese taxi. In certain specific wards of Tokyo and at major airports (Narita and Haneda), you can also request Uber Black or Premier, which are high-end chauffeured limousines. As of 2026, "Uber Private Car" (ridesharing) is only available in very limited pilot areas and specific rural zones where public transport is scarce. While Uber is a convenient way to bypass language barriers with drivers, traditional taxi apps like "Go" or "S.Ride" often have a larger fleet of available vehicles in Japan.