In this guide, we’ll explain if Uber is available in Japan, how it stacks up against other local transport options, and try to help you navigate the country like a pro.
To make navigating even easier, consider using an iRoamly Japan travel eSIM for fast connectivity, allowing you to book rides and access maps on the go.
If you’re a first-timer or simply looking to ensure you know all your transportation options, getting around can have a significant impact on the quality of your trip.
Is There an Uber in Japan?
Yes, but it’s not as wide-spread or popular as it is in many other countries—such as the US or UK. Uber arrived in Tokyo in 2018, and remains largely centered around major cities, such as Tokyo, Kyoto, or Osaka. Additionally, it generally only offers Uber Black for high-end rides and – of course – at high-end prices.
How to Use Uber in Japan
Using Uber in Japan is similar to using it in other countries, with the app functioning the same way.
Why Isn't Uber More Popular in Japan?
Uber’s comparative rarity in Japan means it pales in comparison to the efficiency and coverage of local public transport. It doesn’t help that in some cases it’s more expensive, especially for the premium UberBLack service.
If money is no object, the convenience of app-hailed transport is great, but most users will still take the cheaper and, more critically, faster Japanese public transport options available to them, as will most visitors to the country.
Comparing Uber with Other Transportation Options
As such, for people in Japan using Uber is either taking a different route to public transport, by choice or oversight, or it’s limited to longer trips and riders looking to spend more on premium options. Competitors for the latter kind of journey include;
Trains and Subways:
Both faster and cheaper, even when filling in service gaps for smaller cities such as Fukuoka or Sapporo
Payment: Cash, all major credit cards, prepaid cards Suica or Pasmo
Taxis
Widespread and inexpensive – often comparable in price for short inner-city trips, but cheaper factoring in base fares and potentially shorter wait times for an Uber driver to show up
Payment: Used to be cash-only, now more widely accepts credit card and mobile payments
Buses
Extensive and far more wallet-friendly with routes not covered by trains
Payment: Cash (often exact fare required), transportation cards, some mobile payments (NFC)
Experience From The Receiving End:
All this, compounded with cost, has made Uber a service we’re disinclined to use for daily commutes or low-impact travel, only wanting to splash out for a bit of luxury.
But then, does the relative affordability of Uber in markets abroad make it feel inherently less valuable, worth less, and attract a certain kind of poorly behaved clientele that make my normal preference seem like a wise choice?
Other Apps for Traveling Around Japan
However, for those who find Uber's options limited or too expensive, there are alternative apps like JapanTaxi and DiDi, which offer services similar to Uber with widespread availability across many Japanese cities.
JapanTaxi: The closest Japan gets to Uber, it’s a taxi-hailing app that covers most areas of Japan’s cities. It’s touted as one of the nation’s most popular taxi booking apps and particularly useful in major cities such as Tokyo, Osaka, and Kyoto.
DiDi: The international taxi service also runs in several Japanese cities, offering both taxi and private car options. Available in cities including Tokyo, Nagoya, and Fukuoka.
LINE Taxi: Integrated into the LINE messaging app that’s used by millions of Japanese, LINE Taxi allows users to book cabs directly from the chat application. It mostly operates in major cities and their wider regions.
Mobility Apps for Public Transport: Rather than ride-hailing, apps like NAVITIME and Jorudan can help you get to grips with public transport systems, offering route finding, timetable information, and even price estimates for trains and buses across Japan, though typically focusing on major tourist areas — as well as larger urban spaces.
Not only do these apps offer convenient options for travel, but many have features or options specifically targeted at non-Japanese speakers, meaning that they can be a great alternative to Uber for navigating day-to-day life in Japan.
How to Save on Public Transport in Japan
When planning your trip to Japan, picking the right transport ticket can save you a lot and make your journey smoother. Here’s a quick rundown on choosing the best ticket to fit your travels and manage your Japan trip costs effectively:
Japan Rail Pass (JR Pass): If you’re going to be traveling between cities more than the cities themselves, then a JR Pass is the closest thing essential for visitors. You’ll enjoy unlimited travel on all but a few of Japan’s trains, most notably the Shinkansen, the iconic “bullet trains”, making it perfect for lengthy travel overland:
Prepaid IC Cards (Suica, Pasmo, ICOCA): For shorter visits or shorter jaunts around the city, these rechargeable cards are the simplest way of getting around public transit in the biggest cities such as Tokyo, Osaka, and Kyoto.
Regional Rail Passes: If you only plan to visit one area of Japan, such as Kansai or Hokkaido, then picking up a regional pass allows you unfettered access to a whole region’s train lines at a bargain rate.
City Day Passes: Perfect for power-sightseeing days in a single city. Day passes tend to grant unlimited rides on city buses and subways, providing a cost-effective way to get around within a city.
Tourist Attraction Passes: Often providing a combo of transport and entry to specific locations, passes such as the Hakone Free Pass are a great way to combine tickets, saving you money if you’re planning to hit several Japan landmarks in a day!
With the right choice of ticket, being able to afford public transit in Japan becomes a convenient and inexpensive way to see as much of the cultural and natural highlights of your trip as possible.
Conclusion
While Uber remains an option in Japan, for most visitors the country’s public transport will be faster, cheaper, and more efficient to get around the country with.
Be it rail, bus, or occasional taxi, getting around Japan is a swift, pleasant affair.
Enjoy your trip!