Uber Autonomous Taxis in Tokyo to Begin Trials in 2026

Uber and Hinomaru Kotsu Prepare for Tokyo Robotaxi Trials

Uber autonomous taxis in Tokyo are scheduled to begin trial runs in the second half of 2026, marking a new step in the planned deployment of autonomous mobility services in Japan. U.S.-based Uber Technologies, Inc. announced on August 13 that Japan-based Hinomaru Kotsu Co., Ltd. will operate the autonomous taxi service during the trials. The vehicles will be based on the Nissan Leaf electric vehicle, combining autonomous driving technology with an established battery-electric vehicle platform. The announcement also clarifies the operational role that had not previously been disclosed when Uber, Nissan and Wayve Technologies announced their joint autonomous taxi trial plans in March.

Hinomaru Kotsu to Handle Robotaxi Operations

Hinomaru Kotsu Co., Ltd. will be responsible for operation control and vehicle maintenance during the planned autonomous taxi trials. Its involvement establishes a defined operational structure for the service, while the autonomous driving system and vehicle platform remain central to the joint initiative. The company will therefore play a practical role in supporting the deployment and day-to-day management of the robotaxis as the trial progresses. The planned service represents an important development for autonomous mobility in Japan, where controlled trials can provide operational experience before broader commercial deployment is considered.

Nissan Leaf Forms the Vehicle Platform

The autonomous taxis will use vehicles based on the Nissan Leaf electric vehicle, bringing together battery-electric propulsion and autonomous driving technology in a dedicated robotaxi trial. The choice of the Leaf provides an established electric vehicle foundation for the planned service, while the autonomous technology is expected to enable the vehicles to operate within the scope of the trial. The announcement does not disclose additional technical specifications for the autonomous driving system or provide details on the number of vehicles involved. Further information about the trial's operating conditions and deployment scale may therefore emerge as the start of the Tokyo trials approaches.

Joint Autonomous Taxi Initiative Expands in Japan

The latest announcement follows a joint statement made in March by Uber, Nissan and U.K.-based Wayve Technologies Ltd. concerning trial operations of autonomous taxis. At that time, the companies announced their intention to conduct joint trials but did not identify the operator responsible for the service. The appointment of Hinomaru Kotsu now provides clarity on that part of the program. The development also strengthens the connection between global autonomous-driving technology providers, vehicle manufacturers and local transportation operators as the partners prepare to test robotaxi services in Japan's urban environment.

Frequently Asked Questions

When will Uber's autonomous taxi trials start in Tokyo?
The autonomous taxi trials involving Uber are scheduled to begin in Tokyo during the second half of 2026, with Hinomaru Kotsu responsible for operation control and maintenance. The service will use autonomous vehicles based on the Nissan Leaf electric vehicle platform. Uber, Nissan and Wayve Technologies had previously announced the joint trial initiative in March, but the operating company had not been disclosed at that time. The latest announcement identifies Hinomaru Kotsu as the operator for the planned Tokyo trials and provides additional clarity on how the service will be managed.