The cherry blossom time in Japan traditionally symbolizes new beginnings, and in this spring it also marks the beginning of the Waymo project in Tokyo.
At the end of last year a partnership between Waymo, the taxi platform Go and Nihon Kotsu, Tokios largest taxi company, announced. The goal: to bring the autonomous driving technology from Waymo to Japan and to research its potential benefits for the city’s transport system.
Since then, the partners have made intensive preparations. Nihon Kotsu set up a new depot for the Waymo vehicles, Waymo carried out training courses for the Nihon Kotsu and Go teams, and together they built up relationships with the local community, organizations and authorities.
Nihon Kotsu will soon begin to manually control Waymo vehicles through Tokyo-the first kilometers of the company on international public roads. The vehicles will drive through several districts, including Minato, Shinjuku, Shibuya, Chiyoda, Chūō, Shinagawa and Kōtō. In doing so, you create detailed 3D cards and gain valuable experiences of professional drivers who are decisive for adapting WayMO technology to Japanese conditions.
These cards form the basis for a simulation environment in which autonomous driving technology can be optimized for local traffic patterns and special street features. The adaptation for later autonomous operation can begin with a digital simulation of downtown Tokio.
On April 10, 2025, an event in Takanawa Gateway City took place on the occasion of the Waymo vehicles in Japan, in which one of the vehicles was presented on public roads before the start. Guest of honor was Yoichi Kise, President and CEO of East Japan Railway Company.