The efficient transport network of Japan meets challenges when people from outside the country try to understand how the systems function. Taxis exist, but travellers frequently ask about Uber services in Japan. Understanding Japan’s Uber operations is possible with this guide, which provides essential instructions for travellers.
Does Uber Work in Japan?
Is there an Uber in Japan? Uber services currently operate in Japan, although they cover fewer locations than other regions. The Japan transportation laws limit Uber drivers since the country follows different driver requirements from those of the United States and Europe. Instead of private rideshare drivers, Uber in Japan mainly partners with professional taxi companies.
Is Uber’s operation in Japan equivalent to its services in foreign markets? Not exactly. Customers experience worse prices with Uber rides than taxi fares, and the service depends on location. Uber is a practical solution for foreigners who wish to access local taxi services because they are unfamiliar with the system.
Cities You Can Use Uber in Japan
Does Uber work in Japan? Yes, Uber works in Japan, but its availability is inconsistent. These are the locations where Uber operates:
Tokyo
Does Uber work in Tokyo? Different taxi choices, including essential traction services and luxurious vehicle options, are provided. Modern travellers use both the Tokyo subway network and Uber because the ride-sharing service becomes instrumental during nighttime transportation or heavy luggage situations.
Kyoto
The Uber Kyoto service might suit your needs when you wish to have transportation outside standard public options. The overall usage of Uber services in Kyoto remains lower than in Tokyo. Many visitors in Kyoto depend on buses and trains to reach the principal draw of temples and historic sites in this city.
Osaka
Although passengers in Osaka have restricted access to Uber services, they can find numerous taxis operating there. Travellers prefer city taxis over Uber because of the lower fare costs and more accessible destinations.
Other Cities
Uber operates in several locations, including Hiroshima, Fukuoka, and Nagoya. However, compared to Western markets, the transportation service operates inadequately, and its presence depends on regional areas and specific operating hours.
Use this link (Uber Japan Cities) to determine whether Uber operates in the destination you plan to visit.
How To Get an Uber in Japan
You can obtain an Uber service in Japan by using this process.
- The first step in using Uber services is to install their smartphone application from the app store. Consider using taxi apps like GO.
- You can set your payment system through the app using credit card options or Japanese payment systems. Cash payment is not possible for Uber operations in Japan.
- Operating the app starts with choosing your destination, followed by reviewing the available Uber transportation options.
- Users must select one of the various transportation options available, which range from regular taxi services to luxurious private vehicles and larger rides suitable for groups.
- To avoid issues at pickup time, double-check that you have specified a precise location, which could become difficult to understand in places such as train stations.
- After receiving an assigned driver through the app, you can monitor your ride with ‘Track Your Ride,’ which offers real-time location tracking and estimated time of arrival information.
- Payment runs automatically from your linked payment method in the app, thus eliminating the need for cash exchange.
The required presence of network data or Wi-Fi connection stands in the way of accessing Uber services. One should maintain dependable cellular connectivity because Japan does not provide consistent free wireless internet throughout the country. A 25-minute trip through Uber requires about 20MB of cellular data for operation.
The OMORIWIFI Travel SIM and pocket Wi-Fi devices provide network access, allowing travellers to stay connected during their trips and avoid disconnections.
Types of Uber Rides in Japan and Their Prices
The Japan Uber service operates through partnerships with taxi companies, which produce ride options that are different from those of other international territories. Several standard Uber passenger options exist in Japan alongside their price estimates as follows:
1. Uber Taxi
- Users can access the standard taxi service.
- The pricing system for Uber Taxi in Japan is similar to that for taxis: 420 JPY for the first 1 km and 410 JPY for each subsequent kilometre travelled.
- Available in most major cities like Tokyo and Kyoto.
2. Uber Black
- This premium option provides professional drivers who use high-end black cars.
- The service delivers luxury comfort to business people along with others seeking high-end experiences.
- Short trips cost 5,000 JPY and above, to begin with.
3. Uber Van
- Suitable for groups or those travelling with large luggage.
- Uber provides options that charge premium prices while providing exceptional space and enhanced convenience features.
4. Uber Assist
- The service is primarily for elderly clients as well as passengers who have physical limitations.
- Passengers will find comparable pricing to Uber Taxi, along with extra support from the service.
How Much Is Taxi in Tokyo Compared to Uber?
Travellers continuously ask about the prices of taxis in Tokyo. Standard taxi fares in Tokyo start at around 420 JPY, with additional charges per kilometre. Uber Black and Uber Van options from the Uber platform cost more than regular Uber and taxi fares in Tokyo.
Get Reliable Data and Book Your Rides with OMORIWIFI
The OMORIWIFI network provides dependable data while offering ride-booking services to its users.
Dependable internet services are critical for Uber’s operations in Japan. Because of their limited mobile data capabilities, almost all foreign visitors face problems booking rides. That’s where OMORIWIFI comes in.
OMORIWIFI offers:
- High-speed internet for seamless Uber bookings.
- Portable WiFi devices enable you to connect your network throughout the entire Japanese territory.
- The company provides data plans that are suitable for people travelling.
- OMORIWIFI’s internet connectivity service operates through NTT Docomo, which provides the nation’s most prominent telecom network coverage, including 5G services nationwide. (Learn more about NTT Docomo’s 5G network.)
- The OMORIWIFI platform offers Japan travel SIM cards, long-term SIM cards, short-term SIM cards, home Wi-Fi, Cloud 5G Wi-Fi routers, and pocket Wi-Fi devices.
With OMORIWIFI, you can easily access Uber, Google Maps, and other necessary travel apps without roaming fees or unreliable connections.
요약
Japan differs from other nations regarding Uber because the service exists only as a taxi-based solution instead of a personal transportation system. When visiting Tokyo or Kyoto as your significant destination, you might find Uber helpful for transportation, yet typical taxi services can sometimes work better. Your decision-making process becomes easier when you know Uber’s acquisition method in Japan, together with its selection of transportation options. The OMORIWIFI network ensures you can use it for hassle-free service.
A proper understanding of Uber’s operation in Japan will make your travel experience smooth and worry-free.
