Waymo, GO, and Nihon Kotsu to launch driverless taxis in Tokyo by 2027

autonomous taxis Level 4 driving Waymo Tokyo transport driverless vehicles

Waymo, GO Inc., and Nihon Kotsu have announced a strategic partnership to launch Japan’s first commercial driverless taxi service in Tokyo by 2027. The service will utilize Level 4 autonomous driving technology, allowing vehicles to operate without a human driver under specified conditions.

The companies plan to deploy an initial fleet of approximately 100 Jaguar I-PACE electric SUVs, gradually expanding the service across Tokyo. Users will be able to hail these autonomous taxis through both the GO and Waymo mobile applications.

The project follows extensive road testing conducted since 2025 across seven wards in Tokyo. While the 2027 target is a primary goal, the official launch date remains contingent upon securing necessary regulatory approvals from national and local authorities. The partnership aims to address Japan’s growing driver shortages and improve road safety.

Entities

Alphabet Inc. · GO Inc. · Hyundai Motor Group · Nihon Kotsu · Tokyo · Waymo

Claims

What the coverage asserts, and how many sources carry each claim.

[● 8 SOURCES] The service plans to gradually expand the fleet to approximately 100 vehicles. monoist.itmedia.co.jp · smartcar.cnmo.com · dxmagazine.jp · www.adnkronos.com · www.automotiveworld.com · +3 more
[● 3 SOURCES] The initial fleet will utilize Jaguar I-PACE electric SUVs. monoist.itmedia.co.jp · www.automotiveworld.com · vecer.mk
[● 4 SOURCES] Road testing has been conducted in seven wards of Tokyo since 2025. dxmagazine.jp · www.automotiveworld.com · www.itmedia.co.jp · news.cube-soft.jp
[● 8 SOURCES] The companies aim to launch commercial Level 4 autonomous taxi services in Tokyo by 2027. monoist.itmedia.co.jp · smartcar.cnmo.com · dxmagazine.jp · www.adnkronos.com · www.automotiveworld.com · +3 more
[● 6 SOURCES] The 2027 launch timeline is subject to obtaining necessary permits from national and local authorities. monoist.itmedia.co.jp · smartcar.cnmo.com · dxmagazine.jp · rayhaber.com · www.automotiveworld.com · +1 more
[● 7 SOURCES] Users will be able to hail the taxis using both the GO and Waymo applications. monoist.itmedia.co.jp · smartcar.cnmo.com · dxmagazine.jp · www.adnkronos.com · www.automotiveworld.com · +2 more
[● 9 SOURCES] GO, Waymo, and Nihon Kotsu have entered a strategic partnership to commercialize autonomous taxis. monoist.itmedia.co.jp · car.watch.impress.co.jp · smartcar.cnmo.com · dxmagazine.jp · www.adnkronos.com · +4 more
[○ 1 SOURCE] Waymo has completed over 200 million miles of autonomous driving. car.watch.impress.co.jp