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Waymo Begins First International Road Tests in Tokyo with Driver-Operated Vehicles

The Alphabet-owned company deploys 25 electric cars to map Tokyo's streets as a foundational step toward potential robotaxi operations.

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Attendees look over a Jaguar I-Pace equipped with a Waymo autonomous driving system at CES 2025, an annual consumer electronics trade show, in Las Vegas, Nevada, U.S., January 7, 2025. REUTERS/Steve Marcus/File Photo
The Waymo logo is displayed during the North American International Auto Show in Detroit, Michigan, U.S., January 8, 2017. REUTERS/Brendan McDermid/File Photo
A Waymo comes out of a shipping container at an undisclosed port in Japan.

Overview

  • Waymo has launched its first international public road tests in Tokyo, marking the debut of its vehicles outside the United States.
  • The company has deployed 25 driver-operated electric Jaguar I-PACE vehicles to collect mapping data and study Tokyo's unique traffic conditions, including left-hand driving.
  • Testing will take place across seven central Tokyo wards, including Minato, Shinjuku, and Shibuya, focusing on dense urban environments and local driving nuances.
  • Waymo is partnering with Japanese taxi firm Nihon Kotsu and mobility app provider Go, while coordinating with local officials and safety regulators.
  • The data collection phase is a precursor to potential autonomous driving tests and a long-term goal of launching a commercial robotaxi service in Tokyo.