Waymo Sets Its Sights on Tokyo for 2027 Robotaxi Service

Waymo is preparing to bring its driverless ride-hailing service to Tokyo by 2027, working alongside two local partners to make the expansion happen. While the company has already put testing miles on the clock in Tokyo, London and Munich, none of those cities has yet hosted a single paying passenger in a fully driverless vehicle.

The Tokyo plan marks a notable step in Waymo’s international strategy, since the company must navigate local regulations, infrastructure and consumer expectations in each new market. Teaming with domestic partners is a common route for foreign autonomous players looking to build trust and meet local requirements.

That said, the road to commercial service remains long. Testing alone does not equal launch, and Waymo’s prior work in London and Munich has yet to translate into paid rides. Tokyo in 2027 is therefore a target rather than a certainty, with much still to be worked out before passengers can hail a driverless car there.