Self-Driving Cars Now Testing on Tokyo's Crowded Streets

Self-driving car company Nuro just launched testing in Tokyo, tackling one of the world's toughest environments for autonomous vehicles.

The Silicon Valley startup, backed by tech giants NVIDIA and Toyota, is putting its vehicles through their paces on Tokyo's famously narrow, crowded streets. Safety drivers sit behind the wheel during testing, as required by Japanese law.

Tokyo represents a serious challenge for self-driving technology. Left-side driving, dense pedestrian traffic, and tight urban streets create what CEO Andrew Chapin calls "a good pressure test" of what autonomous systems can handle. If the technology works here, it can work almost anywhere.

Nuro isn't alone in seeing Tokyo as the ideal proving ground. Waymo, another major player in autonomous vehicles, has been testing in the Japanese capital since April 2025. The company works with local taxi operators Nihon Kotsu and the popular taxi app Go to serve real passengers.

The companies have big plans beyond testing. Uber aims to deploy up to 100,000 autonomous vehicles globally, including 20,000 robotaxis powered by partners like Nuro and Lucid. That rollout starts in 2027, with pilot programs beginning in Tokyo by late 2026.

The Ripple Effect

This technology push in Tokyo could transform urban mobility across Asia and beyond. Dense cities worldwide share similar challenges with narrow streets and heavy foot traffic. Solutions that work in Tokyo's demanding environment can adapt to Shanghai, Mumbai, Bangkok, or any major metropolitan area facing transportation challenges.

Nuro is also thinking bigger than just rides. The company previously partnered with 7-Eleven on autonomous deliveries in California. CEO Chapin envisions "a universal autonomy platform" that extends to different applications, from grocery delivery to emergency services.

The race to perfect self-driving technology in challenging urban environments signals a future where transportation becomes safer, more accessible, and more efficient for millions of city dwellers worldwide.