Uber Japan said it will launch its ride-hailing services on Monday, with people using their personal vehicles to offer paid rides.
The move is designed to cope with a shortage of taxi drivers in urban areas and tourist spots in the country.
With the government easing regulations for ride-hailing, such services are now allowed in some areas in Tokyo, Kyoto, Kanagawa and Aichi prefectures, on condition that operations are managed by taxi companies. Customers need to make a reservation via a ride-hailing app, and decide both the points of departure and arrival, as well as fares, beforehand. Services are only available during hours when vacant taxis tend to become scarce.