Driverless rides in Kyoto, Japan
As of November 11, 2026, no driverless service runs in Kyoto yet. NTT Docomo Business has announced a future launch plan, October 26, 2026.
Data updated · Last verified
Services in Kyoto
| Operator | Service | Status | Who can ride | How to book | Hours | Fares | Driver | Last verified |
|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|
| NTT Docomo Business | BusKyoto (Rakusai New Town) | Planned | No public rides yet | — | — | No public service | — | Oct 26, 2026 |
Map and area
NTT Docomo Business: Kyoto City and a consortium led by NTT Docomo Business will test an autonomous city bus on a loop of about 6.9 km from Rakusai Bus Terminal around Rakusai New Town. A Kyoto City Bus Isuzu Erga Mio, converted by Advanced Smart Mobility, makes test runs at Level 2 with a driver aboard from Nov 1, 2026 to Jan 31, 2027 (not Dec 29 to Jan 3), between 9 am and 5 pm, and residents can ride from Feb 1 to 14, 2027, with details to come from Kyoto City. A first, 21-day phase with a small electric bus gave free rides from Mar 24 to 29, 2026. Kyoto aims to complete Level 4 permits through fiscal 2027 and start service, run by Kyoto City Bus, in fiscal 2028.
Latest updates
- Kyoto's autonomous bus returns as a converted city bus, with 100 days of tests from Nov 1 and public rides Feb 1 to 14 NTT Docomo Business Officially verified
Questions
Can I ride today?
NTT Docomo Business: No public rides. No passenger service is available to the public here.
How do I book?
NTT Docomo Business: No public booking channel listed.
Is anyone in the driver’s seat?
NTT Docomo Business: AVwhere has not confirmed this.
Sources and limitations
- NTT Docomo Business · ntt.com · Last verified Oct 26, 2026Added from NTT Docomo Business's releases of Feb 20 and Oct 26, 2026, with Mynavi and Impress AI Watch coverage; not yet in the coverage sheet. Level 2: the driver stays responsible, and Level 4 is a goal that has not been approved. No passengers ride during the test runs, and the Feb 1 to 14 rides are a plan with details still to come. Listed as Announced until the test runs start on Nov 1, 2026. NTT Docomo Business leads the consortium; Advanced Smart Mobility builds the driving system. The marker is central Kyoto; Rakusai New Town is in Nishikyō Ward, about 10 km south-west.
Nearby
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