The term "transit desert" is appearing more and more frequently in the news across Japan today. While Japan boasts a highly advanced railway network that seamlessly connects its major cities, the transportation landscape changes significantly when you venture into rural towns or mountainous tourist destinations prized for their natural beauty. In these areas, unlike in large metropolitan centers, factors such as population decline and a growing shortage of drivers can lead to a limited number of bus and taxi operations. This condition—where essential public transportation is not sufficiently supplied and mobility options are restricted—is what we call a "transit desert."

Within the context of transit deserts, the issue that impacts international tourists most significantly is the shortage of what we call "tourism mobility." This term refers to the "last one mile" of transportation—the means of connecting major hubs like terminal stations and airports to specific sightseeing spots and hotels.
For instance, imagine arriving at a rural station by Shinkansen. When you attempt to reach a famous hot spring resort or a scenic viewpoint from there, you may find that the number of connecting buses or taxis is extremely limited. Cases where travelers cannot secure transportation are on the rise, particularly during peak seasons such as the cherry blossom or autumn foliage periods when visitors congregate, as well as during nighttime hours when guests return to their hotels after dinner.
To ensure that travelers who have come all the way to Japan can enjoy a stress-free experience, the Japanese government is currently launching a series of new projects aimed at bridging the gap in these "transit deserts."

While ride-sharing services like Uber, Grab, and Bolt have become global standards, the model introduced in Japan is quite distinct. It is known as "Japan’s version of ride-sharing." You may wonder how it differs from the typical services found abroad. The most significant feature is that taxi companies manage the operations.

Rather than simply having an IT company act as an intermediary between drivers and passengers, Japan has implemented a system where professional taxi companies oversee the training of private drivers, verify vehicle maintenance, and manage overall operations. Consequently, these services are primarily deployed in regions and during time slots where taxis are in short supply.

Benefits for Travelers
You might ask, "If taxi companies are managing it, isn't it the same as a regular taxi?" However, this system offers substantial advantages for users.

Easier to Catch a Ride
On rainy days, Friday nights, or during peak tourist seasons when taxi fleets are stretched thin, additional vehicles driven by private citizens enter the service. This significantly increases your chances of successfully booking a ride through a dispatch app.

A Seamless App-Based Experience
In many regions, the entire ride-hailing process is handled entirely via smartphone. You can often use the Uber app already on your phone, or access Japan’s leading domestic apps like GO and S.RIDE. By using these apps, you eliminate the need to explain your destination in Japanese or handle cash.
Currently, the service areas are expanding beyond major metropolises like Tokyo and Kyoto into rural tourist destinations, serving as a powerful lifeline when you cannot find a traditional taxi.

About "Public Ride-sharing"
In addition to the models managed by taxi companies, there is another option known as "Public Ride-sharing," which is spearheaded by local municipalities and NPOs. Its primary feature is that local residents—who possess deep, firsthand knowledge of the area’s roads—provide direct transport to your destination using their own private vehicles.
Although this system was originally established to support the daily lives of local residents, an increasing number of regions are now opening the service to international visitors to facilitate "tourism mobility." Beyond the sheer convenience of reaching hidden gems inaccessible by route buses without the stress of multiple transfers, the opportunity to receive "insider" information—tips and stories not found in any guidebook—directly from local drivers is a highlight of the experience.
If you are considering using this service, please first check the official website of your destination’s municipality or visit a local tourist information center to confirm its availability. By making smart use of this modern mobility option, you can enjoy a more flexible and profound travel experience in Japan to your heart’s content.

For those who wish to explore rural tourist destinations or "hidden gems" not found in guidebooks, "on-demand transportation" is an incredibly useful option. It is easiest to understand it as a hybrid between a bus and a taxi. Unlike conventional route buses that follow fixed schedules and paths, this is a flexible mode of transport that operates only when and where a reservation has been made.

How does it work?
While these services were originally designed for local residents, they have recently evolved into "AI On-demand Transportation" through the integration of AI technology. Consequently, the number of areas where tourists can easily book a ride via smartphone apps is increasing.
The defining feature of this service is ridesharing—sharing a vehicle with other passengers heading in the same direction. Thanks to this system, you can travel comfortably to your destination with a near "door-to-door" experience at a much lower cost than a taxi, even in areas without established bus routes. In regions where sightseeing spots are scattered across a vast area, on-demand transportation has become the primary means for getting around.

"MaaS (Mobility as a Service)" is a platform that integrates various modes of transport, such as trains, buses, and taxis, allowing travelers to navigate seamlessly without hesitation. In Japan, MaaS has evolved into something much more than a simple route-searching app. Its most distinctive feature is that it is often provided in a "Digital Ticket" format, which bundles not only transportation rights (for buses, trains, taxis, and bike-sharing) but also admission tickets to sightseeing spots and even meal vouchers.

The Value of MaaS for International Visitors
When navigating an unfamiliar land, the effort required to prepare small change for bus fares or to purchase new tickets every time the transit company changes can be a major source of stress. However, by utilizing MaaS apps or websites, you can free yourself from these hassles. Not only does this eliminate the need for tedious cash transactions, but it also allows you to manage the reservation and payment for all transport modes—including buses, taxis, and bike-sharing—entirely through your smartphone.

Furthermore, many services offer "all-you-can-ride" passes or excursion tickets that are more cost-effective than paying for each segment individually, providing both convenience and economic benefits. In Japan, many unique regional services exist, such as "Kansai MaaS." When planning your trip, we strongly recommend searching for your destination's name along with keywords like "MaaS" or "Digital Pass."

While the term "transit desert" may seem negative at first glance, Japan is facing this challenge head-on by rapidly building new transportation systems that seamlessly blend technology with an unwavering commitment to safety.
Imagine how these solutions fit into your trip: in urban centers or at major stations where taxis are hard to find, "Japan’s version of ride-sharing" provides the perfect answer. When you venture toward beautiful rural villages or hidden gems, "on-demand transportation" becomes your reliable support for the "last one mile." The key to utilizing these options both smartly and economically is regional "MaaS" services.
Simply knowing these three keywords will dramatically expand the scope of your travels across Japan. Step beyond the standard spots found in guidebooks and discover the "unseen Japan" that awaits you. We invite you to master these new mobility options and enjoy a journey defined by freedom and comfort.