#Japan #Tokyo #Transportation #S.RIDE #DiDi

S.RIDE and DiDi Join Forces for Improved Travel Experience in Japan

In an exciting development for international travelers, S.RIDE Co., Ltd. has announced a strategic partnership with DiDi Mobility Japan Co., Ltd. Both companies are set to enhance transportation options for inbound tourists by launching a new integration that allows easier access to taxi services offered by S.RIDE through the globally recognized DiDi app.

What to Expect

Starting in mid-February 2026, visitors arriving in Japan will be able to book and pay for rides using the DiDi app, which serves a whopping 590 million users across 15 countries. This integration marks the first phase of the “S.RIDE Global Roaming” service, providing access to approximately 12,000 taxis in Tokyo.

The service will first cover the Tokyo 23 wards and the Musashino area, inclusive of Musashino City and Mitaka City, with plans for expansion depending on demand trends. This step aims to support the Japanese government's ambitious target of attracting 60 million inbound tourists by 2030, as set forth in its post-COVID recovery plan.

Meeting Travelers' Needs

The initiative comes in response to the increasing number of international tourists, projected to reach around 42.7 million by 2025. The Japan National Tourism Organization has reiterated the necessity of creating a convenient travel environment free from language and payment barriers. Moreover, the project addresses the risk posed by unauthorized taxi services, enhancing safety by guiding visitors toward the licensed taxis they can trust.

In essence, this collaboration between S.RIDE and DiDi aims to cater to the growing inbound demand while ensuring safety and familiarity for international visitors. With the vast network of S.RIDE's taxis seamlessly integrated into the DiDi app, tourists can now enjoy a reliable and high-quality taxi experience during their stay in Japan.

Benefits of the Integration

The merger allows S.RIDE's extensive network—comprising around 12,000 taxis in Tokyo and over 20,000 nationwide—to be fully accessible via the DiDi app. This innovative connection ensures a smoother ride-hailing experience for visitors, capitalizing on the familiarity of the DiDi platform, which is already popular around the world.

Additionally, leveraging existing systems means that taxi operators won't need to invest in new hardware or extensive system overhauls, minimizing operational pressure while effectively addressing inbound demand. This approach could significantly improve the operational ratios for taxis around airports and hotels.

Comments from Leadership

Yohei Hashimoto, President and CEO of S.RIDE, expressed his excitement about collaborating with a globally recognized platform like DiDi. He stated, “I am thrilled to establish DiDi as our first connectivity partner for ‘S.RIDE Global Roaming.’ Our goal is to bridge Japan's taxi industry and global travelers, providing them with a high-quality taxi experience while contributing to the promotion of tourism in our country.”

Daisuke Wakuyama, President and CEO of DiDi Mobility Japan, also shared his enthusiasm for this partnership, stating, “We are excited to roll out this service as our first collaboration with S.RIDE. By utilizing the DiDi app, inbound tourists will have a smoother experience accessing safe and legitimate taxi services across Japan.”

Conclusion

This partnership between S.RIDE and DiDi not only redefines transportation solutions for tourists but also represents a significant step towards realizing Japan's tourism goals. With more seamless access to safe taxis through familiar platforms, the influx of international travelers can be met with confidence and efficiency.

For more information about S.RIDE, visit S.RIDE Website. To learn more about DiDi Mobility Japan, check out their site at DiDi Website.