Self-driving cars are off to a bumpy start in the city of Fukui

Technical and financial problems have been identified in the year since Japan’s first transportation service using Level 4 autonomous driving began operating in the city of Eiheiji, Fukui Prefecture.

Amid the country’s declining population, Level 4 autonomous driving, or driving that is fully automated under certain conditions, is seen as a promising mode of transportation. However, the service in Eiheiji has shown the hurdles that need to be overcome.

On May 28, 2023, the service was launched on a 2-kilometer section of a footbridge in Eiheiji. It is only available on Saturdays, Sundays and national holidays.