Abe tried auto-piloting vehicles from Toyota, Honda, and Nissan on the roads around
"I felt with my body that the Japanese technology is the world's best," Abe told reporters after riding the vehicles.
It was the first time that auto-piloting vehicles have run on ordinary roads in Japan.
Automakers have previously tested self-driving vehicles on highways that offer better driving conditions, and no pedestrians.
The Tokyo Motor Show, slated for later this month, will feature the self-driving technologies, as well as electric vehicles and other models.
Abe has pledged to help advance auto-piloting technology as part of his economic policy, in addition to measures encouraging various technological innovations, investments and to attract foreign talents to work in Japan.