- June 23, 2025
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- BELONGING JAPAN
Food delivery in Japan has become a convenient and essential service, especially for those adjusting to life in a new country. Whether you’re too busy to cook, craving something specific, or just want to enjoy restaurant-quality meals at home, delivery apps make it easy. This guide explains how food delivery works in Japan, including popular platforms, delivery fees, useful Japanese phrases, and tips for saving money. If you’re new to Japan or simply want to use delivery more smoothly, this article will help you get started with confidence.
Table of Contents
Chapter 1: Popular Food Delivery Apps in Japan
Japan offers a growing range of food delivery services, especially in major cities like Tokyo, Osaka, and Yokohama. While several platforms are available, a few have emerged as clear favorites among users. Understanding which services are most widely used can help foreign residents choose the one that fits their lifestyle best.
According to a nationwide survey by the media site Delivery Life, which gathered responses from 623 men and women in their 20s to 60s, the most popular food delivery services in Japan are:
Uber Eats（ウーバーイーツ） – 57.3%
Demae-can（出前館） – 36.4%
Wolt（ウォルト） – 2.2%
menu（メニュー） – 1.4%
Other services – 2.6%
This shows that Uber Eats is by far the most commonly used platform in Japan, followed by Demae-can, which also has a strong domestic user base. Both apps are widely available, offer frequent promotions, and are easy to use once registered.
Here’s a brief look at each:
Uber Eats
Easy-to-use app with English support
Widely available in urban areas
Often has deals for first-time users
Payment via credit card, PayPay, and other digital methods
Demae-can
Japanese-only interface but extensive restaurant listings
Includes many local and chain restaurants
Accepts cash on delivery and credit cards
Often used by residents familiar with basic Japanese
Wolt
Clean interface with multiple language support
Known for reliable delivery and customer service
Service areas are more limited compared to Uber Eats or Demae-can
menu
Japan-based app with growing coverage
Japanese-only interface
Offers both restaurant meals and takeout options
Less popular but sometimes used in campaigns with convenience stores
If you’re new to food delivery in Japan, starting with Uber Eats is a safe and convenient choice. For those who read some Japanese or want access to more local restaurants, Demae-can is worth trying as well.
Source: Delivery Life
Chapter 2: How to Set Up and Order Food Delivery in Japan
Using a food delivery app in Japan is easier than it looks—especially with some guidance. Most platforms follow a similar process: download the app, register, enter your address, and place your order. Below is a general guide using such apps, along with useful Japanese words and phrases.
Step 1: Download the App
Step 2: Set Up Your Account
Create an account using your email address, Google, or Apple ID. Then, enter your delivery address.
Useful Japanese Terms When Entering an Address:
住所（じゅうしょ / jūsho） – Address
郵便番号（ゆうびんばんごう / yūbin bangō） – Postal code
建物名（たてものめい / tatemono-mei） – Building name
部屋番号（へやばんごう / heya bangō） – Room number
配達メモ（はいたつメモ / haitatsu memo） – Delivery notes
Tip: If you live in a マンション (manshon / apartment building), be sure to include the name of the building and room number.
Step 3: Choose a Restaurant or Store
Once your address is set, you can browse nearby restaurants. Filter by cuisine, price, or delivery time.
Common Food Categories in Japanese:
和食（わしょく / washoku） – Japanese food
洋食（ようしょく / yōshoku） – Western food
中華（ちゅうか / chūka） – Chinese food
カレー（karē） – Curry
デザート（dezāto） – Dessert
ベジタリアン / ヴィーガン（bejitarian / vīgān） – Vegetarian / Vegan
Step 4: Customize and Place Your Order
Choose your items and customize if needed. Proceed to checkout.
Payment Methods:
クレジットカード（kurejitto kādo） – Credit card
PayPay / Line Pay / Apple Pay – Digital payments
現金（げんきん / genkin） – Cash (available on Demae-kan)
You may also select:
今すぐ配達（いますぐはいたつ / ima sugu haitatsu） – Deliver now
配達時間を予約（はいたつじかんをよやく / haitatsu jikan o yoyaku） – Schedule delivery
Step 5: Add Delivery Instructions (Optional)
Most delivery workers speak limited English, so it helps to include simple Japanese.
Helpful Phrases You Can Copy and Paste:
玄関前に置いてください（げんかんまえにおいてください / genkan mae ni oite kudasai） – Please leave it at the front door.
インターホンを鳴らさないでください（インターホンをならさないでください / intāhon o narasanaide kudasai） – Please don’t ring the intercom.
○○号室までお願いします（○○ごうしつまでおねがいします / ○○ gōshitsu made onegaishimasu） – Please bring it to room number ○○.
Step 6: Track and Receive Your Order
Most apps show your delivery in real time. When it arrives, you’ll get a notification or a knock.
Tipping isn’t expected in Japan, but a polite ありがとう（arigatō） or ありがとうございます（arigatō gozaimasu） goes a long way.
Chapter 4: Delivery Fees, Minimum Orders & How to Save Money
Once you get used to ordering food online in Japan, it’s helpful to understand how much it costs and how you can save. This chapter explains delivery charges, minimum order policies, and ways to get discounts.
Delivery Fees
Delivery fees, 配達料金（はいたつりょうきん / haitatsu ryōkin）vary by app, distance, and timing (e.g., during rainy weather or holidays). Here’s what to expect:
| Service | Delivery Fee |
|---|---|
|
Uber Eats |
¥50–¥500 (based on distance & demand) |
|
Demae-kan |
¥0–¥500 |
|
Wolt |
Based on distance: 0–1.0 km：¥50 , 1.0–2.0 km：¥150, 2.0–3.0 km：¥250, 3.0 km〜：¥350 |
|
Menu |
Based on distance: 0–1.0 km：¥300 , 1.0–1.5 km：¥350, 1.5–2.0 km：¥400, 2.0-2.5km：¥450 |
Minimum Orders
Some food delivery platforms require a minimum order amount. Look for this on the app:
最低注文金額：¥○○ (saitei chūmon kingaku: ¥○○) – Minimum order amount: ¥○○
Here’s how each platform handles minimums:
- Demae-kan – Since March 2022, there is no minimum order requirement
- Wolt – Delivery orders require at least ¥1,000
- Menu and Uber Eats – No strict minimum, but small orders may require additional fee
How to Save Money on Food Delivery
1. Use Coupons
Most apps offer discounts for first-time users or during special promotions.
Look for:
First-time user coupons
Ongoing campaign deals
2. Order with Others
Combine orders with friends or family to reach the minimum order amount and share the delivery fee.
3. Choose Takeout
Many apps let you pick up your food instead of having it delivered. This can save both time and money.
4. Filter for Free Delivery
Some restaurants offer free delivery. Use the app’s filter to find them easily.
Chapter 5: Talking to Delivery Drivers and Solving Problems
Most delivery apps in Japan let you talk to the driver through the app. But sometimes, you may need to send a message or speak directly—especially if something goes wrong.
If the Driver Can’t Find Your Place
Sometimes the driver might not find your location. Here are useful phrases you can send through the app:
| Japanese | Romaji | English |
|---|---|---|
|
場所はわかりますか？ |
Basho wa wakarimasu ka? |
Do you know where the place is? |
|
通り過ぎているので戻ってください。 |
Tōrisugite iru node modotte kudasai. |
You passed it, please come back. |
|
○○の近くです。 |
○○ no chikaku desu. |
It’s near ○○. |
|
建物名と部屋番号は○○マンション101号室です。 |
Tatemono-mei to heya bangō wa ○○ manshon 101-gōshitsu desu. |
The building name and room number is ○○ Mansion, Room 101. |
Wrong or Missing Items
If your order is wrong or something is missing:
Take a photo of the delivery.
Contact support in the app.
Use simple English or Japanese. Support usually responds fast.
| Japanese | Romaji | English |
|---|---|---|
|
間違った商品が届きました。 |
Machigatta shōhin ga todokimashita. |
The wrong item was delivered. |
|
一部の商品が入っていません。 |
Ichibu no shōhin ga haitteimasen. |
Some items are missing. |
|
返金 |
Henkin |
Refund |
|
再送 |
Saisō |
Redelivery |
Food delivery in Japan is reliable and easy to use, with services like Uber Eats, Demae-kan, and Wolt offering a wide range of choices. By understanding the basic terms, fees, and how to communicate with drivers, you can enjoy smooth and stress-free delivery experiences.
If you have any questions or would like to share your experience, feel free to leave a comment below.
