Why Deliver During Japanese Holidays?
Japan is a country rich with cultural festivals and national holidays. While many people take time off, these periods present a unique and often lucrative opportunity for Uber Eats delivery partners. From the quiet reflection of New Year’s to the bustling energy of Golden Week, demand for food delivery can surge as people celebrate at home. This guide is designed for foreign nationals looking to understand the rhythm of Japanese holidays and how to turn them into a successful part of their delivery strategy.
Working as an Uber Eats partner offers the flexibility to earn on your own schedule, a concept particularly appealing to Japan’s “freeters” who value freedom over the traditional corporate ladder. Holidays are a prime time to leverage this flexibility for maximum gain.
Understanding Japan’s 2025 Holiday Landscape
Japan has 16 official national holidays throughout the year. When these holidays fall near a weekend, they create long weekends or extended holiday periods. For 2025, the calendar is packed with opportunities, featuring eight three-day weekends in addition to the major holiday seasons.
These holidays are defined by the “Act on National Holidays,” which aims to foster a better society and richer life by celebrating beautiful customs. For delivery partners, they translate into shifts in consumer behavior, traffic patterns, and restaurant operating hours.
The “Big Three” Holiday Seasons: A Deep Dive
Three periods stand out for their length and impact on daily life: New Year’s, Golden Week, and Obon. These are Japan’s busiest travel seasons and prime time for food delivery.
- New Year’s (お正月 – Oshōgatsu): Typically from December 28th to January 5th. Many Japanese enjoy a nine-day vacation. While demand for food delivery is high, many traditional, family-run restaurants close. Fast-food chains and restaurants catering to holiday celebrations, like the famous KFC on Christmas, often see a boom.
- Golden Week (ゴールデンウィーク): In 2025, this will be an extended 11-day break for many, from April 26th to May 6th. It includes four national holidays: Shōwa Day (April 29), Constitution Memorial Day (May 3), Greenery Day (May 4), and Children’s Day (May 5). This is one of the busiest times for domestic travel and leisure, leading to significant demand for delivery services as people gather for parties or relax at home.
- Obon (お盆): While not an official national holiday, Obon is a major cultural event in mid-August (peak travel expected around August 9-17 in 2025) where people return to their hometowns to honor ancestors. This causes massive traffic congestion on highways leaving major cities and a surge in family gatherings, making it another key period for food delivery.
Holiday Delivery Opportunity Matrix (2025)
To help you visualize the opportunities, here’s a chart assessing the major holiday periods based on key factors for a delivery partner. The ratings (1-5) are based on analysis of travel patterns, business closures, and typical consumer behavior during these times.
The Pros and Cons of Holiday Deliveries
Working during holidays can be a double-edged sword. Understanding both sides will help you prepare mentally and strategically.
The Upside: More Orders, Higher Earnings
- Increased Demand: With more people at home and in a celebratory mood, order volume often increases significantly. Food delivery companies often run special promotions during these times, like the “everyday is a day to commemorate” campaign by Uber Eats during a past Golden Week.
- Surge Pricing and Incentives: To meet high demand, Uber Eats often implements surge pricing (Boost promotions) in busy areas. They may also offer special quests and incentives to encourage more partners to be on the road, potentially increasing your earnings per trip.
- Upfront Earnings Information: The Uber Driver app provides upfront trip information, including minimum earnings, pickup/drop-off locations, and estimated time, allowing you to make informed decisions before accepting a request.
The Challenges: Traffic, Closures, and Stress
- Heavy Traffic: Major holidays like Golden Week and Obon are notorious for traffic jams, especially on major highways and in city centers. This can increase delivery times and add stress.
- Restaurant Closures: During New Year’s, in particular, many independent restaurants close for several days. It’s crucial to know which restaurants are open. You can check holiday hours for partner restaurants in the Uber Eats Manager.
- Driver Competition & Algorithm Changes: High potential earnings attract more drivers. Recently, some drivers have reported frustration with opaque payment algorithms, leading to strategies like rejecting smaller orders to wait for a “whale” (a high-value order). This can create unpredictability.
Your Holiday Delivery Playbook: Tips for Success
Success during the holidays comes down to preparation and smart execution. Here are some practical tips:
Plan Ahead: Know Before You Go
- Check Restaurant Hours: Use the Uber Eats app to see which restaurants are open and popular. Focus on areas with a high concentration of operating partners.
- Plan Your Routes: Use real-time traffic information. Sometimes, a slightly longer route on smaller streets is faster than a main road clogged with traffic.
- Prepare Your Vehicle: Whether you use a bicycle, scooter, or car, ensure it’s in top condition. Check your tires, brakes, and lights.
Stay Safe on the Road
- Be Patient: Traffic will be heavy. Avoid reckless lane changes, which can worsen congestion and increase risk.
- Stay Hydrated: Especially during the hot and humid summer holidays like Obon, carry water and snack on hydrating foods.
- Be Visible: Use lights, especially during evening deliveries. In Japan, it’s common etiquette for drivers to use hazard lights to warn others of a sudden slowdown in traffic.
- Know Your Insurance: Uber provides a Partner Support Program in partnership with Mitsui Sumitomo Insurance, which covers accidental personal injury during a delivery trip.
Maximize Your Earnings Strategically
- Work Peak Hours: Lunch (11 am – 2 pm) and dinner (6 pm – 9 pm) are typically the busiest times. On holidays, these peaks can last longer.
- Position Yourself Wisely: Head towards residential areas with many apartment buildings or areas known for holiday gatherings.
- Check for Promotions: Keep an eye on the Uber Driver app for Boost zones and Quest promotions to significantly increase your income.
Embrace Cultural Nuances
- Tipping is Not Expected: In Japan, tipping is not a common practice and can sometimes be seen as awkward. Excellent service is considered standard. A polite “arigatou gozaimasu” (thank you very much) with a smile is the best “tip” you can give.
- Smooth Handoffs: The Uber app has features to help with smooth deliveries, such as allowing customers to add photos of the delivery destination. Use these tools to avoid confusion.
Getting Started: A Guide for Foreign Nationals
Ready to join? The process is straightforward, but there are specific requirements for foreign nationals.
Important Note: As of a policy change, Uber Eats Japan is not currently accepting new sign-up requests from individuals on student visas.
To become an Uber Eats delivery partner in Japan, you must:
- Be at least 18 years old.
- Have a valid status of residence that permits work. This typically includes: Permanent Resident, Special Permanent Resident, Spouse or Child of a Japanese National, Spouse or Child of a Permanent Resident, Long-Term Resident, or a Designated Activity visa (like a working holiday visa).
- Possess basic Japanese communication skills.
- Provide required documents, which may include your Residence Card, passport, driver’s license (if applicable), and vehicle registration/insurance. Foreign nationals must have their ID physically checked at an Uber Compliance Center.
You can deliver by bicycle, scooter (50cc-125cc), or light motor vehicle. Note that “specified small motorized bicycles” and “all-electric bicycles” are not permitted for delivery.
Ready to Hit the Road?
Delivering with Uber Eats in Japan during the holidays offers a fantastic way to earn extra income while experiencing the country’s unique cultural rhythm. By understanding the landscape, planning strategically, and prioritizing safety, you can navigate the busiest times of the year with confidence and success.
If you have the right visa and are ready for a flexible way to earn, the holidays are calling. Sign up today and start your journey as an Uber Eats delivery partner in Japan.
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