So, you’re thinking about becoming an Uber Eats courier in Tokyo? It’s a fantastic way to earn money flexibly, explore the city, and be your own boss. But before you hit the road, there’s one major hurdle to understand: Tokyo’s traffic. It’s not just about cars; it’s a complex dance of trains, pedestrians, cyclists, and scooters. This guide will equip you with the knowledge to navigate the city’s streets safely and efficiently.
Understanding Tokyo’s Unique Traffic Landscape
Tokyo’;s transportation system is unlike that of many other major world cities. To succeed as a courier, you first need to grasp its fundamental characteristics.
A City of Trains, Not Cars
Unlike cities that are built around the automobile, Tokyo is dominated by its world-class public transportation network. A dense web of train and subway lines operated by companies like JR East, Tokyo Metro, and Toei Subway forms the backbone of how people move around. As a result, navigating by car can be challenging, and private car ownership is less common than in many Western cities. For a delivery courier, this means that while you won’t be competing with endless freeways of cars, you will be navigating a complex grid of streets designed to serve a population that primarily relies on public transit.
The Rise of the Bicycle
With public transport being so dominant, the bicycle has become a critical tool for “last-mile” travel—getting from the train station to home or the office. This has fostered a strong cycling culture, from the ubiquitous *mamachari* (mom’;s bike) used for groceries and school runs to the growing number of commuters and delivery riders. During the COVID-19 pandemic, cycling’s popularity surged even further. This means that as a courier on a bike, you’ll be in good company, but you’ll also need to be aware of the unwritten rules and official regulations that govern this popular mode of transport.
Choosing Your Vehicle: Bicycle vs. Scooter
Your choice of vehicle is the most critical decision you’ll make. It affects your speed, earnings potential, and the rules you must follow. Uber Eats allows deliveries by bicycle, and in some cases, by motorized scooter (125cc or less).
The Agile Bicycle: Tokyo’s Delivery Workhorse
The bicycle is the most common choice for Uber Eats couriers in Tokyo. Its main advantage is agility. Bicycles can navigate narrow side streets, cut through parks, and often bypass traffic jams that would stop a car or scooter. Over short distances in dense areas like Shibuya or Shinjuku, a bike can be significantly faster than a motorized vehicle. Furthermore, the startup costs are lower, involving the bike itself, safety gear, and maintenance.
“Unlike motorbike couriers, cyclists can use the sidewalk or go up one-way streets. They can also choose the quickest route by nimbly avoiding stoplights, making them faster than motorcycles over short distances.” – Trends in Japan
However, it’s physically demanding, and your delivery range is more limited. You’ll also need to ensure your bike is properly equipped with a front lamp and a rear reflector as required by law.
The Speedy Scooter: Covering More Ground
A motorized scooter (原付, *gentsuki*) allows you to accept orders over a wider area and complete them faster, potentially increasing your earnings. They are less physically taxing, which can be a major advantage during long shifts or in extreme weather. However, the requirements are much stricter. According to Uber’s guidelines, you must have a valid driver’s license, a license plate for your vehicle, and compulsory liability insurance. Scooters are also subject to all standard traffic laws for motor vehicles, including speed limits and lane discipline, which can make them less nimble than bicycles in heavy traffic.
Navigating Like a Pro: Rules and Tools
Success isn’t just about speed; it’s about navigating smartly and safely. This means understanding both the law of the land and the technology in your hand.
Essential Traffic Laws for All Couriers
Whether on a bike or scooter, you must adhere to Japan’s fundamental traffic rules. The Japan Automobile Federation (JAF) outlines several key principles:
- Keep to the Left: All vehicles, including bicycles, must travel on the left side of the road.
- Yield to Pedestrians: Pedestrians always have the right-of-way.
- No Distracted Driving: You must not use a mobile phone or be distracted by your navigation system while your vehicle is in motion. Pull over to a safe spot to check your app.
- No Driving Under the Influence: Japan has a zero-tolerance policy for driving under the influence of alcohol, which applies to cyclists as well.
These rules are strictly enforced, and as a foreigner, you are expected to know and follow them without exception. For a full overview, you can consult official resources like the JAF’s guide to traffic rules.
The New Cycling Rules: What You MUST Know (Effective April 2026)
Japan is cracking down on rule-breaking cyclists to improve safety. A new “;blue ticket” system for minor traffic violations will be implemented for cyclists aged 16 and older starting April 1, 2026. This is a significant change from the current system, where only serious offenses typically result in penalties. As a courier, you are a professional road user, and you must be aware of these new fines.
Key violations and their corresponding fines under the new system will include:
- Using a mobile phone while riding: ¥12,000
- Ignoring a traffic light: ¥6,000
- Riding while holding an umbrella or listening to earphones: ¥5,000
- Riding with another person (pillion riding): ¥3,000
Police have indicated that enforcement will focus on behavior that causes danger to traffic. For example, while riding on the sidewalk isn’t automatically illegal in all cases (it’s permitted where signs allow it or for riders under 13/over 70), doing so recklessly near pedestrians could result in a ticket. You can read more about these changes from reports by Kyodo News.
Technology at Your Fingertips: Navigation Apps
The Uber Driver app is your primary tool. It provides suggested navigation to help your deliveries run smoothly. Recently, Uber has been rolling out improvements, including in-app navigation specifically for cyclists and satellite views of pickup and dropoff locations to make finding the exact spot easier . However, some experienced drivers prefer to use third-party apps like Google Maps or Waze, which they feel offer more reliable or faster routes. It’s wise to have a backup navigation app on your phone.
A useful feature within the Uber app is the Destination Filter. This allows you to set a destination, and the app will try to match you with requests from customers going in the same general direction. This can be a great way to earn money on your way home at the end of a shift, but be aware that using it may limit the number of requests you receive.
On the Road: Safety and Etiquette
Beyond rules and tools, your conduct on the road matters. Being a safe, courteous courier protects you, pedestrians, and your rating on the app.
Uber’s Commitment to Safety
Uber states that safety is its top priority. To this end, the company has several initiatives in place in Japan. All new delivery partners must pass a traffic rules test before their first delivery. The app also includes a “Traffic Safety Checklist” to reinforce key regulations. Furthermore, Uber has partnered with the Japan Cycling Association to offer safety workshops for couriers in Tokyo. These resources are designed to help you deliver safely and confidently.
Interacting with the Police
You will frequently see police officers at local *kōban* (police boxes). Generally, Japanese police are helpful, especially if you’;ve made a genuine mistake. However, it’s important to be aware that police are authorized to stop and question people. While this is a standard practice, some reports have raised concerns about racial profiling targeting individuals who appear foreign . Always be polite, and make sure you are carrying your required identification (Residence Card, driver’s license if applicable) at all times. The National Police Agency is working to improve foreign language support, but being prepared and respectful is your best approach.
Ready to Ride?
Delivering for Uber Eats in Tokyo is a challenging but rewarding job. By understanding the city’s unique traffic flow, choosing the right vehicle for your needs, mastering the traffic laws (especially the upcoming changes for cyclists), and using technology to your advantage, you can set yourself up for success. The key is to be prepared, stay alert, and prioritize safety above all else.
If you’ve absorbed this information and feel ready to take on the streets of Tokyo, the next step is to sign up. You can begin your journey as an Uber Eats delivery partner today.
Click here to start your application and become an Uber Eats courier in Japan!
コメント