Mastering the Rain: A Comprehensive Guide for Uber Eats Delivery in Japan

Current Date: 2025-09-16. This guide is designed for prospective and new Uber Eats delivery partners in Japan, especially foreigners, focusing on the unique challenges and opportunities of delivering during the rainy season.

Introduction: Turning Rain into Gain
Section 1: Essential Gear for Rainy Day Deliveries
1. Core Waterproofing and Safety Equipment
2. Equipment for Food and Bag Protection
Section 2: Vehicle Preparation and Safe Riding Techniques
1. Vehicle-Specific Checks
2. Universal Safe Riding Rules for Wet Conditions
Section 3: Strategic Delivery Operations in the Rain
1. Order and Route Management
2. The “At the Door” Protocol
Section 4: Maximizing Your Earnings on Rainy Days
1. Key Earning Boosters
2. Earning Potential: Sunny Day vs. Rainy Day (Illustrative Example)
Section 5: Post-Shift Care and Maintenance
1. End-of-Day Checklist
Conclusion: Be Prepared, Be Safe, Be Profitable

Introduction: Turning Rain into Gain

Japan’s rainy season, known as Tsuyu (梅雨), and the frequent typhoons in late summer and autumn can seem daunting for a new Uber Eats delivery partner. However, these periods are often the most profitable. When the weather turns bad, customer demand for food delivery skyrockets while the number of active delivery partners decreases. This creates a perfect storm of opportunity for those who are well-prepared.

This guide will provide you with a detailed strategy to not only survive but thrive during rainy day deliveries. We will cover essential gear, vehicle preparation, safe riding techniques, operational strategies, and how to maximize your earnings. By mastering the rain, you can significantly boost your income and establish yourself as a reliable and efficient delivery partner.

Section 1: Essential Gear for Rainy Day Deliveries

Your comfort and safety, as well as the condition of the food you deliver, depend entirely on your gear. Investing in high-quality waterproof equipment is not an expense; it’s an investment in your business. A cheap poncho will not suffice for professional delivery work in heavy rain.

Core Waterproofing and Safety Equipment

Item	Recommended Features	Why It’s Essential
High-Performance Rain Suit	Look for high water pressure resistance (e.g., 10,000mm+) and high moisture permeability (e.g., 5,000g/m²/24h+). Brands like Workman in Japan offer excellent value.	Keeps you dry and comfortable, preventing loss of body heat and focus. A two-piece suit (jacket and pants) offers far better protection than a poncho.
Waterproof Shoes or Boots	Ankle-high boots with non-slip soles. Waterproof shoe covers are a cheaper alternative but less durable.	Dry feet are crucial for comfort and preventing blisters. Non-slip soles are critical for safety on wet, slippery surfaces.
Waterproof Gloves	Full-finger gloves with a good grip. Some have touchscreen-compatible fingertips.	Maintains dexterity for handling your phone and braking. Prevents hands from becoming cold and numb, which is a safety hazard.
Helmet with Visor / Cap	A full-face helmet with a clear, anti-fog visor is ideal. Alternatively, a baseball cap worn under the helmet can keep rain off your face.	Ensures clear vision, which is severely compromised by rain hitting your eyes or glasses.
Waterproof Phone Mount & Case	A fully enclosed, sturdy mount. Ensure it’s truly waterproof, not just water-resistant.	Your phone is your primary tool. Protecting it from water damage is non-negotiable. A wet screen can also be unresponsive.

Equipment for Food and Bag Protection

Item	Purpose	Pro Tip
Microfiber Towels (Multiple)	Wiping down your delivery bag before entering a building, wiping your hands, and absorbing any spills inside the bag.	Keep at least one towel in a sealed plastic bag to ensure it stays dry until needed.
Large Plastic Bags / Bag Cover	To double-bag paper-based packaging from restaurants or to cover your entire Uber Eats bag if it’s not fully waterproof.	Some 100-yen shops sell large, clear plastic covers designed for bicycle baskets that fit the Uber Eats bag perfectly.
Internal Bag Dividers/Spacers	To keep orders stable and upright, preventing spills, especially with soups and drinks.	Use folded cardboard or foam blocks to create a snug fit for smaller orders within the large bag.

Section 2: Vehicle Preparation and Safe Riding Techniques

Your vehicle is your partner on the road. In wet conditions, its performance changes dramatically. Proper maintenance and adjusted riding techniques are critical for your safety.

Vehicle-Specific Checks

Perform these checks before starting your shift on a rainy day.

Vehicle Type	Key Checkpoints	Safety Rationale
Bicycle / E-Bike	Tires: Ensure proper inflation. Slightly lower pressure can increase the contact patch for better grip. Check for wear. Brakes: Test brake responsiveness. Rim brakes are significantly less effective when wet. Clean rims and pads. Fenders (Mudguards):Essential for preventing water and mud from splashing onto you and the delivery bag.	Wet roads reduce tire grip and dramatically increase braking distance. Fenders keep you and your equipment clean, which is more professional.
Scooter (Gentsuki)	Tires: Check tread depth and pressure. Worn tires are extremely dangerous in the rain. Brakes: Test both front and rear brakes gently. Be aware of the increased stopping distance. Lights: Ensure headlights, taillights, and turn signals are all working and clean.	Scooters can lose traction suddenly. Proper tires and cautious braking are your primary defenses against skidding. Visibility to other vehicles is paramount.

Universal Safe Riding Rules for Wet Conditions

These rules apply regardless of your vehicle type and must become second nature.

Reduce Speed: Your average speed should be 20-30% lower than on a dry day. This gives you more time to react.
Increase Following Distance: Double your normal following distance from the vehicle in front. Aim for a 4-5 second gap.
Brake Early and Gently: Apply brakes sooner and with less force than you would in dry conditions to avoid locking the wheels and skidding.
Be Wary of Slippery Surfaces: Manhole covers, painted road markings (especially pedestrian crossings), streetcar tracks, and piles of wet leaves are extremely slick. Avoid them whenever possible. Plan your turns to avoid braking or leaning on these surfaces.
Enhance Your Visibility: Wear bright or reflective clothing, even during the day. Ensure your vehicle’s lights are on. You need to see and be seen.
Scan for Puddles: Avoid riding through large puddles. You cannot see hidden potholes or debris beneath the water.

Section 3: Strategic Delivery Operations in the Rain

Efficiency in the rain isn’t just about speed; it’s about smooth, safe, and smart execution of each delivery, from accepting the order to the final handover.

Order and Route Management

Pre-Acceptance Assessment: Before accepting an order, quickly glance at the restaurant and customer locations. Be cautious of deliveries that might take you through areas with steep hills, complex road networks, or large industrial parks, which can be more hazardous in the rain.
Restaurant Pickup Strategy: Park your vehicle in a safe spot where it won’t obstruct traffic. Before entering the restaurant, give your rain gear a quick shake and wipe down your delivery bag. This shows respect and professionalism. Confirm with the restaurant staff if the order contains liquids and ensure it is packed securely.
Navigation Adjustments: Do not blindly follow the GPS. Use your local knowledge. The fastest route suggested by the app might involve a slippery brick-paved street or a steep, narrow road. Opt for a slightly longer but safer route with well-paved main roads.

The “At the Door” Protocol

The final moments of the delivery are crucial for customer satisfaction. A wet, dripping delivery partner handing over a soggy bag creates a poor impression.

Step	Action	Reasoning
1. Arrival	Find a covered area near the entrance (e.g., under an eave) to park your vehicle and prepare.	Minimizes your exposure to rain while you get organized.
2. Preparation	Use a dry towel to thoroughly wipe down the exterior of your delivery bag. Shake excess water off your rain suit.	Prevents dripping water in the building’s hallway or on the customer’s doorstep.
3. Approach	Carry the bag to the door. If you need to place it down to ring the bell, place it on your towel, not directly on the wet ground.	Maintains the cleanliness of the bag and shows care for the delivery.
4. Handover	Open the bag only when the customer is at the door. Hand over the food with a polite greeting. A simple “お待たせいたしました” (Omatase itashimashita – Thank you for waiting) goes a long way.	Keeps the food warm and dry until the very last second. Professionalism can lead to better ratings and tips.

Section 4: Maximizing Your Earnings on Rainy Days

The primary motivation for delivering in the rain is financial. Understanding how Uber’s system rewards you during these times is key to maximizing your income.

The core principle is high demand and low supply. More people order in, and fewer partners want to ride in the rain. Uber incentivizes drivers to fill this gap.

Key Earning Boosters

Surge Pricing (Dynamic Pricing): On the app’s map, you will see areas glowing in shades of yellow, orange, and red. These indicate high-demand zones. Deliveries originating from these zones have an extra flat fee added to your fare (e.g., +¥150, +¥300). In heavy rain, entire cities can become surge zones.
Rain Quests (雨クエスト – Ame Kuesuto): These are special promotions that appear only during rainy weather. They offer a bonus for completing a certain number of trips within a specific time frame (e.g., “Complete 3 trips between 6 PM and 9 PM for an extra ¥600”). These are highly profitable and should be your main focus.
Higher Tip Potential: Customers are often more appreciative of delivery partners who brave bad weather. A professional, cheerful attitude and a perfectly dry delivery can significantly increase your chances of receiving a tip.

Earning Potential: Sunny Day vs. Rainy Day (Illustrative Example)

This table illustrates how earnings can differ. Actual amounts will vary based on city, time, and specific promotions.

Earning Component	Typical Sunny Day (Per Trip)	Typical Rainy Day (Per Trip)	Analysis
Base Fare	~¥300 – ¥400	~¥300 – ¥400	The base fare generally remains the same.
Surge Pricing	¥0 – ¥100 (Only in very busy areas)	¥150 – ¥500+	This is a major source of extra income. Often active for the entire shift.
Quest Promotions	Standard quests may be active (e.g., 30 trips for ¥2000 over a weekend).	High-value Rain Quests are added on top of standard quests.	Completing a 3-trip rain quest can add an effective ¥200+ to each of those trips.
Tips	Occasional	More Frequent	Customer appreciation for service in difficult conditions often translates to tips.
Total (Illustrative)	~¥450	~¥800+	It’s realistic to expect to earn 1.5x to 2x your normal hourly rate during a rainy shift.

Section 5: Post-Shift Care and Maintenance

Your work isn’t over when you log off. Proper care of your gear and vehicle after a rainy shift is essential for their longevity and your readiness for the next day.

End-of-Day Checklist

Category	Action Item	Reason
Gear	Hang your rain suit in a well-ventilated area to dry completely. Do not store it while damp.	Prevents mildew, bad odors, and degradation of the waterproof material.
	Empty your delivery bag. Wipe the interior and exterior with a clean, damp cloth and let it air out.	Maintains hygiene and prevents mold growth inside the bag.
	Remove insoles from your shoes and let them dry separately. Stuff shoes with newspaper to absorb moisture.	Ensures your shoes are completely dry and ready for the next shift.
Vehicle	Wipe down your bicycle or scooter frame with a towel to remove excess water and dirt.	Prevents rust and corrosion on metal parts.
Vehicle	(For bicycles) Clean and lubricate the chain. Water and grit from the road will strip lubrication and cause rust and wear.	This is the single most important maintenance step for a bicycle used in the rain. It preserves your drivetrain.