Best Cities for Uber Eats Delivery in Japan: A Guide to Maximizing Your Earnings

Welcome to Japan! If you’re looking for a flexible way to earn an income while exploring this incredible country, becoming an Uber Eats delivery partner could be an excellent choice. Japan’s food delivery market is not just large; it’s experiencing explosive growth, creating significant opportunities for delivery partners.

Japan’s online food delivery market is projected to grow from USD 7.09 billion in 2025 to USD 11.15 billion by 2033, with a compound annual growth rate (CAGR) of 5.82%. This expansion is fueled by a high demand for convenience, technological advancements, and evolving consumer lifestyles.

This guide is designed specifically for foreigners in Japan, providing a detailed breakdown of the best cities to deliver in, what you can expect to earn, and essential tips to get you started on the right foot. Before we dive in, it’s crucial to ensure your visa status allows you to work as an independent contractor. Regulations can be specific, so always verify your eligibility first.

Why Japan is a Prime Market for Food Delivery

Several unique socio-economic factors make Japan a fertile ground for food delivery services. The country’s high urbanization means a large portion of its 120 million people live in densely populated metropolitan areas, creating a high concentration of both restaurants and customers. This density is a key ingredient for a thriving delivery ecosystem.

Furthermore, busy lifestyles among professionals, an increasing number of people working from home, and a significant aging population that values the convenience of home-delivered meals all contribute to the rising demand. One report notes that busy lifestyles have led to a 25% increase in mobile app-based food orders, and 60% of elderly citizens in urban areas now use these apps. The economic impact is substantial, with Uber alone estimated to have unlocked ¥554 billion in economic value for Japan in 2021 through its transport and delivery platforms.

Understanding Your Earnings with Uber Eats

One of the most appealing aspects of delivering with Uber Eats is its transparent and flexible payment structure. Before you accept any delivery, the app provides you with crucial information upfront, including:

• Minimum Earnings: You’ll see the guaranteed minimum amount you will receive for the trip.
• Trip Details: The pickup location (restaurant) and drop-off location (customer) are clearly displayed.
• Estimated Time & Distance: The app provides an estimate of the total time and distance the delivery will take.

This transparency allows you to make informed decisions about which orders are worth your time. Your total earnings are a combination of a base fare (which considers time and distance), promotions like “Boost” (multipliers in busy areas) and “Surge” (extra flat fees), and, of course, customer tips.

It’s worth noting that some experienced drivers in Japan have developed strategies to maximize their income. Following a change in Uber’s payment algorithm, a practice known as “whale hunting” emerged, where drivers selectively reject smaller orders to wait for more lucrative, high-value ones. According to a report by The Asahi Shimbun, this is a gamble drivers take in response to opaque calculation methods, highlighting the strategic element involved in maximizing earnings on the platform.

Top Cities for Uber Eats Delivery: A Deep Dive

While Uber Eats is available in all 47 prefectures of Japan, your earning potential can vary significantly depending on the city. Here’s a look at the top-performing urban centers.

Tokyo: The Mega-Metropolis of Opportunity

As Japan’s largest city and economic powerhouse, Tokyo is undoubtedly the biggest market for Uber Eats. The sheer density of restaurants and residents creates a constant stream of orders. However, it’s also the most competitive market, with a high number of delivery partners.

Experienced drivers report that with a solid strategy, part-time partners can earn between ¥50,000 to ¥80,000 per month, while dedicated full-time partners can potentially make over ¥300,000 per month. The key to success in Tokyo is to focus on high-demand areas like Shibuya, Shinjuku, Minato, and Chuo, where offices and affluent residential neighborhoods provide a steady flow of orders, especially during lunch (11:00-14:00) and dinner (18:00-21:00) peaks.

Osaka: The Nation’s Kitchen

Known as “Tenka no Daidokoro”; (The Nation’s Kitchen), Osaka boasts a vibrant and deeply ingrained food culture. This translates into a massive and diverse restaurant scene, making it another top-tier city for Uber Eats partners. Some top-performing drivers in Osaka have reported earning over ¥150,000 in a single week, with hourly rates sometimes exceeding ¥4,000 on rainy days when demand surges.

While the central Umeda area is packed with orders, it can be challenging due to traffic and complex building layouts. Many local drivers recommend focusing on areas like Fukushima-ku, Yodogawa-ku, and Tennoji-ku, which offer a great balance of high order volume and more manageable delivery routes . Osaka is also at the forefront of innovation, being the first city in Japan to have authorized nighttime deliveries by Uber Eats robots, a service launched to meet growing evening demand.

Fukuoka: The Rising Star of Kyushu

Fukuoka offers a more relaxed atmosphere than Tokyo or Osaka but is a rapidly growing market for food delivery. It provides a great balance of consistent demand and less intense competition. A veteran delivery partner in Fukuoka with over 11,500 deliveries reported an average hourly income of ¥1,912 between January and May 2025. The average pay per delivery typically ranges from ¥400 to ¥500.

The most profitable strategy in Fukuoka is to concentrate your efforts in the central districts. Delivery partners find that staying within the bustling areas of Tenjin, Hakata, and the Nakasu entertainment district leads to a more stable and higher income, as these areas have the highest concentration of both restaurants and customers.

Nagoya: The Industrial Heartland’s Hub

As Japan’s fourth-largest city, Nagoya is a significant and steadily growing market for Uber Eats. The service has been expanding since its launch in 2018, and the city now offers ample opportunities for delivery partners. The average hourly wage is estimated to be around ¥1,900 , though some drivers have reported earning much more during peak times by employing efficient strategies.

One driver’s log showed an impressive hourly equivalent of ¥2,732 on a productive day. The most lucrative areas in Nagoya are the commercial and shopping districts of Sakae and Osu, which are packed with restaurants and have high order volumes throughout the day and into the evening.

A Tale of Four Cities: Earning Potential Compared

To give you a clearer picture, here is a comparison of the estimated average hourly earnings across these four major cities. Keep in mind that these figures are estimates based on data from various local sources and can fluctuate based on demand, time of day, and your personal strategy. Tokyo and Osaka show higher top-end potential, while Fukuoka and Nagoya offer very competitive and stable rates.

Essential Tips for Success as a Foreign Delivery Partner

Beyond choosing the right city, a few key strategies can significantly boost your success and make your experience smoother.

• Verify Your Visa: This is the most critical step. Japanese regulations can be strict about the types of work permitted for foreign residents. Some sources note that regulations may limit foreigners from certain types of labor. Before signing up, confirm that your specific visa status (e.g., Student, Dependent, Specialist in Humanities) allows you to engage in work as an independent contractor.
• Choose Your Ride Wisely: While you can deliver on foot in some dense areas, a bicycle is far more efficient. Many experienced partners in Japan recommend an electric-assist bicycle (電動アシスト付き自転車) to combat fatigue and tackle hills, or a road bike for speed on flat terrain.
• Enable Cash Payments: While Uber’s official advice sometimes recommends cashless-only, many customers in Japan, particularly older individuals, still prefer to pay with cash. Enabling cash payments in your app can significantly increase the number of delivery requests you receive.
• Work Peak Hours: The highest demand predictably occurs during lunch (11:00-14:00) and dinner (18:00-21:00). Focusing your efforts during these windows is the most reliable way to maximize your earnings.
• Invest in Good Gear: A waterproof jacket and pants are essential for rainy days, which often bring the highest pay. Also, consider a phone holder for your bike and a portable battery to keep your device charged.

The Future of Food Delivery in Japan

The food delivery landscape in Japan is continuously evolving. Uber Eats is aggressively expanding its services into smaller, regional cities, bringing its platform to new markets . This expansion could open up less competitive but still profitable areas for delivery partners.

The introduction of autonomous delivery robots in major cities like Tokyo and Osaka signals a technological shift aimed at supporting delivery needs, especially in areas with lower population density or during off-peak hours. As the market matures, competition with other major platforms like Demae-can and Wolt will remain fierce, pushing companies to innovate and offer better services and incentives for customers, restaurants, and delivery partners alike.

Ready to Start Delivering?

Becoming an Uber Eats delivery partner in Japan offers a unique opportunity to earn money on your own schedule, explore different parts of your city, and be a part of a rapidly growing industry. By choosing the right city, understanding the key earning factors, and applying a smart strategy, you can build a rewarding and profitable experience.

If you’re ready to hit the road and start your journey, signing up is easy. Use the link below to begin your application and get one step closer to your first delivery.

Sign Up to Deliver with Uber Eats Now