- The best food delivery apps in Japan and how they compare
- Which apps work in English for foreigners
- Delivery fees, minimums, and subscription options
- City-by-city availability (Tokyo, Osaka, Fukuoka, and beyond)
- Payment methods foreigners can use
Food delivery in Japan has exploded since 2020. The market is now competitive and mature — multiple apps fight for market share with promotions, discounts, and expanded coverage. Here’s how to navigate the options as a foreigner.
The Main Food Delivery Apps in Japan
1. Uber Eats Japan — Best for Foreigners
English support: ✅ Full English app Cities: Tokyo, Osaka, Kyoto, Kobe, Nagoya, Fukuoka, Sapporo, and 100+ cities Minimum order: Varies by restaurant (typically ¥0–500) Delivery fee: ¥50–570 depending on distance and time
Uber Eats is the best option for foreigners because:
- The app is fully available in English
- Foreign credit cards are accepted (Visa, Mastercard, Amex)
- Wide restaurant selection including Western cuisine
- Reliable tracking and English customer support
Subscription: Uber One (¥998/month) gives free delivery and 5% cashback on eligible orders.
2. Demae-can (出前館) — Largest Market Share
English support: ❌ Japanese only Cities: Japan’s largest delivery network — covers over 2,500 cities and towns Minimum order: Varies (usually ¥0) Delivery fee: ¥0–600
Demae-can is Japan’s dominant food delivery platform by market share. It has the widest restaurant selection, including many traditional Japanese restaurants that aren’t on Uber Eats. The main limitation for foreigners: the app and customer support are Japanese-only.
If you can navigate Japanese (or use Google Translate): Demae-can often has better selection and lower fees than Uber Eats, especially in smaller cities.
Payment: Japanese credit cards, PayPay, convenience store payment.
3. Wolt — Best Quality in Major Cities
English support: ✅ English available Cities: Tokyo, Osaka, Kyoto, Nagoya, Sapporo, Sendai, Hiroshima, and expanding Minimum order: ¥0–500 Delivery fee: ¥0–500
Wolt (Finnish-origin, now owned by DoorDash) curates higher-quality restaurant partners. It’s the app of choice for people who prioritize restaurant quality over raw selection. Frequently runs new-user promotions (often ¥1,500–3,000 off first order).
Subscription: Wolt+ (¥599/month) removes delivery fees and gives priority support.
4. menu — Japanese App with Good Promotions
English support: ❌ Japanese only Cities: Tokyo, Osaka, Nagoya, Fukuoka, Sapporo, and 30+ cities Minimum order: ¥0 Delivery fee: ¥0–400
menu is a Japanese-developed app that competes aggressively on price with frequent campaigns. Non-Japanese speakers will struggle with the interface, but regular cashback deals and ¥0 delivery promotions make it worth setting up if you’re comfortable with basic Japanese apps.
App Comparison Summary
| App | English | Coverage | Foreign Cards | Best For |
|---|---|---|---|---|
| Uber Eats | ✅ Full | Excellent | ✅ Yes | Foreigners, English speakers |
| Demae-can | ❌ | Widest | Limited | Japanese speakers, small cities |
| Wolt | ✅ Partial | Major cities | ✅ Yes | Quality food, city dwellers |
| menu | ❌ | Major cities | Limited | Japanese speakers wanting deals |
Delivery Fees and Promotions
Delivery fees in Japan are generally lower than the US or UK, but they vary:
- Peak hours (evenings/weekends): Higher delivery fees due to surge pricing
- Rain/snow: Fees often increase, and delivery times lengthen
- Far distances: Apps charge more for restaurants that are farther from you
How to reduce costs:
- Subscribe to Uber One or Wolt+ if you order 3+ times per month
- Stack with card rewards — Rakuten Card gives points on Uber Eats orders via the Rakuten portal
- Use promo codes — Wolt and Uber Eats regularly offer discount codes for new users
- Order during off-peak hours (lunch on weekdays is often cheaper)
Payment Methods for Foreigners
| Payment | Uber Eats | Demae-can | Wolt | menu |
|---|---|---|---|---|
| Foreign Visa/MC | ✅ | ❌ | ✅ | ❌ |
| Japanese credit card | ✅ | ✅ | ✅ | ✅ |
| PayPay | ✅ | ✅ | ✅ | ✅ |
| Cash on delivery | ✅ (some) | ✅ | ❌ | ✅ |
| Convenience store | ❌ | ✅ | ❌ | ✅ |
Tip for foreigners without Japanese cards: Use a foreign Visa or Mastercard on Uber Eats or Wolt. Both accept international cards without issues.
Food Delivery by City
Tokyo
All four apps operate extensively in Tokyo. Uber Eats and Wolt have the strongest selection in central wards. Demae-can covers outer wards and suburbs best.
Osaka
All apps are active in Osaka. Wolt has been expanding rapidly in Namba, Shinsaibashi, and Umeda areas.
Fukuoka
Uber Eats and Demae-can both cover Fukuoka well. Wolt has expanded to Fukuoka but with a smaller selection than the Tokyo/Osaka footprint.
Smaller Cities
If you’re outside a major city, Demae-can is likely your only option — it has by far the most rural and suburban coverage. Uber Eats has expanded steadily but still lags in rural areas.
How to Deal with the Japanese Address System
If you live in a Japanese apartment, make sure your delivery address includes:
- Prefecture (都道府県)
- City/ward (市区)
- District and block (丁目・番地)
- Building name and unit number (マンション名・号室)
Common problem: Japanese apartment buildings often have multiple entrances. Add a note in the delivery instructions (備考欄) if your building has an intercom system or specific entrance. Uber Eats allows English delivery notes.
Ordering Food Without Japanese
Uber Eats and Wolt work almost entirely in English. For Demae-can and menu, these Japanese phrases are useful:
- 配達先 (haitatsu-saki): Delivery address
- 備考 (bikou): Notes/special instructions
- アレルギー (arerugii): Allergies
- 領収書 (ryoushusho): Receipt
Are Food Delivery Apps Worth It in Japan?
The honest comparison:
| Option | Average Cost | Speed |
|---|---|---|
| Convenience store | ¥500–800 | Walk 5 min |
| Fast food (in person) | ¥700–1,000 | 15–20 min |
| Food delivery (budget) | ¥1,200–2,000 | 30–45 min |
| Delivery with subscription | ¥900–1,500 | 30–45 min |
Japan’s physical convenience food options are exceptional — 7-Eleven, FamilyMart, and Lawson sell hot food that rivals delivery quality at a fraction of the price. For budget-conscious foreigners, delivery apps are a convenience, not a necessity. But for rainy evenings, busy work days, or when you need restaurant-quality food at home, they’re genuinely useful.
Frequently Asked Questions
What is the most popular food delivery app in Japan? Demae-can (出前館) has the largest market share in Japan, but Uber Eats is most popular among foreigners due to its full English interface and acceptance of foreign payment methods.
Can foreigners use food delivery apps in Japan? Yes. Uber Eats and Wolt work fully in English and accept foreign credit cards. Demae-can and menu are Japanese-only but can be used with translation tools.
Is food delivery expensive in Japan? Delivery fees range from ¥0 to ¥600, and food prices are typically the same as the restaurant. With a monthly subscription (Uber One or Wolt+), regular users can reduce costs significantly.
How long does food delivery take in Japan? In dense urban areas (Tokyo, Osaka), 25–40 minutes is typical. In suburban areas or during peak hours, 45–60 minutes is common.