Top 4 Best Food Delivery Services in Japan
Food delivery services have revolutionized the way people enjoy meals, providing the convenience of ordering food via a smartphone or computer and having it delivered directly to their home, office, or any preferred location. Unlike traditional delivery methods, which are often limited to specific restaurants or local establishments, food delivery platforms offer customers access to a wide range of merchants and cuisines all in one app. This variety allows consumers to choose from an extensive menu of options, from everyday meals to specialty dishes, all with just a few taps or clicks.
The rise of food delivery services has been especially notable in Japan, where the demand has surged dramatically since the COVID-19 pandemic. With lockdowns and social distancing measures in place, many individuals turned to these services as a safer and more convenient alternative to dining out. The convenience of having a diverse selection of meals delivered right to their doorsteps, without leaving the comfort of home, has solidified food delivery as an essential part of daily life in Japan.
In this article, we will compare the top four most popular food delivery services in Japan, evaluating their features, value for money, and overall convenience. We’ll take an in-depth look at what each platform offers, from delivery speed to customer service, and how they stand out in a competitive market, helping you make an informed choice for your next meal delivery experience.
Best Food Delivery Services
- Wolt
- Menu
- Uber Eats
- Demae-Can
1. Wolt
Image Source: https://apps.apple.com/jp/app/wolt
Wolt, a food delivery service originating from Finland, places a strong emphasis on hospitality and customer service. The service is particularly recognized for its ease of use and its robust support system. In the cities where it operates, Wolt has earned high praise from users, who value both the user-friendly interface and the overall quality of service. The app is considered one of the most intuitive in the industry, featuring helpful elements like a list of the month’s top-rated restaurants and exclusive Wolt-only food delivery outlets, ensuring that customers can easily navigate their choices without confusion.
A standout feature of Wolt is its exclusive selection of gourmet food delivery outlets that offer unique menus unavailable through other platforms. These distinctive options, along with a curated selection of the best local restaurants in each region, provide customers with a variety of new culinary experiences. With a remarkable 4.7-star rating (out of 5.0) on Google Play, Wolt has earned its position as one of the highest-rated apps in the industry, reflecting the high level of satisfaction among its users.
Wolt also runs enticing, irregularly scheduled campaigns to enhance customer experience. Promotions like "Free Delivery" and "1Buy + 1Free" allow users to enjoy savings on their orders. Additionally, Wolt offers an introductory ¥1,800 coupon for first-time users, providing a competitive edge over other delivery services. New customers can take advantage of these offers with promotional codes.
2. Menu
Image Source: https://apps.apple.com/jp/app/menu
Menu, a food delivery service launched by a Japanese gaming app company, is distinguished by its diverse range of merchants, spanning from upscale to budget-friendly options. This unique blend of pricing caters to a broad audience, allowing users to select from an array of restaurants, regardless of their budget. Another key factor in Menu's popularity is its playful approach to customer engagement, featuring collaborations with popular anime, YouTubers, and interactive gacha campaigns. Gacha, a popular mechanic in Japanese gaming, involves offering users a chance to receive random rewards through a virtual "capsule-toy" style system, creating an element of excitement and surprise in the experience.
Although Menu’s delivery fees can seem slightly higher, frequent users can benefit from the au Smart Pass Premium subscription (¥548/month with a free trial), which grants access to free delivery and other perks. This feature makes Menu an appealing option for regular customers seeking an affordable service. Additionally, Menu offers a generous first-time coupon worth ¥6,800, and a further ¥5,000 coupon is available for users who refer a friend.
Menu also excels in customer feedback, with a wealth of detailed word-of-mouth reviews that can help new customers make confident decisions when trying unfamiliar restaurants or dishes. The combination of review ratings and user comments ensures a transparent and trustworthy ordering experience.
3 Uber Eats
Image Source: https://apps.apple.com/jp/app/uber-eats
Uber Eats, a pioneer in the global expansion of food delivery services, has achieved unparalleled market penetration in Japan. The brand is synonymous with food delivery, with its vast reach across the country making it the go-to option for many consumers. Uber Eats offers a range of optional features that enhance user experience, including the innovative "delivery by place and time" function, which was one of the first of its kind in the industry. Additional options such as "priority delivery" and "no rush delivery" allow users to adjust delivery fees based on their preferences, offering a high degree of flexibility.
While Uber Eats enjoys the largest market share in Japan, it has faced some criticism regarding value for money and customer support. Despite these challenges, its wide range of features and extensive network of participating restaurants continue to make it a top choice for many users.
4. Demae-Can
Image Source: https://apps.apple.com/jp/app/
Demae-Can, one of Japan’s oldest and most recognized food delivery services, has built a loyal customer base over many years. Known for its effective marketing campaigns and strong brand recognition, Demae-Can remains a dominant force in the Japanese delivery market. The service is also notable for its frequent and appealing promotional campaigns, including the popular "Demae-Can Half-Price Festival," which offers substantial savings for users.
However, the service has faced some criticism regarding its customer support system. Until recently, support was only available via email, which many users felt was slower compared to other food delivery services. Additionally, a limitation of the service is the inability to contact delivery staff directly, which can cause delays in resolving issues when problems occur. On a positive note, Demae-Can has recently introduced telephone support, which is expected to speed up response times and improve the overall customer service experience.
Despite these shortcomings, Demae-Can’s competitive campaigns and continuous improvements in customer service make it an appealing choice for many users. The brand’s longstanding presence in the market ensures that it remains a strong contender in Japan's ever-evolving food delivery landscape.
Conclusion
Food delivery services have become an essential part of modern life, particularly as the demands of busy schedules have increased. Since the onset of the COVID-19 pandemic, food delivery has become even more indispensable, providing a convenient solution for those on the go. Each service offers a seamless and satisfying experience, with a wide selection of restaurants, attractive promotions, and user-friendly app features. The four most popular food delivery services in Japan, as highlighted in this article, each have distinct advantages that appeal to various user needs. Whether you’re looking for convenience, variety, or affordability, there’s a food delivery service for everyone. Find the one that best fits your lifestyle and enjoy the ease of home delivery.
