How to book delivery health in Tokyo as a foreigner

Before you start

Delivery health has no storefront, so everything happens by phone or online and the service comes to your hotel. Booking is the hard part for visitors, because many services need Japanese and many do not accept foreign customers at all.

Step 1: find a shop that accepts foreigners

Look for a clear statement that foreign customers are welcome, and avoid shops whose site says otherwise. Then check whether staff speak English, because that decides whether you can book without help.

Step 2: check that your hotel is in the delivery area

Each shop delivers to a set list of areas. Staying outside the list can mean a higher transport fee or a refusal, so have your hotel's name and nearest station ready.

Step 3: check your hotel's rules

Hotels set their own rules about visitors to guest rooms. Read yours before booking. If you need a separate room for the visit, its cost is on top of the shop's price.

Step 4: get the total price

The listed price usually covers only the course. Ask for the total with the nomination fee, the transport fee to your hotel, and any other charges. Prices vary too much between shops for a reliable average, so compare the totals of a few shops.

Step 5: pay in cash

Cash is still the mainstream way to pay, and card acceptance is uncommon. Have the exact total ready, and carry only what you need.

Timing

Unlike shops with premises, delivery services without a reception office can legally operate through the night. Individual shops still set their own hours, so check them before you plan around a late booking.

Stay safe

Book only through a shop's own website or phone number. Never follow a street tout offering the same thing, and never hand over money before the shop has confirmed the total.

Delivery health shops with English-speaking staff