An encoding method includes encoding moving image; determining whether an information amount of the encoded moving image data in units of a picture satisfies a threshold to control a virtual buffer obtained by virtually modeling a reception buffer of a decoding device that is a transmission destination of the encoded moving image data; and setting, by dividing a picture included in the encoded moving image data, a decoding time for each divided picture to cause the decoding device to decode each divided picture when the determining determines the information amount of the encoded moving image does not satisfy the threshold to control the virtual buffer.