If you’ve ever been to Japan, you’ve probably noticed a convenience store—or “konbini”—on nearly every corner. But these are not your average corner shops. Japanese convenience stores are clean, efficient, and stocked with everything you never knew you needed.
Whether you’re a first-time visitor or a seasoned traveler, here’s your complete guide to what makes Japanese konbini so essential—and what you absolutely shouldn’t miss.
🥪 1. Delicious and Affordable Food
Forget what you know about gas station sandwiches. Japanese convenience stores offer:
🍱 Bento Boxes
- Packed lunches with rice, fish or meat, pickles, and vegetables.
- Affordable (¥400–¥600) and fresh daily.
🍙 Onigiri (Rice Balls)
- Rice wrapped in seaweed with fillings like salmon, tuna mayo, umeboshi (pickled plum).
- A perfect grab-and-go snack.
🍜 Instant Ramen & Cup Noodles
- Huge variety of Japanese and international flavors.
- Hot water available in-store to prepare instantly.
🥪 Sandwiches & Salads
- Egg salad sandwiches (famously creamy!)
- Pasta salads, green salads, and even tofu-based options.
☕ 2. Drinks Galore
From energy drinks to milk tea, Japan’s beverage options are unmatched:
🧋 Popular Drinks:
- Royal milk tea
- Matcha lattes
- Bottled cold brew coffee
- Yakult and other probiotic drinks
- Pocari Sweat (sports drink)
☕ Fresh Coffee
- Most stores have self-serve hot & iced coffee machines.
- Only ¥100–¥150 for a solid cup!
🍦 3. Desserts & Sweets
Don’t skip the dessert section:
- Japanese puddings (purin)
- Mochi ice cream
- Cheesecake slices
- Matcha snacks
- Seasonal sweets like sakura or chestnut flavors
📦 4. Everyday Essentials
You’ll be surprised at what else you can find here:
- Toiletries (toothbrush, razors, menstrual products)
- Socks, underwear, T-shirts
- Stationery (pens, notebooks)
- Umbrellas (essential in rainy season)
- Phone chargers, batteries
💊 5. Medicine & Health
Most konbini sell basic OTC items:
- Pain relievers (e.g., Bufferin, Loxonin)
- Cold medicine
- Eye drops
- Masks and disinfectant wipes
Note: For stronger medication, visit a pharmacy (yakkyoku).
📚 6. Services That Might Surprise You
🏧 ATMs
- Many accept foreign cards (especially 7-Eleven & Lawson).
- Open 24/7.
🖨️ Multifunctional Printers
- Print, scan, fax, copy
- Print from USB or cloud
💸 Bill Payment
- Pay utility bills, taxes, even Amazon orders!
📦 Parcel Pickup/Delivery
- Receive or send packages, often in collaboration with Yamato or Japan Post.
🕒 7. Open 24/7 and Always Clean
- No matter the time of day or night, konbini are always open.
- Staff are friendly, and restrooms (if available) are clean.
- You can even eat at in-store tables in some locations.
📍 8. Top Convenience Store Chains
- 7-Eleven – Famous for its food quality, ATMs, and international compatibility
- Lawson – Known for sweets and healthy options (try “Natural Lawson”)
- FamilyMart – Great fried chicken (Famichiki!) and useful services
- Ministop – Popular for soft-serve ice cream and snacks
Each chain has its specialty, so try visiting a few!
👛 9. Can You Pay with Card or Mobile?
Yes!
- Most stores accept credit cards, IC cards (Suica, Pasmo), and QR payments like PayPay or Apple Pay.
- Cash is still common, but ¥5,000+ purchases almost always allow card.
🔍 10. Tips for First-Time Visitors
- Try something new—limited edition and seasonal flavors are always changing.
- Use Google Translate on packaging if you’re unsure about ingredients.
- Be polite—use the trash bins provided and eat neatly if dining inside.
- Hot food is reheated for you at the register if requested.
🧳 Final Thoughts
Japanese convenience stores aren’t just places to grab a snack—they’re an essential part of Japanese life. Whether you’re looking for dinner, Wi-Fi, a forgotten toothbrush, or just a cool drink on a hot day, konbini have you covered.
So next time you’re wandering the streets of Tokyo, Kyoto, or anywhere else in Japan, don’t walk past that bright 7-Eleven, FamilyMart, or Lawson. Step inside—and enjoy one of Japan’s greatest everyday experiences.