Japanese convenience stores

Any traveller to Japan will be very familiar with the Japanese convenience store, or konbini, as they are known locally. If you haven’t been to Japan, then let me introduce you to the wonder, the magic and the marvel of Japanese convenience stores!

Japanese convenience stores are true to their word – they are conveniently located everywhere and often open 24 hours a day! They are inexpensive, carry all your basic needs and have quick, cheap meals and snacks! A survival must for any traveller.

FamilyMart, 7 Eleven and Lawson are the three main convenience store chains and they can be found all over Japan. A game of spotto for 7 Eleven stores is a favourite of ours 🙂

So what wonders can you expect to find at your local convenience store?

Clothing! Yes you can purchase underwear, t shirts, shirts and even ties! From basic essentials to the formal essentials, because nothing says ‘salary man’ like a convenience store tie!

Cleaning products, toothbrush, toothpaste, cosmetics and instant hand warmers (an essential item in winter, although a hot can of hot chocolate works well too!).

Stationary, books (if you can’t read Japanese, at least you can look like everyone else on the train), gift cards and charging cords.

Money – don’t forget that Japan is a cash society and although this is slowly changing you will still need cash for many places. For more about cash see what we have written about money on this page.

But of course you will mostly use convenience stores for the food!

Convenient meals hot, fresh and frozen!

Pork buns, hot food lucky dip, fresh sushi, onigiri, egg and rice, minute noodles, strawberry sandwiches, katsusando, pancakes and even frozen meat pies from Australia – you little ripper!

General grocery items

Everyday essentials such as mini loaves of super soft thick bread (makes excellent French toast), eggs, milk and fruit.

Snacks and desserts

Today we have melon flavour and purple sweet potato flavour Kit Kats – yum! Icecream (what flavour is that?!) and pancakes (have to admit our kids lived off these!)

Drinks!

So many choices! Coffee (hot and cold), sakura latte, matcha latte, tapioca teas, juices. Many convenience stores also sell beer and alcohol (drinking age is 20 years and over) including local wines, so there is plenty to satisfy any thirst!

Convenience stores truly live up to their name – fresh, convenient, inexpensive meals and snacks – essential for any traveler, particularly when travelling with kids and fussy kids at that! They are a lifesaver for us! Check out our top ten convenience store survival foods for families for family friendly ideas.

Any trip to Japan is not complete without a stop at your local convenience store, perfect for food, toothbrushes and the occasional tie ;).