Your Ultimate Guide to Konbini (Japanese Convenience Stores): what's all the hype?
- japansophy
- 6 days ago
- 12 min read
You're never more than a few minutes away from a konbini (Japanese convenience store)
Like hungry, thirsty or package-carrying moths to a flame, locals and tourists alike are drawn to the glowing lights of the konbini that are found on nearly every street corner across Japan. Open 24 hours a day, these shops are an essential part of daily life. From fresh konbini food like onigiri and bento boxes to practical services such as ATMs, ticket machines, and bill payments, konbini offer an unmatched level of convenience. Whether you stop by a 7-Eleven, Lawson, or FamilyMart, Japan’s three biggest chains, you’ll find everything you need for travel, late-night cravings, or just a quick meal on the go. In this guide, we’ll explore the world of konbini culture: what they are, what to buy, and why no trip to Japan is complete without visiting one.
What is a konbini in Japan, then? What's all the hype?
You might be wondering, "What on earth is a konbini?" Well, first of all the name: "konbini" (or you'll sometimes see it written as "conbini" in English) is the shortened form of "convenience store". Some are relatively spacious, some are tiny, some are even staff-less. They are the beating heart of Japanese daily life, and you’ll find them everywhere, from bustling city corners to quiet rural towns, outside stations, inside stations and even at the airport. They are a traveller's best friend, a one-stop shop for just about anything you could possibly need. From a quick snack to a full meal, personal care items to household goods, and even stationery and magazines, konbini have you covered. But it’s not just about the products; they also offer a surprising range of services that can make your trip a whole lot smoother.
The Japanese convenience store heavyweights
When you're out and about, you'll quickly notice that a few chains dominate the landscape. The "big three" are Lawson, 7-Eleven, and FamilyMart, which do all the heavy lifting and together account for roughly 95% of all konbini in Japan. But keep your eyes peeled for other chains as well, like Mini Stop (beloved for its "softo" whipped ice-cream), Daily Yamazaki (famous for its freshly baked breads and pastries) and New Days (which you'll often see in train stations, for example). While these are the stores you'll encounter most often, Japan also has regional gems, such as Seicomart in Hokkaido, and unique spin-offs like Natural Lawson, which focuses on healthier options.
Let's take a look at the major chains: 7-Eleven vs FamilyMart vs Lawson
Every konbini has its own unique flavour and signature items. Here’s a quick guide to some of the most popular items you'll want to try at each of the major chains:
Lawson
Lawson is the smallest and also the youngest of the big three Japanese konbini chains but it has seen its profile raised in recent years as the "Mount Fuji konbini" (if you're unfamiliar with the story, a Lawson kombini in the town of Fuji Kawaguchiko became mega-famous on social media a few years back as the foreground in what was considered a quintessentially Japanese photo, like the one above. This has brought droves of tourists to the spot, all wanting to grab their own shot but causing massive inconvenience to the locals, blocking roads, littering, even camping out illegally - to the extent that the local authorities erected a huge fence behind the store to block the view of Mount Fuji). Lawson is famous for its unique desserts and tie-ins with brands such as Muji, the Peanuts franchise and certain video games, so is popular for its unique character-themed goods. You might also see Lawson spin-off stores Natural Lawson and Lawson 100. The former focuses on healthy, natural products, and the latter is a 100-yen store.
What to buy at Lawson in Japan
You'll find two of Lawson's most popular items at the hot food counter. The first is the Karaage-kun fried chicken pieces (and the spicy version, Karaage-kun Red) and the second is the Lawson steamed pork buns (nikuman), which are also available in (seasonal) variations such as pizza-flavour, cheese, curry or even sweet-bean. But it's Lawson's "Uchi Café" range of sweets and desserts that keep its customers coming back for more. The original Premium Roll Cake - the lightest sponge cake imaginable filled with a whipped cream so delicious that Lawson started selling it on its own due to popular demand! - was launched in 2009 and continues to be a firm favourite, but a newer "mochi-texture" version has been gaining in popularity in recent years and is much hyped on social media. As we mentioned above, Lawson is famous for its tie-ins with other popular brands so look out for special character goods that are unique to Lawson and available for a limited time only.
FamilyMart
With over 16,000 stores, FamilyMart is the second-largest konbini chain in Japan and, unless you spend your entire trip in the countryside, you'll be very hard pressed to resist the glow of the distinctive green, white and blue sign and the unique FamilyMart jingle. In addition to offering all of the brands you'd expect from a well-stocked convenience store, FamilyMart also has its own much-lauded private label, Famimaru. The Famimaru range includes the "Convenience Wear" collection of basic apparel and accessories and the sports socks, featuring stripes in the FamilyMart colours, have become a very popular souvenir for tourists.
What to buy at FamilyMart in Japan
If there is one iconic kombini must-try across all Japanese convenience stores, it has to be the FamilyMart Famichiki - tender, boneless pieces of fried chicken. Buy it on its own to go in a little paper bag or team it with a Famichiki bun (which you'll find separately in the baked goods section and comes with tartare sauce already spread on it for the ultimate convenience). The FamilyMart frappés have a cult following of their own: buy the frappé from the frozen goods section and add hot milk from the coffee machine (by pressing the frappé button) for a freshly prepared refresher on a hot, Japanese summer's day. As we mentioned above, you should check out the Famimaru range for good-value, good-quality clothing and accessory basics.
7-Eleven
7-Eleven is the big daddy of Japanese konbini, weighing in with more than 21,000 stores across Japan, more than 6000 of which are in Tokyo alone. It has far outgrown its US origins and operates in Japan as a distinct entity. Tourists appreciate 7-Eleven's ATMs, which have made withdrawing Japanese cash with a foreign credit card so much easier than in the past. Like some other convenience stores, some 7-Elevens even offer tax-free shopping for non-residents (the usual tax-free shopping rules apply).
What to buy at 7-Eleven in Japan
While the iconic fluffy egg sandwiches you'll hear virtually every tourist rave about are available in every Japanese konbini, many will swear that there's no tamago sando like a 7-Eleven tamago sando. The curry-filled bun (kare pan) is also a firm favourite. 7-Eleven itself rates the tuna-mayonnaise rice ball as one of its bestsellers, as well as its range of frozen fruit cups which you blend into a smoothie at one of the smoothie machines.
Best konbini food & snacks
While each konbini chain has its own specialities, as we've pointed out above, there are some superstar food items you'll find across all of them that are essential to the Japanese convenience store experience. At the top of the list are onigiri, the quintessential Japanese rice balls. These inexpensive and filling snacks come in a huge variety of flavors, from classic tuna mayo to pickled plum and grilled salmon. Unwrapping them is an art in itself, since they are wrapped in a special plastic film designed to prevent the nori seaweed going soggy and avoid having to touch the onigiri with your hands.
Next, you absolutely can’t miss the legendary egg sandwiches (tamago sando). Made with fluffy Japanese milk bread and a rich, creamy egg salad, they've achieved cult status and are a must-try for any visitor. For something sweet, try a fruit and cream sandwich (furutsu sando), which features whipped cream and fresh fruit (don't miss the strawberry version in early spring) between slices of that same famously soft bread.
When it comes to hot food, the fried chicken offerings are legendary. Each of the big three chains has its own version, with FamilyMart's boneless Famichiki being a particular fan favorite. During the colder months, look for the bubbling pots of oden, a hot pot stew featuring items like daikon radish and boiled eggs simmering in a savoury broth. And don't forget the steamed buns (nikuman), which come in sweet and savoury varieties, including classic pork, pizza, or even curry fillings. For a full meal on the go, konbini offer a wide selection of bento boxes with a mix of rice, meat, and vegetables, as well as an incredible array of instant noodles. Finally, be sure to explore the vast selection of unique Japanese snacks, like regional KitKat flavors, Pocky in seasonal varieties, and the famous Melon Pan—a sweet bread with a crispy, sugary crust that looks like a melon but contains no actual melon.
When it comes to drinks, you'll truly be spoiled for choice. To get you up, running and ready for a day of exploring, all of the konbini chains have moved into offering freshly brewed coffees à la Starbucks in recent years. If you're not a coffee drinker, you'll be in 7/11 heaven when you see the vast array of to-go teas available: from matcha, to regular green tea, to black tea (with and without milk/sugar), jasmine tea, oolong tea, lemon tea... the list is endless and changes with the season. You should also look out for Japan-only soft-drinks such as CCLemon or Pocari Sweat. You might also be surprised to find unfamiliar versions of familiar soft drinks (apple-flavoured Coca Cola anybody?).
Unfortunately, we have to end this section with a solemn warning: a lot of the items you'll see on the shelves of your local konbini will be special seasonal, limited-edition products (think cherry-blossom snacks) and many more will disappear before your next visit to Japan, as novelty is king in Japan and products have a high turnover. Try not to get too attached to these products or make sure you buy yourself a big enough supply to keep you going for a while (but check those best-before dates: they are also notoriously short in Japan)!
Beyond the snacks: konbini services
While the food is a major draw, the services offered by konbini are what truly make them indispensable. They're like miniature community hubs, providing everything from financial to logistical support.
Here are some of the incredible services you can take advantage of:
ATMs: Need to grab some cash? Most konbini have ATMs that accept a wide range of foreign cards, including Visa, Mastercard (Maestro and Cirrus), JCB and UnionPay. The machines can be switched to a number of foreign languages (including English), making them a super-convenient way of getting some yen in your pocket.
Post/Parcel Service: Many konbini also function as mini-post offices, allowing you to send letters and packages. This is particularly useful for sending luggage ahead to your next hotel or an airport, a service known as luggage forwarding, which can save you from lugging heavy bags on trains. Not every konbini offers this service, though, so check beforehand before dragging your suitcase there. You can even have parcels that you've ordered online delivered to your local konbini and pick it up there.
Automated foreign exchange machines: Got a wad of foreign cash burning a hole in your pocket? Some konbini also have machines that will exchange your foreign currency for yen. Like the ATM machines, these also have several language options. While the exchange rate with these machines isn't always the most favourable, they can save you the bother of going to a bank or money exchange counter.
Ticket Sales: Looking to go to a concert or an art exhibition? Konbini are a fantastic resource for securing tickets for events. You can use in-store machines like Lawson's "Loppi" or 7-Eleven's "Multicopy" to purchase and print tickets for concerts, sporting events, or even transportation.
Photocopying: Need to make a quick copy of a document? Konbini have you covered. Many have photocopying and printing services, allowing you to print documents, tickets or photos directly from a USB drive or smartphone.
Heating/preparing food: Can't wait to get stuck into that cup ramen you spent 20 minutes choosing from the seemingly endless ones on offer? Your luck is in! Most stores provide microwaves for you to heat up your ready-to-eat meals and hot water dispensers for making instant cup ramen. Some even have small eating corners where you can enjoy your meal on the spot. Even the smallest stores will offer to heat up o-bentos or other meals for you in a behind-the-counter microwave.
Bill paying: While this service is of limited interest to the average tourist, it might be worth noting that you can even pay utility bills and other expenses at the counter of most konbinis.
Konbini etiquette & tips
You will probably be offered some automatically or they may just get thrown in the bag anyway but, if not, don't be afraid to ask for chopsticks or spoons when you buy an o-bento or a dessert.
You might get IDed or will be required to press a button confirming you are the legal drinking age if you are buying an alcoholic drink. Remember that the legal drinking age in Japan is 20.
Separate your trash: Faced with a serious dearth of rubbish bins on the streets of Japanese cities, it can be tempting to find the nearest konbini and dump all the trash you're carrying around in the bins there. The bins are for customers only, though, so don't use the bins there to get rid of anything you didn't buy there. The misuse of these bins by tourists in particular has lead many konbini to get rid of their trash cans altogether. Also, Japan has a strict trash separation policy so make sure you through your trash into the right side of the bin.
Don't open your purchases or eat them inside the konbini except in the designated area, if there is one. Otherwise, you're expected to take your purchase out with you and eat it elsewhere.
Get rid of your change: Are your pockets weighed down with what feels like a fortune's worth of 1-yen coins? Many konbini now have self-checkout machines or cash registers where you feed the money in from your side of the counter. Go ahead and dump all your spare change into these when you buy something small at the konbini and they will give you your change in higher denomination coins. For example, you buy a bottle of tea for 165 yen, you put 465 yen in 1-, 5- and 10-yen coins into the check-out machine and it will (usually) give you 3 lovely, compact 100-yen coins in change!
Japanese convenience store FAQs
Let us put your mind at rest, so your konbini adventure can begin!
1. What is a konbini in Japan?
A konbini (Japanese convenience store) is a 24/7 shop where you can buy fresh food, snacks, drinks, and everyday essentials. Unlike Western convenience stores, konbini also offer services such as ATMs, bill payments, ticket machines, and package pickups, making them an essential part of everyday life in Japan.
2. How much is food at a konbini in Japan?
Konbini food is affordable and surprisingly high quality. Onigiri rice balls usually cost around ¥150–200, sandwiches about ¥250–350, and hot bentos between ¥400–600. Desserts, snacks, and coffee are also inexpensive, making konbini a budget-friendly option for locals and travellers alike.
3. Can you eat at a konbini in Japan?
Most konbini don’t have dine-in areas, but larger branches of 7-Eleven, Lawson, or FamilyMart sometimes provide small counters or seating. If there’s no seating, it’s common to take your food outside or back to your hotel. Always use the designated bins for trash and recycling.
4. What services do konbini offer besides food?
Japanese convenience stores provide much more than snacks and meals. You can use a konbini ATM Japan to withdraw cash, pay utility bills, buy event or train tickets from machines, print and copy documents, and even send or collect deliveries.
5. Which konbini is the best in Japan?
The three major chains—7-Eleven Japan, Lawson Japan, and FamilyMart Japan—all have unique strengths. 7-Eleven is known for fresh bentos and coffee, Lawson for desserts and limited-edition items, and FamilyMart for its famous fried chicken (Famichiki). The best konbini depends on personal taste, so many travelers enjoy trying them all.
6. Are konbinis open 24 hours in Japan?
Yes! Most konbini in Japan are open 24 hours a day, 7 days a week. This makes them a convenient option for late-night snacks, meals after restaurants close, or emergency purchases at any time of day.
7. Do konbini ATMs in Japan accept foreign cards?
Yes, many konbini ATMs - especially those in 7-Eleven - accept international debit and credit cards, including Visa and Mastercard. These ATMs are reliable, available in English, and widely used by travelers who need to withdraw yen.
The Konbini conclusion
From a last-minute midnight snack to a crucial train ticket, the Japanese konbini is a testament to convenience and efficiency. It’s a place where you can grab a delicious, high-quality meal for cheap, and handle a dozen errands all at once. In fact, you could say that the konbini is a lifeline that truly encapsulates the spirit of Japanese hospitality and practicality.
What’s your favourite konbini purchase? Leave a comment below!
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