The Konbini Guide: Why Japanese Convenience Stores Are Amazing

The Japanese konbini (convenience store) is a traveller's best friend. Open long hours and found almost everywhere, chains like 7-Eleven, FamilyMart and Lawson do far more than sell snacks.

Surprisingly good food

• Fresh onigiri (rice balls), sandwiches, bento boxes and salads.
• Hot items at the counter such as fried chicken and steamed buns.
• Coffee, sweets and a huge range of drinks.
• Staff can heat up your meal, and many stores have a small area to eat or a hot-water dispenser for instant noodles.

Services that save your trip

Konbini are mini service centres:

• ATMs — 7-Eleven's Seven Bank ATMs are known for accepting foreign cards with an English menu.
• Clean toilets — often available to customers; a lifesaver when out and about.
• Copy & print — multifunction machines for photocopies and printing.
• Ticket machines — for some events, transport and attractions (often in Japanese).
• Parcel drop-off / pick-up for Japan's takkyubin delivery services.
• Free Wi-Fi at many locations.

Paying

• Cash is always accepted.
• Most stores also take IC cards (Suica/PASMO), credit cards and QR payments.
• Tap your IC card for the quickest small purchases.

Handy items when you need them

Forgot something? Konbini stock umbrellas, phone chargers, basic toiletries, socks, stationery and simple medicines — perfect for small emergencies.

A traveller's routine

Many visitors start the day with a konbini coffee and onigiri, use the ATM and toilet, grab an umbrella when it rains, and end the night with a late snack. Once you get the hang of it, the konbini becomes part of the fun of travelling in Japan.