🏪 How to enjoy convenience stores in Japan like a local
C O M B I N I G U I D E
Combini (a shortened form of "convenience store") number over 7,000 within Tokyo alone, and can be found not only in major cities and bustling areas but also in somewhat rural tourist spots.
The top three chains are 7-Eleven, FamilyMart, and Lawson.
V A R I O U S T H I N G S Y O U C A N D O A T A C O N V E N I E N C E S T O R E
If you forget to pack something from your home country, convenience stores are your strong ally!
From consumables like toothbrushes, masks, cosmetics, and towels to clothing, rain gear, cold-weather accessories such as gloves and knit caps, and even smartphone chargers and stationery, you'll find a range of daily necessities for long-term travel.
If you think, "Oh no!" just head to a nearby convenience store.
In Japan, you can also enjoy drinking alcohol outside, so on a sunny day, how about buying a chu-hai or beer at a convenience store and having a picnic?
In addition to shopping and dining space, convenience stores offer services like withdrawing money from ATMs, charging IC cards, purchasing or picking up tickets, sending parcels, printing or copying documents, and buying postage stamps and postcards.
Unlike supermarkets, convenience stores often offer snacks, bento boxes, and frozen foods in single-serving sizes, making them perfect for trying a variety of things in small amounts.
It's also a good idea to buy souvenir snacks at convenience stores!
R I C H S E L E C T I O N O F H I G H - Q U A L I T Y F O O D
A notable feature of Japanese convenience stores is their diverse and high-quality food offerings.
You'll find a wide variety of items, including onigiri (rice balls), bento boxes, sweet bread, and savory pastries.
Near the checkout, there are also hot snacks like karaage (fried chicken), yakitori (grilled chicken skewers), and croquettes, as well as desserts such as Japanese sweets, Western-style pastries, and ice cream.
The selection changes with the seasons— strawberry products become more common in spring, and oden (a type of hot pot) appears in winter.
New products are introduced not only seasonally but frequently, so be sure to check out the latest offerings during your stay.
O P E N 2 4 H O U R S A D A Y, 3 6 5 D A Y S A Y E A R
Japanese convenience stores are open 24 hours a day, 365 days a year.
Even if you arrive early in the morning or late at night, you can rely on a convenience store.
You can also purchase "Class 3 over-the- counter drugs" like energy drinks, vitamins, and digestive aids around the clock.
At convenience stores with a pharmacist or a registered seller, you can also buy "Class 2 over-the-counter drugs" such as pain relievers and cold medicines.
P A Y A T T E N T I O N TO P R I V A T E B R A N D P R O D U C T S
Recently, private brand products developed uniquely by convenience store chains have been attracting significant attention.
For example, 7-Eleven: egg sandwiches and fruit sandwiches, curry bread, fresh smoothies
FamilyMart: Famichiki, Their own clothing brand
Lawson: Karaage-kun, Fluffy Onigiri
These private brands, developed with customer feedback, are very popular not only among Japanese people but also among travelers from abroad.
Since these products are often more affordable compared to traditional ones, they are definitely worth trying.
During your stay, visit various convenience stores and enjoy a variety of products!
What’s your favorite COMBINI?
