Japanese convenience stores (konbini): the food to buy, what it costs, which chain is best, and how to pay, print and send luggage

Why Japanese convenience stores are so popular

"Konbini is the Japanese word for convenience store." You will also see it spelled conbini. The shops look like convenience stores anywhere: a few aisles, a fridge wall of drinks and a counter by the door. What surprises visitors is what is inside them. JNTO, Japan's national tourism organisation, opens its konbini feature like this: "For locals, the Japanese convenience store – known in Japanese as konbini – is just another fact of life, but for visitors, it can be a source of endless wonder and unexpected surprises."

The food is the main reason. Lucy Dayman, a Tokyo-based journalist interviewed for the feature, says that "In many other countries picking up dinner from a convenience store would be your last resort", while in Japan whole shelves are given to rice balls, sandwiches, boxed meals, noodles and salads, and the counter sells fried chicken, steamed buns and freshly made coffee. In Dayman's words, "When international guests visit, they're often surprised by the incredible cleanliness, accessibility, diversity, quality, and quantity of what the local konbini has to offer."

The other reason is that they are always there. JNTO's guide for Muslim travellers notes that "Most convenience stores in Japan are open 24 hours a day." It adds that "Major convenience store chains have branches not only in cities, but also in rural areas, so you can drop by anytime during your travels in Japan." For people who live here, the konbini is where they buy lunch, pay bills and post letters. As JNTO's feature puts it, "These Japanese stores, more than most other countries in the world, are the center of daily life, especially in the city." 7-Eleven alone says that "Today, 7-Eleven stores welcome approximately 20 million customers daily as our stores have become a part of the daily routines of many people."

The numbers from the Japan Franchise Association, the industry body, show the same thing. Its seven member chains had 56,189 stores in August 2026, 0.5% more than a year earlier, and about 1.41 billion customer visits that month. The average customer spent 762.6 yen before tax. Fresh food, the category that covers counter food such as coffee and fried chicken, rice dishes such as onigiri and bento, bread, sandwiches, salads and desserts, made up 35.3% of sales at existing stores.

How many convenience stores are there in Japan?

There were 56,189 convenience stores in the Japan Franchise Association's monthly survey for August 2026, which covers the seven member chains: Seven-Eleven Japan, FamilyMart, Lawson, Ministop, Seicomart, Daily Yamazaki and Poplar. The three biggest chains and Seicomart publish their own counts, which include their sub-brands.

Together, 7-Eleven, FamilyMart and Lawson run more than nine in ten of the stores in the survey. 7-Eleven Japan was founded in 1973, and the Lawson group opened its first store in 1975, in Toyonaka, Osaka Prefecture.

The stores are spread unevenly, which matters if you have a favourite. FamilyMart has 2,443 stores in Tokyo, 1,363 in Osaka Prefecture and 338 in Okinawa, but only 255 in Hokkaido. Lawson has 1,639 in Tokyo, 1,200 in Osaka and 730 in Hokkaido. (FamilyMart's figures are for August 2026 and Lawson's for February 2026.) In Hokkaido you will also see Seicomart, a chain that began there: its first store opened in Sapporo in 1971, and 1,087 of its 1,189 stores are in Hokkaido, with the other 102 in Ibaraki and Saitama prefectures (end of September 2026).

The convenience store chains in Japan

Most visitors only ever need the big three, and outside the big cities you will find the smaller chains too. JNTO's konbini feature says that "if you visit more local areas or regional places, you might find some rarer chains like Mini Stop, Daily Yamazaki, Seico Mart, and Poplar".

Each chain also makes its own-brand products, so the onigiri, sandwiches and sweets differ from chain to chain even when they look alike.

Which Japanese convenience store is best?

There is no official ranking, and the honest answer is that they are more alike than different. Dayman puts it this way: "While in general, most outlets are similar, everyone does seem to have a preference and an opinion on which outlet does what best." Even the two hosts of the Conbini Boys podcast, interviewed by JNTO's UK office in 2021, picked different places when asked where they wanted to go next in Japan: one chose Hokkaido, "so I can visit Seicomart for the first time", and the other answered, "I'd have to say Ministop." So this site does not crown a winner. Instead, here is what each chain is known for, so you can choose by what you want.

On fried chicken, Dayman notes that "Family Mart is known at least in unofficial circles to have the most famous fried chicken", but Lawson's Karaage-kun has been on sale since 1986 and has its own fans. On price, the three are close: Famichiki costs 248 yen with tax, Nanachiki 250.56 yen and a five-piece Karaage-kun 288 yen. The fairest test is to try all three.

What to buy at a Japanese convenience store

Dayman sums up the range in one line: "The variety of food available in konbini is just amazing." This is real food, not just snacks: "Rice and vegetables, or pasta or gyoza, or even ramen is an everyday offering." JNTO's breakfast guide agrees: "More than just a quick breakfast option: Japan's konbini offerings are fresh, delicious, and alone worth a stop."

For a shortlist, ask the Conbini Boys. When JNTO asked which products visitors should look out for, Matt named three: "Canned coffee, Chiki, and umeboshi onigiri." Then he added: "That's all you need to make it successfully through life." Chiki is FamilyMart's fried chicken, and umeboshi onigiri are rice balls with a pickled plum inside. The sections below go through the main kinds of konbini food, with prices from each chain's own website. For restaurant food and regional dishes, see what to eat in Japan.

Onigiri (rice balls)

Dayman's advice to beginners is to start with onigiri: "Onigiri is one such foundational product, and also one of the most diverse." Each one is "a fist-sized rice ball, covered in dry seaweed (known as nori)", with a filling in the middle. "You can get ume (salty plum) onigiri, tuna and mayo onigiri, chicken, even omelet rice versions!" JNTO's guide for Muslim travellers lists more: "You can choose from a wide variety of flavors and ingredients such as tuna, salmon, tarako (fish eggs), pickled vegetables, pickled plums, and more."

Tuna mayonnaise is the filling that all three big chains feature in their English guides. In 7-Eleven's words: "A rice ball filled with tuna mayo, wrapped in crispy dried seaweed!" Lawson promises: "A perfect balance between tuna and mayonnaise despite the strong tuna taste." FamilyMart also sells a Hawaiian-style version with luncheon meat: "These musubi rice balls combine SPAM®, sold by Hormel Foods in the United States, and tuna mayonnaise." It costs 298 yen and is not sold in Okinawa.

Classic fillings such as tuna mayo, pickled plum and kombu cost about 170 to 200 yen. Salmon and mentaiko (spicy pollock roe) cost about 210 to 235 yen, and a plain salted rice ball about 145 to 150 yen. Lawson's premium onigiri go up to 322 yen, for salmon roe. The prices chain by chain are in the table under Convenience store prices, below.

Sandwiches

7-Eleven lists its egg salad sandwich among its bestsellers: "Rich, creamy, and downright tasty." FamilyMart puts its egg sandwiches on its list of popular items too. At 7-Eleven, THE Tamago Sando costs 300.24 yen, and ham, ham-and-egg, and tuna-and-cucumber sandwiches cost 374.76 yen in most regions.

Lawson's thick pork cutlet sandwich is made with pork cutlets "fried in-store for a tender texture", at stores that have a Machikado Chubo kitchen. At some stores the food is made at a nearby store instead. Lawson's advice: "Be sure to try these sandwiches at Lawson stores with Machikado Chubo in-store kitchens."

Bento (boxed meals)

Bento are complete meals in a box. Dayman describes what is inside: "In a bento box, you'll typically get a bed of rice and a cluster of sides, including fish, meat, vegetables, and the occasional mystery offering, but it's always tasty and fresh."

Most cost about 500 to 750 yen. FamilyMart's Famima the Nori Bento, sold in every region, costs 498 yen. Lawson's run from 473 yen for a chicken soboro bento, with seasoned minced chicken on rice, to 667 yen for a Japanese-style makunouchi bento with several small sides. The new bento on 7-Eleven's website in October 2026 cost 496.80 to 753.84 yen, and each was sold only in some regions (see Seasonal and regional items, below). Staff can heat a bento for you when you pay (see How to shop at a konbini, below).

Fried chicken and other hot snacks

By the till is a heated case of fried food, which the chains call hot snacks. Start with FamilyMart's Famichiki: "This boneless fried chicken from FamilyMart is easy to eat and always popular." Mike from the Conbini Boys rates it highly: "Chiki is definitely near the top of the list." "It's a juice bomb unlike anything you've had." 7-Eleven's answer is Nanachiki: "Thick, juicy fried chicken seasoned with a blend of 11 spices." Lawson's Karaage-kun comes as five pieces, in a classic and a hot flavour. "Other time-limited flavors are also released from time to time." All three cost about 250 to 290 yen (see Which Japanese convenience store is best?, above).

To buy one, tell the staff at the till. FamilyMart's instruction is simple: "Just place your order with staff at the cash register." 7-Eleven's English site has a short video on how to buy hot snacks.

The rest of the case varies by chain and store. You will often see croquettes (128.52 yen at 7-Eleven, 120 yen for FamilyMart's Famikoro), hash browns (145 yen at FamilyMart) and the American dog, a corn dog on a stick (150 yen at FamilyMart). Ministop's Crunchy chicken is "fried chicken pieces coated with potato", and its X-cut French fries are its own: "Potatoes are cut in an X-shape to create a crunchy texture." In Hokkaido, some Seicomart stores have a HOT CHEF counter. Its hot chilli nuggets came back on 6 October 2026, at 270 yen for five.

Steamed buns sit in a steamer beside the fried food, and the staff take them out for you. Mike's other favourite is "a nikuman, the steamed buns in the other hot box". Meat buns cost 168.48 yen at 7-Eleven, 180 yen at FamilyMart and 198 yen at Lawson. Pizza buns and sweet red bean buns cost about 140 to 190 yen, and larger pork buns about 220 to 250 yen. In the Kansai area, meat buns are usually called butaman, or pork buns.

Oden

Oden is a cold-weather dish of daikon radish, eggs, fishcakes, konnyaku and fried tofu simmered in dashi broth, and you buy it by the piece. JNTO's interview with the Conbini Boys explains it in a caption: "Oden is a hot pot dish widely available in conbini." Matt's verdict: "It stinks." "It looks gross." "But on a cold day, wow is it good!" Mike agrees: "Oden makes a terrible first impression." It is worth trying "once you overcome your initial fear".

At 7-Eleven in October 2026, shirataki (konnyaku noodles) cost 120.96 yen, daikon and konnyaku 130.68 yen each, thick fried tofu (atsuage) 140.40 yen, a chikuwa fishcake 145.80 yen and an egg 150.12 yen. 7-Eleven's English site has a short video on how to buy oden.

Cup noodles

"Cup noodles are another konbini icon", in Dayman's opinion, and "Japanese cup ramen is as diverse as it is delicious". The shelves run from spicy Korean-style soups to seafood and miso, and you can eat them straight away: "You'll find hot water dispensers where you can add boiling water to your noodles and make them in-store." A sign reading go jiyū ni o tsukai kudasai (ご自由にお使いください) above the dispenser means, as Dayman puts it, "feel free to use it". Prices depend on the brand and size, and this site does not quote one. To design your own cup, visit one of the two Cupnoodles Museums, in Yokohama and in Ikeda, Osaka (see our guide to ramen in Japan).

Coffee and other drinks

All three big chains make coffee to order in the store. Lawson's English guide: "Lawson's MACHI café coffee and Café Latte are freshly brewed in-store with care." FamilyMart's: "Enjoy freshly ground coffee or frozen drinks made by pouring milk from the coffee machine over ice in a cup."

You pay for a cup at the till and then make the coffee yourself at the machine. Ministop's English guide explains it in two steps: "Order at the register and receive your cup after payment." "Set your cup in the machine and press a button on the menu." 7-Eleven's English site has a video on how to buy and make SEVEN CAFÉ coffee, and another on its smoothies, which you also make in the store: "Enjoy a delicious smoothie in-store!"

A regular hot coffee costs 140.40 yen at 7-Eleven, 158 yen at FamilyMart and 160 yen at Lawson. Larger sizes and lattes cost about 220 to 360 yen. Dayman's view of the choice: "There are so many different types of coffee, from sickly sweet milky mixes and pure black blends, to in-store cafe style coffee machines that make a pretty great iced latte." "It might take some trial and error to find your favorite, but trust me, it's out there!"

The fridges also hold bottled green tea, juice, milk and Pocari Sweat, which is Mike's choice: "Pocari Sweat is my go-to drink."

Sweets and ice cream

Every chain has a chilled shelf of cakes, puddings and Japanese sweets. Lawson recommends its Premium Roll Cake (214 yen): "Savor 100% fresh cream to your heart's content!" It also recommends its dorayaki: "Chewy dough filled with delicious sweet red bean paste and cream." On its Japanese site, the Doramocchi with red bean paste and whipped cream costs 214 yen. FamilyMart's popular items include its Soufflé Pudding: "A beautifully smooth pudding combined with cheese soufflé." They also include Saku Saku Panda biscuits: "These cute chocolate biscuits are shaped like panda bears."

Desserts cost from about 130 to 490 yen. At 7-Eleven, daifuku (soft mochi filled with sweet bean paste) and dorayaki cost 213.84 yen each. For snacks to take home, see our guide to Japanese snacks and what to buy in Japan.

In the freezer you will find what JNTO's summer guide calls "retro Japanese classics such as Yukimi Daifuku, Papico, Giant Cone, Azuki Bar, Pino, Mow and Gari-gari-kun". Yukimi Daifuku is vanilla ice cream wrapped in soft mochi, and Gari-gari-kun is a crunchy ice lolly.

For soft serve, go to Ministop. Dayman's tip: "If you're craving soft-serve ice cream, try and find a Mini Stop." Ministop calls it one of its flagship products: "Vanilla is the classic flavor, but you can also enjoy limited-time flavors or soft-serve mixed with vanilla." The Hokkaido Milk Soft costs 345.60 yen. Since 4 September 2026, Ministop has also sold a Japanese chestnut soft serve at 410.40 yen and a Mont Blanc soft serve at 594 yen. Prices differ at some stores.

Breakfast and lighter food

For the morning, JNTO's breakfast guide is clear: "Whether you're setting off early in the morning, traveling long distances or have a busy day ahead, a convenience store breakfast is always a reliable choice." Onigiri and sandwiches are the obvious picks, and there are lighter things too. JNTO's guide for Muslim travellers points out that "The edamame beans that you can purchase from a conbini are already cooked, and can be eaten as is." FamilyMart's seasoned eggs are another easy choice: "Seasoned soft-boiled eggs with wonderfully creamy yolk." Cut fruit and salads come in cups (see Halal and vegetarian food, below).

Seasonal and regional items

Konbini shelves change with the seasons. "Most stores also offer seasonal items like Halloween theme treats in October, and cherry blossom themed everything in spring." To find these, Dayman suggests looking for 期間限定 (kikan gentei): "Keep an eye out for this sign in store to find the seasonal items." These are the words to look for on labels and shelf signs.

Each region has items of its own. In October 2026, 7-Eleven sold pork tamago onigiri, an Okinawan favourite of luncheon meat and egg, only in Okinawa (340.20 yen). It sold a prawn mayonnaise onigiri only in Kyushu (224.64 yen). Matsue katsu rice and a Kure navy curry with beef tendon (753.84 yen each) were sold only in Tottori, Shimane, Hiroshima and Yamaguchi prefectures. FamilyMart labels some bento as for Tokai, Kansai, or Chugoku and Shikoku only, such as a Kansai fried chicken bento seasoned with dashi and soy sauce (628 yen).

Convenience store prices

The table puts the same kinds of food side by side at the big three chains. All the prices are takeaway prices, with 8% tax included, as listed on each chain's website in October 2026. 7-Eleven shows prices with tax to two decimal places, but the total you pay at the till is always a whole number of yen.

What a konbini meal costs

These sample meals use the prices above. Each one comes from a single chain, so you could buy it in one stop.

Eating every meal of the day this way would come to about 2,500 yen, plus whatever you drink. Our guide to how much a trip to Japan costs puts the average visitor's spending on food at roughly 5,300 yen per person per night.

Are Japanese convenience stores cheap?

For a quick meal, yes. JNTO's Australia office opens its guide to the cheapest and the most expensive food in Japan with some reassurance: "Japan isn't an expensive place to visit – not if you don't want it to be." Konbini are on its list of the cheap options: "Unlike the West, convenience stores in Japan are a legitimate source of good quality food for those on a budget (or on the move!)." Dayman says much the same about konbini bento, calling them "a great budget-friendly alternative to going out for lunch".

An onigiri costs about 150 to 235 yen and a bento about 500 to 750 yen, so a filling lunch with a coffee comes to around 650 yen. The same guide to trip costs puts a set lunch at an ordinary restaurant at 1,000 to 2,000 yen.

Where the bill adds up is the extras. A coffee, a dessert and a piece of fried chicken each cost about 150 to 300 yen, and the industry figures above put the average spend per visit at 762.6 yen before tax. To work out a daily food budget for your trip, try the Japan trip budget calculator.

How to shop at a konbini

Shopping at a konbini works as it does anywhere: pick up what you want and take it to the till. As you pay, the staff may ask you a few quick questions: whether to heat your food, whether you need chopsticks and whether you want a bag. A nod or a shake of the head is enough, and the phrases at the end of this section help.

Heating your food

7-Eleven's English guide explains: "Most of the 7-Eleven stores in Japan have microwaves to heat up your food." The staff heat it for you, so: "Please ask a store staff if you'd like your food heated." They may ask you first: "At the register, the staff may also ask if you want items like bento boxes heated." A few things can't go in the microwave: "Some items cannot be heated in-store."

Chopsticks, spoons and napkins

7-Eleven's advice: "For frozen foods, bento boxes, salads, and other ready-to-eat items, please ask for any necessary cutlery—such as chopsticks, spoons, forks, or paper napkins—when you make your purchase." You may not even need to ask: "Store staff may also ask you at the register to see if you need any cutlery."

Bags

Bags cost extra. 7-Eleven explains why: "In line with Japan's effort to reduce plastic waste, plastic bags are available upon request for an additional fee, which varies by size." If you want one, say so: "Please ask staff if you need a bag." A small folding bag in your daypack saves both the fee and the plastic.

Eating in the store

Not every store has seats, but Dayman notes that "a lot of bigger stores have tables and chairs and dining space too". 7-Eleven's version: "Some 7-Eleven stores in Japan offer an eat-in area where you can enjoy your purchased items." The catch is the tax. Takeaway food is taxed at 8%, but "For reduced-tax items purchased in-store, and consuming them in the eat-in area, a 10% tax rate will apply." So tell the staff when you pay if you plan to eat in.

House rules differ by chain. 7-Eleven asks: "To keep the space comfortable for everyone, please avoid long stays and loud conversations." Ministop's English guide says its eat-in spaces are for all customers, and is relaxed about time: "Feel free to stay here as long as you like." It even suggests using them "to take a break while sight-seeing or shopping".

Rubbish

Public bins are rare in Japan, so a konbini bin is one of the few places to throw rubbish away while you are out (see rules for tourists in Japan). For empty cans and plastic bottles, JNTO's summer guide notes that "bins are easily found either next to the vending machines or outside konbini (convenience stores)". Sort your rubbish as the labels on the bins show, and follow 7-Eleven's request: "Please dispose of your trash properly according to store rules."

Phrases for the till

Staff word these questions in different ways, but these are the usual ones. For more phrases with audio, see Japanese travel phrases.

Paying at a convenience store

Konbini take most ways of paying. 7-Eleven's English FAQ lists them: "7-Eleven stores in Japan accept a variety of payment methods, including cash, credit cards, transportation IC cards, and scan to pay." Lawson's English guide says much the same: "At Lawson stores, payment can be made via credit cards, barcode payment apps, and e-money." FamilyMart notes that "A range of credit cards are accepted at FamilyMart stores." Ministop's guide covers debit cards too: "Both credit card and debit card payment are possible." It adds: "It is now possible to use a China UnionPay card."

Paying by card

FamilyMart explains how tapping works: "Credit cards with a tap-and-go credit card payment (contactless IC) symbol can be used to make credit card payments by holding them over a payment terminal." Small purchases are quick. In Lawson's words, "A signature or PIN entry is not required for credit card payments for amounts less than 10,000 yen." For 10,000 yen or more, you sign or enter your PIN. Lawson lists two more rules: "Credit card installment payment is not accepted." "Multiple credit cards cannot be used in one transaction."

Some things can't be paid for by card at all. At Lawson, they include telephone cards, bus cards, train tickets, coupon tickets, gift vouchers, QUO cards, stamps, postcards, revenue stamps, utility bills and some Loppi services, so keep a little cash for those.

Paying with an IC card or an app

The card you use on trains works at the till too. GO TOKYO, Tokyo's official travel guide, explains: "The same IC cards (Suica, PASMO, etc.) that can be used to pay for rides on public transport can also be used at a variety of shops, including major convenience stores." Touch the card on the reader when the staff tell you the total. You can also top it up with cash at the counter (see our Suica card guide). Scan to pay means paying with a QR code or barcode app on your phone. Ask at the till whether yours is accepted.

Carry some cash as well

Not every store takes every method. As 7-Eleven puts it, "Some stores may not accept certain payment methods." JNTO's general tips for visitors give the safe advice: "Although there are establishments that honor cashless payments, it's still better to have cash with you." For when to use which, see cash or card in Japan and credit cards in Japan.

ATMs and currency exchange machines

Dayman's view: "The service that most visitors will probably use at least once in a konbini is the ATM." All three big chains have machines that take foreign cards.

7-Eleven's visitor guide explains: "At 7-Eleven stores, you can withdraw Japanese yen using a credit card at Seven Bank ATMs." GO TOKYO adds that "Seven Bank ATMs also accept a wide variety of international cards." "They can be found on practically every city block, inside 7-Eleven convenience stores." The screen is not only in Japanese: "Multi-language options are available on the ATM screen."

At Lawson, "24/7 withdrawal of Japanese yen is available at Lawson ATMs using overseas-issued cards." "Visa, MasterCard, JCB, and UnionPay cards are accepted." But "Accepted cards may differ depending on the ATM." Lawson also notes: "The ATM transaction screen can be displayed in English, Simplified Chinese, and Korean."

FamilyMart says that "Cash can be withdrawn at FamilyMart stores using cash cards issued overseas." Its stores have either an E-net ATM, with four screen languages (English, Chinese, Korean and Japanese), or a Japan Post Bank ATM, with 16.

Two caveats. JNTO's guide for Muslim travellers warns: "Note that depending on the type of card, the service may be unavailable at certain hours." 7-Eleven adds that "ATMs may not be available at all locations." For the card brands, withdrawal limits and fees at each network, see our guide to ATMs in Japan.

Currency exchange machines

A few konbini also have machines that change foreign banknotes into yen. 7-Eleven's FAQ explains: "Some stores are equipped with self-service Money Exchange Machines that allow you to exchange foreign currency to Japanese yen." Its visitor guide adds: "Easily exchange foreign currency bills for Japanese yen—no ID or passport required." There are two limits: "Coins are not accepted." And each exchange must be for less than 100,000 yen.

FamilyMart's version: "Conveniently exchange your foreign currency for Japanese Yen at FamilyMart stores." The machines are in a limited number of stores and take banknotes in 14 currencies: US dollars, euros, pounds sterling, Chinese yuan, Korean won, Hong Kong dollars, Taiwan dollars, Australian dollars, Canadian dollars, Singapore dollars, Thai baht, Philippine pesos, Malaysian ringgit and Indonesian rupiah. They change money into yen only, not back again. The screen can show 15 languages, and support is available around the clock in English, Chinese, Korean and Japanese.

At FamilyMart, the yen comes out in units of 100 yen, as 10,000-yen and 1,000-yen notes and 100-yen coins. Amounts of 19,500 yen or less are rounded down to the nearest 100 yen, and larger amounts up to the nearest 100 yen. Lawson's Japanese site lists currency exchange machines among its services as well. This site does not quote exchange rates. Before you change a large sum, compare the machine's rate with what your own bank charges for a cash withdrawal.

Printing, tickets and post

JNTO's guide for Muslim travellers sums up the travel services: "Many conbini have convenient services for travelers, including multi-function copy machines for printing out travel documents, and purchasing long-distance bus tickets (depending on the bus company)." Dayman agrees: "Konbini offer lots of services you won't find elsewhere."

Printing documents

In Dayman's words, "Most stores also have a printing and photocopying machine which is useful if you need physical copies of flight tickets." You don't need a computer: "You can easily upload the documents onto a profile on the Network Print website and print out the documents by entering your personalized code." Dayman says the machines are "easy to use and have multilingual settings". Printing is paid by the page, and this site does not quote a price.

Tickets

FamilyMart's machines sell tickets too: "Tickets for theme parks, aquariums, zoos, expressway buses, and more can be purchased using multi-copy machines at FamilyMart stores." The screen can show 11 languages, and a call centre answers questions in English and Chinese from 9:00 to 18:00.

Lawson's terminal is called Loppi, described in its English guide as "A multimedia terminal set up at Lawson stores." "A variety of services are available, including product purchasing, ticket bookings, and applications for various events!" Lawson's Japanese site lists Loppi tickets for Tokyo Disney Resort, highway buses and leisure spots, and Jetstar Japan flights. Some bus companies let you pay for an online booking in cash at a konbini (see our Japan bus guide).

Bills and post

Konbini also handle everyday errands. Dayman again: "You can pay your bills, post mail and buy concert tickets at many stores." At Lawson, "Post boxes are available in Lawson stores." "Post is collected twice a day." Mail that does not fit through the slot can't go in the box, so take larger items to a post office. Lawson's Japanese site lists stamps and postcards among its services, and they are on its list of things you can't pay for by card, so pay for them in cash.

Sending luggage from a convenience store

You can send a suitcase from a konbini to the airport or your next hotel. 7-Eleven explains: "Some 7-Eleven stores in Japan offer delivery services, allowing you to send packages to airports, hotels, or acquaintances' homes." Allow time: "When sending packages to an airport or hotel, please make sure that it will take at least one day or more depending on the locations." "We recommend sending them in advance." Write the address carefully, because "Delivery service is available only when the recipient's information is clearly provided." Also, "Packages can only be sent to locations that are able to receive deliveries."

It does not work the other way round. 7-Eleven is clear: "Please note that delivery to 7-Eleven stores in Japan for pickup is NOT available, as staff cannot receive or store packages on behalf of customers." "Any packages delivered to a store cannot be handed over and may be returned to the sender." So don't send anything to a 7-Eleven expecting to collect it there.

Other chains take parcels as well. Lawson's Japanese site lists Japan Post's Yu-Pack parcel service. Yamato Transport's TA-Q-BIN rates table gives a 100-yen discount per parcel when you drop it off yourself at a TA-Q-BIN office, agency or convenience store, and notes that some convenience stores cannot take parcels larger than Size 180. For forwarding suitcases between hotels and to the airport, with prices and sizes, see luggage in Japan. If your suitcase is coming with you on the bullet train, check its size with the Shinkansen oversized baggage checker.

Wi-Fi and toilets

Free Wi-Fi

Don't count on konbini Wi-Fi. What is on offer depends on the chain and the store.

Lawson offers free Wi-Fi at stores that show its Wi-Fi logo. Its Japanese page explains how the network, LAWSON_Free_Wi-Fi, works. The first time, you agree to the terms and enter an email address, and the registration lasts for a year. After that you can connect up to five times a day, for 60 minutes each time. The service may be unavailable on Wednesdays from 1:00 to 5:00 for maintenance. Lawson's English guide adds: "You can also use the Japan Wi-Fi auto-connect free Wi-Fi app for foreign visitors."

FamilyMart closed its own Famima Wi-Fi in August 2022. Its stores now offer docomo's d Wi-Fi, which is free for d POINT CLUB members with a docomo line, and free for a limited time for people without one. Ministop says: "If you have overseas devices, you can use Wi-Fi in stores with the Softbank Wi-Fi logo mark." Then comes the catch: "Not available in all stores." 7-Eleven's English guide for visitors does not list a Wi-Fi service at all.

JNTO's UK office, in its guide to mistakes to avoid in Japan, suggests that "you may want to rent a portable hotspot to share between your friends before arriving". To have your own connection all day, compare an eSIM for Japan, a Japan SIM card and pocket Wi-Fi.

Toilets

Konbini are among the easiest places to find a toilet. JNTO's guide to running in Tokyo says: "If you need to use the toilet, it's possible to stop at a convenience store, grocery store or coffee shop." Ministop's guide says simply, "Feel free to use the toilets." JNTO's UK office goes further: "convenience stores won't even expect a purchase in return". Still, the running guide notes that "It's courteous to buy something if you use a facility." A drink or a snack is enough.

Most toilets in Japan are free: "The majority of public toilets do not require money or tokens to use them." If you can't see a sign, ask the staff.

Toiletries, medicine and everyday things

Konbini are good for forgotten things. In Dayman's words, "If you're bad at packing or want to pack light", the konbini has the toiletries you need, such as toothpaste, soap and face wash. "All of this is especially useful if you're taking a trip to the public hot spring (onsen)." Clothes too: "You can also grab stockings, socks, t-shirts." "They also sell clothing and lifestyle goods, as well as medicine and things you never knew you needed, like temporary heat packs to keep your hands warm."

In snowy places in winter, JNTO's UK office notes that "most convenience stores will sell strap-on cleats for your shoes". Ministop points out that konbini are good for gifts too: "We also have many products you can bring home as souvenirs, like snacks and cosmetics." For more ideas, see Japanese souvenirs.

For a wider choice of medicine and cosmetics, look for a drugstore (ドラッグストア, doraggusutoa), which you will find on most shopping streets. If you are bringing your own medicine, check the rules first in taking medication to Japan.

Tax-free shopping at convenience stores

A few konbini sell tax-free. 7-Eleven's FAQ says: "You can enjoy tax-free shopping at some 7-Eleven stores in Japan." "Please show your passport at the register." Under the current rules, you need to spend at least 5,000 yen before tax in one store on one day, and food, drinks, cosmetics and other consumables are capped at 500,000 yen a day. 7-Eleven's tax-free page adds: "Limited to items for personal use outside of Japan." "Consumable tax-free items will be sealed in a special bag." "Please keep the bag unopened until you leave Japan—opening it before departure may result in taxation."

At Lawson, only the stores on its list sell tax-free, such as LAWSON KITTE Marunouchi in Tokyo and the store at Hakodate Airport. "Please note that tax-free purchasing is not available at other stores." "Purchases must cost at least 5,000 yen (excluding tax) to be eligible for tax exemption." Frozen food, gift cards, stamps and anything that can't be sealed do not qualify, and "After purchasing, you must not open the product packaging or use the products until you leave Japan." Bring your passport itself, as Lawson does not accept Visit Japan Web for tax-free purchases. Ministop notes: "Times for tax-free shopping vary by shop."

In practice, tax-free is for things you take home, not snacks for the trip. To check what you would get back under both systems, use the Japan tax-free shopping calculator. Our guide to Visit Japan Web explains its tax-free QR code and the new departure check.

Halal and vegetarian food

JNTO's guide for Muslim travellers has suggestions: "Recommended Muslim-friendly conbini foods are ready-to-eat cut fruit and salads, usually sold in a plastic cup." "Onigiri (rice balls) are a good option for a heartier snack." It also suggests packs of nuts such as almonds, macadamias and cashews, and notes that "instant rice that can be heated up in a microwave can also be found easily in the aisles". The most important advice comes before you pay: "Before paying for your purchases, remember to check the ingredients label on the packaging for non-Muslim friendly ingredients such as mirin and alcohol."

Labels are in Japanese, so these are the words to look for.

Vegetarians need to watch for dashi, a stock often made with fish such as bonito, which goes into many savoury foods that look meat-free. If you are not sure, ask the staff or show them a card: the Japanese allergy card generator has vegetarian and vegan options. For eating out, see what to eat in Japan.

Konbini tips for travellers

JNTO's guide for Muslim travellers makes a point that holds for every visitor: "All travelers have likely experienced sudden hunger when shops and restaurants are closed." "Conbini can come to the rescue if this happens to you in Japan." And wherever you are, the idea is the same: "Although the services and products differ depending on each store's location and parent company, the goal of providing convenience and hospitality to customers is the same across all of Japan's conbini."

To cite or link to this page: Japanese convenience stores (konbini): the food to buy, what it costs, which chain is best, and how to pay, print and send luggage — Japan Pocket Guide, https://japanpocketguide.com/food/convenience-stores/ Copy