When you take a trip to Japan, you will no doubt come face-to-face with a konbini. Otherwise known as a convenience store, there are over 58,000 of them across the country.
Lawson, Family Mart and 7-Eleven are the largest known konbini chains in Japan, however there are plenty more that you will see scattered around. Some of these include New Days and Ministop.
The biggest cities in Japan will have a konbini within a few minutes of each other. In fact, it is never a surprise to see a konbini right near another.
They are often open every single day for 24 hours, making them very convenient for the foreign traveler.
Because a konbini offers a variety of goods and services, we shall be taking a look at konbini in Japan in this ultimate guide.
What Is A Konbini?
A konbini in Japan is what the locals refer to as a convenience store. They are a part of daily life in Japan, especially to those who live within a city.
This is because they are open 24 hours a day, seven days a week, and offer a number of different goods and services. You will also find one on most street corners, making them a part of Japan’s landscape.
With over 58,000 of them in Japan alone, a konbini such as Lawson, 7-Eleven or Family Mart has everything a person could need.
From magazines and newspapers to food, snacks and household products.
There is often even a restroom and a place to do some printing. If you are in need of a quick meal on-the-go, you can also buy a ready-made box of food (perhaps a bento) and have it warmed up there and then.
Competition is high between konbini, so you will find that they try and offer new and exciting things. You will also find their own branded items too, which often includes snacks.
What Are The Biggest Konbini Chains In Japan?
When you are in Japan, you will begin to spot the same konbini names popping up. More often than not these are Family Mart, 7-Eleven, and Lawson.
However, you will also see some other names such as Daily Yamazaki, Ministop and New Days.
However, the above is not an exhaustive list. Some convenience stores exist yet are not based everywhere in Japan. And then there are the ones like New Days which also belong to another company.
In NewDays’ case, they are a part of the JR East family. You will find this konbini, along with KIOSK, at train stations. They offer the likes of souvenirs for travelers, as well as reading material, food, and drink.
Even so, the biggest names when it comes to konbini are most definitely Family Mart, 7-Eleven and Lawson. If you see one of these, take a walk in and see what differences each one has.
Why Is A Japanese Konbini Popular?
The reason konbini in Japan are so popular is because of what they offer customers. They have everything you need all in one place – and that is no exaggeration either.
Not only do konbini sell fresh, frozen and warm food, but they also sell a variety of other items too.
For example; cosmetics, detergent, shampoo and conditioner, toothpaste, electronic accessories, magazines, manga, cigarettes, underwear, and so much more.
You can also buy alcoholic and non-alcoholic beverages, as well as coffee and tea.
There are also services on offer too such as printing, ticket buying, free Wi-Fi, public toilet, and sending packages, among so much more.
However, it all depends on the size of the konbini and where it is situated.
While the inner city convenience stores will be a one-stop place for most things, if not everything, those found on the outskirts or in rural areas may not have everything listed in this article.
So, do keep that in mind!
What Services Are Offered At A Konbini?
A konbini offers more than just food. Here are just some of the things you can do/get at a konbini:
Printing
In a lot of convenience stores you get the option to use a ‘super printer’. This is where you can photocopy, print, and use the fax machine.
While it isn’t free, it doesn’t cost a lot to use. In 7-Eleven it only costs ¥10 to print one black and white sheet of paper. However, that jumps up to around ¥80 for colored ink.
Warming Food
If you are in need of a quick meal or are feeling too lazy to cook or go to a restaurant, then a ready-made meal from a konbini is a must.
You can ask them to warm it up for you so it is ready to eat. This is a standard thing to do, so don’t be afraid to ask. They may just offer the service anyway!
Rest Room
Most konbini have a public toilet available. All you need to do is ask to use it, and you will be allowed to do so. This is something a lot of foreign travelers don’t know about.
What Things Can You Purchase At A Konbini?
Here is a look at some of the things you can buy at a konbini:
Beverages
There is a wide choice of beverages at a konbini, from water and soda to the likes of wine, beer and spirits. You can also buy prepackaged coffee, or buy it hot from a machine.
Some konbini offer seating outside, so you may see a salaryman sitting drinking his coffee and eating his food during lunchtime.
Food
The main area of a konbini is its food. You can buy a mixture of ready-made foods such as noodles, bento boxes, onigiri, and sandwiches.
There are also displays near the register which contain hot food too. Sometimes it’s fried potatoes, fried chicken, or even steamed buns.
Fresh vegetables, eggs, and fruit can also be bought at a konbini. You will notice that some of these foods are seasonal however – and you will also find seasonal items for the likes of the cherry blossom and so on.
There are plenty of sweet and savory snacks, as well as sweets, desserts, and bakery items. You will want to try out the mochi if you can.
Magazines And Books
There are lots of magazines, books and manga at a konbini. While people once stood around flicking through the pages of these items, they are now often packaged to avoid people doing so.
Each genre is sectioned out too which makes it easier to find what you are looking for.
Daily Items
Konbini often sells basic items from cosmetics and beauty, to everyday staples such as garbage bags, sanitary items, notebooks, postal stamps, and so on.
You may also find household goods. It is worth taking a look at a konbini if you have forgotten something like your toothbrush.
Final Thoughts
Konbini, otherwise known as a convenience store, is a go-to place when you need food, beverages, products, or a particular service.
It is the kind of store that you visit to buy a quick meal, or to purchase something you forgot to take with you on your trip.
However, konbini are also helpful to the locals as an everyday place to buy what they need.
Hi, I’m Jason Patrick, and for as long as I have been alive, I have been obsessed with Japanese culture. From the sights and sounds of Japan’s many cities to its culinary delights that have become famous worldwide, I simply cannot get enough of this wonderful nation!
I hope that, by exploring this website, you all will develop a much deeper appreciation for Japan, and that it may even influence you to pay it a visit yourself eventually! It is definitely a trip of a lifetime, and whether you experience it firsthand, or through my own website, I’m sure you will become just as passionate as I always have been!
