Ultimate 2025 Japanese Konbini Guide: What to Buy, Must-Try Foods & Insider Tips

13 April 2025

Japanese konbini or convenience stores, are a true lifesaver for anyone visiting Japan. These tiny shops are open 24 hours a day, seven days a week, and are stocked with drinks, food, toiletries, medicine, umbrellas, and even ATMs when there’s no bank in sight.

If it’s your first time traveling in Asia, you might find these shops totally fascinating. In Japan, they’re affectionately called konbini (or combini in some Spanish-speaking communities). The word is a shortened version of the English “convenience store” (konbiniensu sutoa), and the locals use them all the time.

You’ll find them on practically every corner. Even though they’re small, they’re packed with everything you might need—and at really affordable prices.

It’s said there’s one konbini for every 2,000 people in Japan, and honestly, we believe it. They’re everywhere: metro stations, quiet neighborhoods, rural towns, and right in the heart of busy cities like Tokyo, Kyoto, Osaka, Nara, and Hiroshima.

In this guide, you’ll find everything you need to know about Japanese konbini: from how they work to why they’re so useful. By the end, they’ll become an essential part of your Japan trip.

What Are Japanese Konbini ?

Japanese konbini are small, 24/7 supermarkets where you’ll find a bit of everything—especially Japanese goods. The concept actually came from the United States in the 1960s but found massive success in Asia, both with locals and tourists.

These little shops are scattered all over the country and can really save the day. You’ll find cold drinks, prepared food (both sweet and savory), grab-and-go snacks, toiletries, medicine, manga, stationery, and sometimes even alcohol and cigarettes.

To know if a store sells alcohol or tobacco, look at the signs on the door. You’ll usually see: ‘タバコ’ (tobacco) and ‘酒’ (alcohol).

The name convenience makes total sense because they’re super handy for last-minute needs. Prices can be a bit higher than at large supermarkets or fresh markets, but the accessibility makes up for it.

If it’s your first time stepping into a konbini, you’re in for a treat. It’s like a tiny treasure trove of quirky and useful stuff.

We usually grab breakfast here, stock up on drinks and snacks, or even grab a quick lunch or dinner. But the possibilities don’t stop there.

What Are Japanese Konbini Like Inside?

Japanese konbini might be small, but every bit of space is used wisely. You’ll find them everywhere in Japan, and each store adapts its product selection depending on the area it’s in.

Each company studies local buying habits, so even stores from the same chain can have very different items depending on the neighborhood.

Product restocking is constant, and it’s rare to see empty shelves. Make sure to walk through the whole store so you don’t miss anything cool.

Japanese Konbini Store Layout and What to Expect

After years of refining the system, Japanese konbini follow a pretty standard layout. No matter the chain, you’ll notice similar setups.

Near the entrance, you’ll usually see one or two ATMs. Some of these also serve as copy machines or photo printing kiosks. There’s also a small rack of magazines, newspapers, manga, and even gift cards or postcards.

Next to that, you’ll find office supplies and handy extras like batteries, umbrellas, or fun little gadgets. If you’re in a touristy area, it’s a great spot to pick up souvenirs.

Near the front, there’s often a freezer with ice cream or frozen goods. Close by, you’ll find tiny-sized personal care products, laundry items, basic medicine, and first-aid supplies—super convenient for travelers.

Right in the center, you’ll spot the snack aisle with chips, chocolates, canned goods, packaged foods, and instant ramen.

More Sections You’ll Find

There’s also a bakery section and non-refrigerated ready meals. At the back of the store, you’ll find the chilled food section. This area has desserts, chilled drinks, and ready-to-eat meals like onigiri, sushi, bento boxes, and sandwiches.

Some stores even have self-serve machines for coffee, smoothies, or hot meals.

At the counter, you can pay, ask to heat up your food, and grab napkins and chopsticks. Most konbini accept Suica or other prepaid IC cards.

Outside the store, you’ll usually find a trash can, and often an ashtray. Some stores even have a few seats so you can eat your meal right there on a budget.

And here’s a tip: after 7 p.m., most konbini discount their fresh food and baked goods. It’s the perfect time to score a cheap dinner or breakfast for the next day.

Services You’ll Find at a Japanese Konbini

Besides everyday products, konbini offer all kinds of helpful services for locals and tourists alike:

Ticket Sales

Right near the entrance, you’ll often find machines to buy tickets for concerts, sporting events, amusement parks, and even luggage delivery.

These machines also let you make copies, send faxes, or print documents—usually at a low cost. Most machines are in Japanese, but don’t hesitate to ask a staff member if you need help.

ATMs

Next to the ticket machines, you’ll always find an ATM. Look for signage before entering. Not all ATMs accept foreign cards, but 7-Eleven ATMs are a safe bet for international withdrawals.

Currency Exchange

Some konbini have exchange machines, or you’ll find helpful ATM locations near them in Tokyo, Kyoto, and Osaka to change euros to yen.

Bill Payments

Besides SIM cards, konbini let you pay utility and other bills. It’s a super common service in Japan, though not very useful for tourists. If you’re planning to live or work in Japan, it’s great to know about.

Parcel Services

At some stores, you can buy stamps, send mail, or ship packages. The takuhaibin (luggage delivery) system is amazing for getting your suitcases sent ahead of you. Definitely worth checking out.

Free WiFi

Most konbini offer free WiFi, which is a lifesaver for travelers who need to check messages or directions. Plus, you can chill inside with AC or heat while enjoying a quick break.

The Main Convenience Store Chains in Japan

There are tons of small convenience store chains throughout Japan. Almost any local store will offer similar services, but a few chains stand out for being especially helpful to travelers.

7-Eleven

This is the largest convenience store chain in the world. With over 20,000 stores in Japan alone, 7-Eleven is known for having the widest selection of hot meals, cold drinks, fresh coffee, and yes, even alcohol and tobacco.

Family Mart

A homegrown Japanese chain from the 1970s, Family Mart is now expanding all across Asia. There are over 17,000 stores in Japan, and you’ll find many of the same services as 7-Eleven.

Lawson

With a similar look to Family Mart and 7-Eleven, Lawson is popular for its daily bakery items and a wide selection of manga and anime goods. It’s the only store authorized to sell tickets to the Studio Ghibli Museum.

Other Konbini Chains

Besides the big three, you’ll also find:

Circle K (now Family Mart)
Sunkus (now Family Mart)
Spar
Daily Yamazaki
Heart-in
Mini Stop
Seico Mart
Every One
Poplar
Am/Pam
Coco Store
Newdays

These stores continue to grow in popularity, especially among younger generations. They’re often seen as the best place to pick up ready-made meals without paying supermarket prices.

Which Is the Best Japanese Konbini?

We recommend sticking with the major konbini chains—they’re reliable, easy to find, and fully stocked. But don’t miss the chance to explore larger supermarkets and local markets too. They offer a completely different, equally fascinating shopping experience during your trip.

Top 10 Foods to Try at Japanese Konbini

Convenience store food in Japan is one of the most practical and delicious options when you’re hungry. Tasty meals are available any time—day or night. Even when jet lag hits and you’re wide awake with a growling stomach at 3 AM, you know you can count on these top 10 konbini foods.

1. Onigiri

With so many fillings to choose from, onigiri are always tasty and never boring. Japan’s clever packaging design keeps the nori (seaweed) crispy by separating it from the rice until you unwrap it. That attention to detail means every bite is fresh and satisfying.

2. Bento

Bento, or obento, are classic Japanese boxed lunches. You might get rice, grilled fish, pickled veggies, tamagoyaki (rolled omelet), karaage (fried chicken), or even meatballs. Some are mass-produced, while others can taste homemade.

3. Sandwiches

Sandwiches might sound basic, but not in Japan. Try a furutsu sando, a soft milk bread sandwich filled with whipped cream and seasonal fruits. Or go savory with a tamago sando, the famously fluffy egg sandwich loved by Anthony Bourdain.

4. Anpan

Anpan is a sweet roll filled with red bean paste, blending Japanese sweets and Western-style bread. It’s a staple of Japanese bakeries and konbini. Bonus fact: there’s even a beloved anime superhero named Anpanman.

5. Sushi

Yes, konbini sushi is a thing—and it’s better than you’d think. Especially from chains like Lawson, where high turnover keeps it fresh. It’s a convenient, budget-friendly option when you’re craving sushi on the go.

6. Oden

Oden makes its seasonal debut when winter hits. It’s a hot pot filled with things like daikon radish, fish cakes, tofu, sausages, and hanpen. The broth is mild and comforting, perfect for chilly days—and found right at the konbini counter.

7. Gyudon

Gyudon is a classic beef bowl: thin beef slices and onion simmered in a sweet-savory sauce, served over rice. You’ll find it in convenience stores, supermarkets, and chains like Yoshinoya or Matsuya.

8. Soba

Soba noodles can be eaten hot or cold. In konbini, cold soba sets are common—served with dipping sauce, sliced negi (green onion), and sometimes shredded nori. It’s refreshing and quick to eat.

9. Dorayaki

Dorayaki are sweet red bean-filled pancakes. If you’ve seen the anime Doraemon, you’ll know this is his favorite treat. You’ll find dorayaki in the bakery section of your local konbini, sandwiched with smooth anko paste.

10. Melonpan

Despite the name, melon bread has nothing to do with melons—except for the crisscross pattern on top. It’s soft on the inside, with a crunchy cookie-like crust. An iconic Japanese treat you’ll see in most konbini and bakeries.