The Ultimate Guide to Different Types of Conbini Stores in Japan: Japanese Conbini 

More than 55,000 convenience stores Conbini Stores in Japan. Fierce competition between large Conbini operators like Seven Eleven, Family Mart, and Lawson produces innovative new products and services, making Japanese convenience stores truly affordable and the best. The shops are open 24 hours a day, 7 days a week, and 365 days a year. Japanese Conbinis is really a name for convenience. Different types of goods and services are available in them. Whether food or equipment, Conbini has it all. All you have to do is get up and start the journey and you will be amazed at how wonderful this experience is.  

The Most Useful Services in Japanese Conbini  

It is difficult to properly distinguish between the various Conbinis brands as all stores sell very similar products at similar prices. Some have slightly different bakeries and hot food departments. They sell a brand of stationery and some sell cosmetics that you can’t find anywhere else. However, below are the services that you will find in most of the Conbinis, whether they are seven-eleven or other.  

1. They are open 24/7

In Japan, almost all grocery stores are open 24 hours a day, 7 days a week, 365 days a year. You do not even have to consult a card to find them. In addition to the usual dishes such as rice balls, sandwiches, french fries, etc. You will also find local specialties and items from the area, as well as a large selection of dishes very well sorted on the shelves. That makes shopping and walking a real experience.

2. They have lots of choices in products

In addition to the usual assortment, such as rice balls, potato chip sandwiches, etc., you will often find local delicacies and articles, as well as a large seasonal selection. In addition, the convenience store products are nicely arranged and organized so that browsing becomes a real experience. 

When looking for a bargain, look for items that are near their expiration date. Japan is extremely strict on food safety, so any product that has passed the expiration date must leave the shelves. Many things that happen the next day are available for very little money!

3. Season sales are fantastic!  

Japanese love seasonal offers in Konbini stores. And who can resist a seasonal offer? From rice balls to sweets to drinks, new limited products appear every month and offer new taste experiences. For events such as New Year’s Eve and cherry blossoms, you will find a large selection of limited products that awaken a real seasonal mood! Especially when the packaging designs are complex and creative. If you prefer iced coffee, grab a mug from the store’s freezer and pay at the checkout before heading to the machine. Milk and sugar are right next to the machines. Some grocery stores even offer more complex drinks like lattes and even coffee and even fruit smoothies!  

4. Coffee is plenty

The coffee machines are also right next to the cash registers.If you would like an iced coffee instead, grab a mug from the store’s freezer and pay for it at the checkout before heading to the machine. You can find milk and sugar right next to the machine. Convenience also offers more complex drinks like lattes and even fruit smoothies.

5. Snacks are the best thing to do when shopping at Konbini  

As soon as you approach the cash register, you will notice a delicious smell reaching you. The main Conbini shops have pans of hot sandwiches such as roast chicken, croquettes, donuts, etc. They are best enjoyed right after shopping, and most snacks are available for as little as 100 yen! Japanese students love them as a quick pre-dinner boost of energy, and while the snacks seem to be the same at all Bini shops, each shop has its own secrets when it comes to spices, ingredients, and flavor. Go on a Konini snack hunt in a Conbini and find your favorites!  

6. Free WiFi and seating area to enjoy your snacks  

Like most convenience stores around the world, Japanese Konbini is open 24/7. That means if you fancy late ramen or bento, you can go to the nearest restaurant or konbini or grab a cheap hot meal! The best part is that some large konbini also have free seating and tables to enjoy your meal. You can also use the kettle and microwave free of charge for your purchases. In addition to snacks and drinks, there is also free WiFi that you can connect to by registering in advance on each of the official websites.

7. Clean Toilets 

One of the best things about Japan is cleanliness and toilets. It is no joke. Japan has one of the cleanest and most comfortable toilets and bathrooms in the world and when in Japan this is a must-see. Take a rest, use clean and comfortable toilets for customers. You may not see a bath straight away, but almost every Konbini will have

one. If you ask, the staff will show you the way; you will be very surprised by the cleanliness and organization of the bathrooms. And don’t forget, they are FREE! 

8. Sending souvenirs 

Do you have souvenirs but don’t want to take them all home with you in your suitcase? If the post office is closed or too far away, you can send it from the nearest Konbini! TAQBIN from places like 7Eleven and FamilyMart will request a shipping form, fill it out, pay the tax, and ship the other way around. Buy online or receive store-bought products, but you can find the nearest Konbini and have your items delivered there. Konbini will keep your parcel for up to 10 days and then send it back to the sender. 

9. ATMs 

Out of cash?  Informed travelers to Japan know that many small establishments do not accept credit cards, and Japanese banks do not accept credit cards from foreign banks. Fortunately, many Konbini ATMs have ATMs that accept cards from abroad (check your card’s logo on the label). , Select language and withdraw money. Withdrawal fees abroad can be expensive (around 300 yen and your bank will likely have their own fees), but it is better than running out of cash. 

10. Shipping without VAT 

Some Konbini offer services without VAT. These shops are marked with a duty-free sign at the entrance. To avoid the 8% tax rate in Japan, you must present a stamped foreign passport within the last six months and expenses that exceed a certain amount (usually 5,000 yen). It is useful when you want to buy many things at once (like snacks and small souvenirs for the people back home! 

11. Lots of Vegan food choices

The Konbini store is a grocery and shopping location that plays an important role in daily life in Japan. Switching to cheap snacks and drinks is easy. Items found in convenience stores across Japan are ready-to-eat foods and drinks suitable for traveling. Save a few items to prepare a full meal.

On your return trip to Japan, you will mostly miss the Conbini shops because of their variety of products and good food. And for good reason: The Conbini are magical places, most are open 24 hours, you can only go about anything you can . And the best thing about the Conbini? There are tons of great dining options for breakfast, lunch, dinner and everything in between. So I’m here to share 7 of the best meals you can get in a Conbini.

Onigiri (rice balls): The king of all meals, often with some sort of filling and sometimes wrapped in nori (seaweed). It is a portable, delicious, and “healthy” snack or meal at any time. 

Karaage (Japanese Fried Chicken): Karaage is the Japanese way of roasting, and although the term doesn’t specify it, it almost always refers to fried chicken. Each Conbini has a different recipe for its Karaage and offers different flavors and textures.

There are different Konbinis options in every corner of a city in Japan. There are many big competitors in this Konbini game and we will say who they are, what they offer, and which the best Konbini chains in Japan are.

Aisu (ice cream): Conbini ice cream ranges from popsicles, shaved ice and sorbet to delicious ice cream bars and sundaes. Often changing with the seasons, you will always find something new and interesting in the ice cream parlor. 

Nikuman (Steamed Stuffed Bun): When you feel like eating something hot and light, grab a Nikuman or a steamed bun. Food comes in some interesting flavors. Your basic bun has a pork and vegetable filling. But if that doesn’t work for you, try a pizza muffin or a purple sweet potato muffin.

Suitsu (sweets): Conbini offers an impressive selection of desserts, including cakes, sweet mochi, puddings and pastries. There is a new line of desserts for every season. Conbini’s “sweets” are so popular that there are blogs devoted to their review. Insutanto Men (instant noodles): Hot water dispensers are available in every Conbini so that you can prepare a nice hot bowl for yourself. Instant ramen and enjoy it right away.

Pan (Bread): Conbini bread is a popular choice for breakfast. Individually packaged bread and pastries, both sweet and savory, line the shelves of every Conbini. And if you need a hearty meal, you can opt for all kinds of delicious sandwiches in the refrigerator area. There you will find your classic sandwiches with egg, ham, vegetable or chicken salad.

Best Conbini Chains in Japan

1. 7eleven 

7Eleven is the largest convenience store in Japan and the largest chain of stores in the world. Seven Premium is known for its high quality and its wide range of food, drinks, and snacks. One of the 7eleven brands is Seven Premium. It is said to be an “evolving brand” offering products that customers want. They meet the ever more diverse life needs of customers such as environmental awareness, health, and safety orientation. Your goal is to create “gourmet” products. 7Eleven also offers the Seven Cafe, with which busy travelers and tourists can enjoy coffee and hot beverages quickly and cheaply while traveling. The ATMs of the Seven Bank are also very reliable and

practical. When you need a quick buck. These ATMs differ in the number of credit/debit cards accepted, tourists usually have no problem with withdrawing money from 7Eleven ATMs. 

2. Family Mart 

Family Mart is known for its spicy chicken dishes, especially the FamiChiki, a delicious roast boneless chicken. It is crispy and juicy, both Japanese and tourists love it. Be sure to try it out with your Oreno range. Something great for the whole family. Family Mart often works with other brands. Family Mart is now Japan’s second-largest convenience store in terms of size and abundance. 

3. Lawson 

Lawson differs from the others in that there are several types including Lawson, Natural Lawon, and Lawson Store 100. The normal Lawson is similar to 7eleven and Family Mart. They also have some original Lawson products that are incredibly popular. To compete with the Family Mart Pasta they introduced their own pasta.

The store regularly offers convenience store food and drink as well as necessities at low prices, starting at 100 yen. Lawson is also famous for its exceptional sweet and packaged desserts. Again, the packaging is always top-notch, as are the desserts inside. Definitely take a trip down the dessert aisle to buy some for a late-night snack or delicious breakfast.

Conclusion

When you are visiting Japan or living in Japan these convenience stores can be a real attraction and convenience too. They are fast, affordable, and around the corner. They have plenty of variety too.