Picture this: you’re jetlagged, wandering Tokyo’s neon streets at midnight, and your stomach is growling. Then you spot a glowing konbini sign, promising hot snacks and creature comforts. Welcome to your japan convenience store guide—your one-stop resource for mastering these 24/7 neighborhood hubs.
In this friendly japan convenience store guide, you’ll learn what konbini offer, which eats to try, how to use handy services, and tips for saving time and money. Ready to shop like a local? Let’s go.
Explore konbini basics
Konbini (convenience stores) are everywhere in Tokyo—with over 50,000 locations nationwide, you’re never far from one (Japan Guide). They operate round-the-clock, stocked with up to 3,500 items each (BBC Travel). Major chains like 7-Eleven, Family Mart, and Lawson compete fiercely, driving constant innovation.
| Chain | Market share | Signature items | Notable services |
|---|---|---|---|
| 7-Eleven | ~40% | Tuna mayo onigiri, Salad Chicken | ATM, bill payments, hot food |
| Family Mart | ~30% | FamiChiki fried chicken, Oreno desserts | ATM, MUJI corner, ticketing |
| Lawson | ~25% | Premium Roll Cake, Karaage-kun | ATM, Ghibli tickets, health food selections |
Source: Bokksu
Have you ever wondered why these tiny stores pack so much punch? It’s about practical variety—onigiri rice balls sit next to beauty products, and you can pay bills or print boarding passes at a terminal. That all-in-one convenience makes konbini a traveler’s best friend.
Try popular konbini foods
Ready to snack? Here are the top picks you’ll spot by the checkout.
Snack picks
- Onigiri rice balls in inventive flavors, from ume (pickled plum) to mentaiko (spicy cod roe)
- Karaage-kun bite-size fried chicken, crispy and packed with flavor
- Nikuman steamed pork buns, perfect on chilly evenings
Quick meals
- Microwaveable bento boxes, from karaage chicken to pork tonkatsu
- Cup ramen in regional styles, like Hokkaido miso or Kyushu tonkotsu
- Oden hot pot items—fish cakes, boiled eggs, and daikon in warm broth
Sweet treats
- Pre-sweetened pancakes, dorayaki red bean sandwiches, and melon pan
- Seasonal desserts like sakura-flavored cakes in spring
- Uchi Café SWEETS from Lawson, with premium roll cakes and parfaits
Drink choices
- Canned coffee in hot or cold varieties, from milky lattes to rich espressos
- Fresh brew coffee machines—you pay, and it grinds on demand
- Soft drinks, teas, protein shakes, even sake and beer
Rhetorical question here: what’s better than sipping a hot coffee while people-watching at Shibuya Crossing?
Use konbini services smartly
Konbini go beyond snacks. Tap into these services to streamline your trip.
ATM and bill services
- Withdraw yen from international ATMs—you’ll often find them at 7-Eleven
- Pay utility bills, mobile top-ups, and package shipping fees at the counter
Ticketing and copy services
- Buy train, concert, and theme-park tickets at the multipurpose terminal
- Print or scan documents, boarding passes, and coupons
Wi-Fi and sim cards
- Connect to free store Wi-Fi, or grab a prepaid SIM card for tourists
- Top up data at the counter, no lengthy registration needed
Need more internet tips? Check out our guide to tokyo wifi internet access.
Shop daily essentials easily
Forgot toothpaste or an umbrella? Konbini have you covered.
Health and beauty
- Toothpaste, toothbrushes, shampoo, and face masks
- Over-the-counter meds—pain relievers, motion sickness tablets
Household supplies
- Batteries, umbrellas, stationery, and phone chargers
- Stamp and postcard corners for quick mail
Seasonal specials
- Sunscreen and cooling towels in summer
- Hand warmers and mittens in winter
Save money with specials
Konbini deals help your wallet breathe easier.
- Lunch sets at discounted prices during midday
- Seasonal item swaps: limited-edition snacks often drop every month
- Point cards and apps let you earn rewards on every purchase
- Coupons on the terminal screen for movie tickets or coffee refills
Pro tip: keep an eye on the terminal screen after checkout—you might snag a free coffee coupon.
Stay polite and safe
Konbini are friendly, but a few local customs keep things smooth.
- Queue behind the red line, then place items on the counter for bagging
- Don’t bring outside food inside, and carry out your trash—bins are rare
- Respect no-smoking zones around store entrances
- In emergencies, staff can call help and share tokyo emergency numbers guide
Want a deeper dive into local manners? See our japan cultural etiquette guide.
Plan your konbini route
With so many stores, a little planning goes a long way.
Use mapping apps
- Drop “7-Eleven” or “Family Mart” into Google Maps for nearest outlets
- Some chains show real-time stock of hot foods and seating
Mind peak hours
- Mornings between 7am and 9am get busy with commuters
- Late evenings around midnight see restocking and line shifts—avoid if you’re in a hurry
- For rush-hour hacks, check out rush hour times tokyo avoid
Key takeaways
- Konbini are tiny yet mighty, with over 50,000 stores open 24/7
- Snack like a local: onigiri, karaage, oden, and seasonal sweets await
- Use ATMs, ticketing terminals, Wi-Fi, and SIM cards to save time
- Shop toiletries, household essentials, and seasonal gear in a pinch
- Score deals with lunch sets, points, and monthly coupons
Try one konbini trick today—maybe grabbing a piping-hot oden on your next late-night stroll—and share your experience in the comments below.
Frequently asked questions
What exactly is a konbini?
A konbini is a Japanese convenience store that packs food, daily essentials, and services into a compact corner shop. You’ll find major chains, including 7-Eleven, Family Mart, and Lawson.
Are they really open 24/7?
Most konbini run around the clock, though a few remote locations may shorten hours. Feel free to pop in any time for snacks or services.
Which payment methods can I use?
Cash reigns supreme in Japan, but konbini also accept IC cards (Suica, Pasmo), credit cards, and mobile pay options. ATMs handle international withdrawals too.
Can I get free Wi-Fi or a SIM card there?
Yes, many stores offer free or easy-to-access Wi-Fi, and you can buy tourist-friendly SIM cards at the counter.
How do I dispose of trash at a konbini?
Bins inside are rare, so carry any trash with you. Some stores have recycling bins by the entrance, but it’s polite to take your garbage elsewhere.
