The Japanese convenience store — konbini (コンビニ) — is not the corner shop you're used to at home. It's better than most restaurants you've ever been to. 7-Eleven, Lawson and FamilyMart are open 24/7 and carry fresh onigiri, good coffee, hot food, an ATM and nearly everything you need during a trip. Your first konbini visit is one of those Tokyo experiences people talk about when they get home.
The three big chains
7-Eleven is the largest and most widespread — practically on every corner. Best breakfast food and ATMs that accept foreign cards. Lawson is known for the best desserts and premium products — their Uchi Cafe range is genuinely good. FamilyMart is known for the best coffee (FamiCafe) and best nikuman (steamed meat buns). Visit all three — each has its own specialities.
What to buy — food
Onigiri — start here
Onigiri
おにぎり
Triangular rice ball with filling, wrapped in nori. Open the packaging by following the 1, 2, 3 numbers to keep the nori crispy. Best: tuna mayo, salmon, or tarako (cod roe).
~¥130–180
Nikuman
肉まん
Steamed bun filled with seasoned meat. Find them at the counter by the register — say "nikuman hitotsu onegaishimasu". FamilyMart's version is the best.
~¥150
Sando (sandwich)
サンドイッチ
Japanese konbini sandwiches are surprisingly good. Tamagosando (egg salad) is the classic. Bread is soft Japanese shokupan milk bread.
~¥200–280
Karaage-kun
からあげクン
Lawson's own fried chicken nuggets — hot, crispy, reliable every time. Ask at the register: "Karaage-kun hitotsu". Classic or spicy version.
~¥230
Onsen tamago / okayu
温泉卵 / お粥
For breakfast: soft-cooked egg (onsen tamago) or Japanese rice porridge (okayu). Both are microwaved in-store — ask the cashier to heat it.
~¥100–200
Natto gohan
納豆ごはん
Rice with fermented soy beans. Polarising — either excellent or not at all. A mandatory try at least once. Find it in the refrigerated section.
~¥150
Desserts — Lawson wins here
Baumkuchen
バウムクーヘン
Japan's take on German Baumkuchen — softer, more moist, better. One of the icons of konbini desserts.
~¥150
Pudding (Purin)
プリン
Japanese caramel custard. Denser and sweeter than the European version. Lawson's Premium Purin is a cult favourite.
~¥150–200
Ichigo daifuku
いちご大福
Strawberry encased in mochi rice dough filled with anko bean paste. Sounds strange, tastes brilliant. Seasonal — spring only.
~¥180
Melonpan
メロンパン
Sweet bread with a cookie crust — doesn't taste like melon, just looks like one. Soft inside, crispy outside. Breakfast or snack.
~¥130
What to buy — drinks
Konbini coffee
コーヒー
Fresh machine-brewed coffee — buy a cup at the register, insert it in the machine, wait. Surprisingly good. FamilyMart's FamiCafe is the strongest, 7-Eleven's the most consistent.
~¥100–150
Canned coffee
缶コーヒー
BOSS brand canned coffee is one of Japan's most iconic drinks — sweet, milky, enjoyable cold or warm. Get the warm version in winter.
~¥120–150
Amazake
甘酒
Sweet rice drink — the fully alcohol-free version is most common. Warm version in winter is one of the best cold-weather drinks in Tokyo. Find it in the warm section.
~¥130
Melon soda / ramune
メロンソーダ / ラムネ
Green melon soda is Japan's most visually iconic soft drink. Ramune is a traditional lemonade bottle with a marble cap — open by pushing the marble in.
~¥120–180
Other konbini services
Konbini is not just a food shop. It's essentially a service centre.
💡 Other services
ATM (7-Eleven): 7-Eleven ATMs accept practically all international cards — Visa, Mastercard, Maestro. The best place to withdraw cash as a tourist.
Printing and copying: All major konbini chains have multifunctional printers — print photos or documents. You'll need a USB stick or QR code. The app "NetPrint" (7-Eleven) works well.
Ticket sales: Konbini sell concert, film and event tickets. Going to a local event? Ask the cashier for help.
Luggage forwarding: You can send your suitcase directly to your next hotel via Yamato courier — extremely useful if travelling between Tokyo and Kyoto.
Charging points: Most konbini have USB charging points at the counter or near seating areas.
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