Exploring Japan is a must to visit its convenience store, which Japanese people call it konbini. Konbini is one thing you will see almost everywhere in Japan. A konbini, or the short version for convenience store, is a small shop that is open all day and night. It has everything from snacks to daily essentials. It's a must-visit place for travellers and locals alike.

This guide will tell you everything you need to know about konbini in Japan. You will read the most important part about konbini in Japan, and which one is the favourite. Look no further, and read this article!

A konbini is a convenience store in Japan. These stores are usually open 24 hours a day, 7 days a week. They are everywhere; you can find them in cities, towns, train stations, and even in countryside areas.

Japanese konbini are clean and full of useful items. They are not just for snacks and drinks; you can also find hot meals, beauty products, ATMs, and even pay bills there. The service is fast and friendly, and many stores have self-checkout machines as well. People in Japan use konbini every day. Whether they need lunch, coffee, a charger, or a quick fix for a headache, the konbini has it all.

This is because people in Japan often work long hours and only have short breaks. Specifically, they live busy lives, so convenience is very important. That’s why konbini are so helpful. They offer many useful services in one place, like free Wi-Fi, bill payments, ticket booking, ATMs, and even printers and scanners.

Notably, unlike many Japanese banks, konbini ATMs usually accept foreign cards, which is great for travellers. You can also have packages delivered to a konbini to pick them up whenever it’s convenient for you.

There are so many things you can buy at a Japanese konbini, from meals and drinks to daily needs like toiletries and skincare. Here are some of the most popular items:

7-Eleven is one of the largest and most popular konbini chains in Japan. They are known for their clean stores, delicious food, and reliable ATMs. Their Seven Premium brand offers high-quality snacks and ready meals. It has a great selection of bento and sweets. Their ATMs are also easy to use and work with foreign cards. Therefore, many international visitors trust 7-Eleven

Lawson is famous for its fresh and healthy food options. Some Lawson stores are themed; for example, Natural Lawson focuses on organic products, and Lawson 100 sells most items for just 100 yen. Similar to 7-Eleven, Lawson offers tasty desserts and premium snacks. However, it has more vegetarian and health-friendly options. Lawson also has unique drinks and coffee, which is worth trying.

FamilyMart is another popular konbini found all over Japan. They are known for their Famichiki, a juicy fried chicken snack that many people love. Their stores often feel cosy and modern. They are famous for their fried chicken and hot snacks. It also has good-quality sandwiches and desserts. Most importantly, many stores have places to sit and eat.

After strolling around the city, you can also unwind at these great hotels nearby.

In Japan, the three main convenience store chains are 7-Eleven, Lawson, and FamilyMart, and all of them are very popular. However, 7-Eleven is often seen as the number one konbini in the country. One big reason is that it has the most stores, with over 20,000 locations across Japan.

This is because you can find 7-Eleven almost everywhere, especially in big cities like Tokyo and Osaka, small towns, near train stations, and even in the countryside. Many people also say that 7-Eleven has the best customer service and is the easiest to use, especially for visitors from other countries. The food at 7-Eleven is known for being fresh and delicious, with top choices like onigiri (rice balls), sandwiches, and desserts. Another big plus is their ATMs, which are very convenient for travellers because they usually accept foreign bank cards, something that many Japanese bank ATMs do not.

Still, it’s a good idea to visit other konbini chains too, because each one has something special to offer. For example, FamilyMart is famous for its Famichiki, a juicy and crispy fried chicken that many locals love. It’s hot, tasty, and great for a quick snack. Lawson also has its own style; for instance, some Lawson stores, like Natural Lawson, focus on healthier and organic food options. These are great for people who want to eat light or avoid certain ingredients. Even though 7-Eleven is the most popular, trying different konbini can be a fun way to discover new snacks, drinks, and useful items during your trip.

If you have plans to visit Japan, do come to their konbini and don't forget to explore Traveloka for great deals on activities, flights, and hotels. Traveloka offers a user-friendly platform where you can easily compare options, select the best choices based on your preferences and budget, and secure your bookings with just a few clicks.