Some links below are affiliate links. If you buy through them, Japan Trove may earn a small commission at no extra cost to you.
Japan’s convenience stores (“konbini”) — 7-Eleven, FamilyMart, and Lawson — are a genuine highlight of any trip. The quality is astonishing and prices are low. Here’s what to grab on your first konbini run, from meals to snacks to little life-savers.
Meals & hot food
- Onigiri (rice balls) — cheap, delicious, and the wrapper keeps the seaweed crisp; tuna-mayo and salmon are classics.
- Sandwiches — the egg salad (“tamago sando”) is legendary.
- Hot counter — FamilyMart’s fried chicken (“Famichiki”) and Lawson’s karaage-kun are must-tries.
- Oden (winter) and fresh bento boxes — surprisingly good for the price.
Snacks & sweets
- Seasonal Kit Kats and chocolate — see our Kit Kat guide.
- Konbini sweets — the pudding, roll cake, and mochi desserts rival dedicated shops.
- Umaibo, Jagariko, and regional chips — cheap, fun, and shareable.
Drinks
- Bottled green tea and barley tea — unsweetened and refreshing.
- Canned coffee (hot or cold from the machine) and unique sodas.
- Chilled dashi/soup and vitamin drinks for when you’re worn out.
Non-food life-savers
- ATMs (7-Eleven and Japan Post accept foreign cards), ticket machines, and clean toilets.
- Umbrellas, phone chargers, socks, toiletries — whatever you forgot.
- Tax-free at some larger stores if you spend enough — bring your passport.
Want konbini snacks at home?
You can recreate the experience abroad with a Japanese snack box, or order specific items via a proxy service. New to Japan? Start with our first-timer tips and 7-day itinerary.