Convenience stores are a ubiquitous presence throughout Japan. They are essential for locals and offer numerous advantages for travelers as well. These stores provide not only food and beverages but also essential everyday items and Japanese souvenirs, making them a valuable resource for visitors. In this article, we will explore what you can purchase at Japanese convenience stores and the services they offer.
Products Available at Convenience Stores
Let’s start with the products you can purchase at convenience stores. Despite their small size, these stores offer a wide variety of items.
tems on Display Shelves
First, we’ll introduce the products displayed on the shelves.
Onigiri
Onigiri, a quintessential Japanese comfort food, can be found at nearly every convenience store. From classic options like tuna mayo, salmon, plum, and seaweed to seasonal, limited-time fillings, there’s a wide selection to choose from. With prices ranging from approximately 100 to 300 yen each, you can easily savor a taste of Japanese culture.
Bread
Convenience stores offer two types of bread: shelf-stable and refrigerated. Shelf-stable bread boasts a wide variety, including savory options like pizza bread and curry bread, as well as sweet treats like croissants and anpan. Refrigerated options include sandwiches and hot dogs.
Bento and Rice Bowls
An assortment of bento boxes, featuring items such as yakiniku (grilled meat), hamburg steak, and karaage (fried chicken), is available. You’ll also find single-dish meals like oyakodon, gyudon, and tenshinhan. If you inform the cashier at the time of purchase, they can heat it up for you.
Noodle Dishes
Various noodle dishes, including udon, soba, and ramen, are readily available. Unlike cup noodles, these come with fresh noodles and broth. For dishes that require heating, simply inform the cashier at the time of purchase, and they’ll heat it for you.
Salads
An array of salads, such as corn salad, Caesar salad, coleslaw salad, and macaroni salad, can be found. Recently, standalone salads with a generous serving of protein-rich chicken breast have gained popularity in Japan.
Delicatessen
Individual deli items, like okonomiyaki, yakisoba, nikujaga, and dashimaki tamago, are abundant. You’ll also discover items like hamburgers and grilled fish. Many of these items need to be heated, but you can have them warmed up at the convenience store’s checkout.
Sweets
Convenience stores stock a range of sweets, including cream puffs, Swiss rolls, puddings, and dorayaki, both Western and Japanese confections. Convenience store chains have been putting a focus on their sweet offerings in recent years, and the lineup changes with the seasons. It’s worth visiting to see what’s new.
Snacks
Japanese favorites such as potato chips, cookies, chocolates, and gummies are readily available. Popular souvenirs like Pocky and Kit Kats can also be found at convenience stores.
Cup Noodles
You can find instant cup noodles for ramen, udon, and soba that are meant to be prepared with hot water. Since many visitors express an interest in trying Japanese cup noodles, picking some up at a convenience store is a great idea. If your hotel doesn’t have a hot water kettle, you can use the in-store hot water dispenser for free if you purchase cup noodles.
Beverages and Alcohol
In the refrigerated section, you’ll discover a selection of beverages such as Japanese tea, juices, water, and iced coffee. During the winter, warm beverages are also available. Additionally, convenience stores sell alcohol, including beer and chu-hi (shochu highball).
Ice Cream
Convenience stores offer various frozen treats, including sherbet and soft-serve ice cream. Lately, they’ve even started selling frozen whole fruits.
Magazines
You can purchase magazines that feature Japanese anime series, fashion trends, and tourist information. While these publications are typically in Japanese, they might make for interesting souvenirs, especially for fans of Japanese anime.
Household Items and Goods
Essentials like toothbrushes, tissues, and disinfectant alcohol are readily available. In recent times, they’ve expanded their offerings to include items like socks and tights. You can also find items for travelers, such as smartphone charging cables and umbrellas, in case you suddenly need something while on the go.
Products Requiring Special Purchase Methods
Here, we introduce products that require slightly unconventional purchasing methods instead of simply picking them up.
Coffee Machine
Japanese convenience stores all offer freshly brewed coffee for as low as 100 yen for a small size. For hot coffee, you can simply ask the cashier for “hot coffee,” and they will provide you with a paper cup. In the case of iced coffee, you can find plastic cups with ice in the frozen section, which you take to the cashier. After purchasing, you can use the coffee machine located near the entrance to serve yourself. However, some convenience stores have staff who will handle the entire process, including brewing the coffee for you.
Hot Snacks
Hot snacks are displayed near the cash register, so you need to inform the staff directly about the ones you’d like to purchase. Items like boneless fried chicken, fried chicken, and meat buns are available.
Tobacco
If you want to buy tobacco, you’ll need to speak directly to the cashier staff. Typically, each brand is assigned a numerical code, and you’ll communicate by providing this number. Please note that in Japan, the legal age to purchase tobacco is 20 years old.
Other Services Available at Convenience Stores
While not products, we would like to introduce you to various services available at convenience stores in Japan.
Toilets
Most Japanese convenience stores are equipped with restrooms, although there might be exceptions. The use of these restrooms is generally free, but as a matter of etiquette, it’s recommended to make a small purchase before using them.
ATMs
Many convenience stores also have ATMs available. The compatibility of your foreign bank accounts or cards may vary depending on the ATM you use. If you find yourself in need of cash during your travels, consider giving these ATMs a try. However, please be aware of potential fees and exchange rates.
Printing
In addition, you’ll find that most convenience stores have printing machines. If you ever need to print something or make photocopies while traveling, a visit to a convenience store can provide a convenient solution. Prices for black and white printing typically start at around 10 yen per page, and color printing at around 50 yen per page.
