Konbini in Japan
You are tired, hungry and a little unsure where to find something simple to eat.
A konbini is a Japanese convenience store. 7-Eleven, Lawson and FamilyMart are the best-known chains, and they appear near almost every station and hotel. They sell ready meals, snacks, drinks, toiletries and umbrellas, and many stay open all day.
What do travellers use konbini for?
Most visitors use them for a quick breakfast, a cold drink or a rice ball before a long train. Many also offer an ATM, a copy machine and a counter for sending luggage with takkyubin.
Payment is easy with an IC card or cash. Our guide on cash, card or IC card explains when to use each.
What should a Malaysian traveller know?
Packaged food is labelled mainly in Japanese. Pork, lard, mirin and alcohol can sit inside items that look plain, so Muslim travellers should check each product and not guess from the picture.
Konbini suit a quick snack and a backup meal, and not a full dinner for a family. Pair them with a coin locker plan if you carry bags between stations.
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