Convenience stores, or “konbini,” are everywhere in Japan—in cities, at stations, airports, hospitals, and universities. Moreover, these stores sell everything and most are open 24 hours a day. This is unusual for foreigners, making convenience stores a tourist destination in themselves.
What Can You Get at a “Konbini”?
If you go into a convenience store in Japan, you’ll be surprised to find all sorts of things on sale. When it comes to food, you’ll find not only bread and rice but also pasta, ramen, fried food, yakitori, and more. Of course, they also sell juice and alcohol. (Note: When you buy alcohol, the clerk may check your age since only people over 20 years old are allowed to drink alcohol.)
You can also find daily necessities such as tissue paper, stationery, sanitary napkins, and cosmetics. Even if you forget your underwear or socks, you can get them at convenience stores in Japan.
Moreover, there are books, comics, magazines, and newspapers available. (Note: Browsing is not allowed.)
How Do You Pay at a “Konbini”?
When you go to the cash register, you may be asked if you need a plastic bag. Currently, plastic bags cost about 3 to 5 yen. On the other hand, chopsticks, spoons, and disposable wet towels are free. If you buy lunch boxes, you will be asked if you need them heated up.
There are various payment options, such as cash, credit cards, transportation IC cards, PayPay, and more. If there is an electronic panel at the cash register, select your payment method there.
(Note: You can’t exchange money at the cash register. This is not only true for convenience stores but also for other stores.)
“Konbini” is Not Only for Shopping
Most Japanese people look for convenience stores when they need to use the restroom on the go. If you ask the staff, they will let you use the restroom, which is usually very clean. (Note: Please be careful not to take any unpaid items into the restroom.)
Recently, many convenience stores have eating-in spaces labeled “イートイン” in Japanese. You can use these spaces if you shop there, and they also have trash bins, so you don’t have to carry your trash around. That’s true “convenience”!
Have a good life and trip in Japan! 🙂
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