Japanese convenience stores (コンビニ, konbini) are unlike convenience stores anywhere else in the world. Open 24/7, within walking distance of almost every address in Japan, and offering dozens of services beyond food — they become an indispensable part of daily life. This guide covers what you can do at a Japanese konbini beyond buying snacks.
The Main Chains
- 7-Eleven (セブンイレブン): Largest network, widest selection, often considered the best food quality. Affiliated with Ito-Yokado group.
- Lawson (ローソン): Strong nationwide presence, excellent fried chicken (からあげクン), good desserts. Lawson 100 format sells ¥100 items.
- FamilyMart (ファミリーマート): Second-largest network, popular Famichiki fried chicken, solid daily range.
- Ministop: Smaller chain with soft-serve ice cream. Less common but widely spread.
- Daily Yamazaki / Sunkus: Regional chains with similar offerings.
ATM — Withdraw Cash Anywhere
Japan is still heavily cash-based in many contexts. Konbini ATMs are some of the most accessible in the country:
- 7-Eleven ATM (セブン銀行): Accepts Visa, Mastercard, and most foreign bank cards. English interface. Available in English, Chinese, Korean, and other languages. Usually ¥110–¥220 fee per withdrawal.
- Lawson ATM (ローソン銀行): Also accepts international cards. English interface.
- E-net ATM (in FamilyMart): International cards accepted.
If your foreign bank card doesn’t work at one ATM, try 7-Eleven — they have the highest international card acceptance rate in Japan.
Bill Payment (公共料金支払い)
All major utility bills, credit card bills, tax notices, and many other bills in Japan can be paid at konbini counters. Bring the payment slip (払込票) and hand it to the cashier. They scan the barcode, you pay cash, and receive a receipt. This works for:
- Electricity, gas, and water bills
- National health insurance (国民健康保険) payment slips
- National pension (国民年金) payment slips
- Traffic fines and municipal tax notices
- Online shopping cash-on-delivery (コンビニ払い)
Printing and Copying (マルチコピー機)
The multifunction copy machines in Japanese konbini are genuinely powerful:
- Print, copy, scan (to USB or email)
- Print documents from smartphone (use Netprint or PrintSmash app)
- Print official documents: residence certificate (住民票), tax certificates downloaded from My Number portal
- Fax (still widely used for official Japanese correspondence)
- Print photos from USB or smartphone
- Scan documents directly to USB drive
Cost: ¥10–¥20 per page for B&W copies; ¥50–¥80 for color. Far cheaper and more convenient than most dedicated print shops for single documents.
Shipping and Package Services
Konbini are designated pickup and drop-off points for major delivery services:
- Yamato Transport (ヤマト運輸 / クロネコヤマト): Drop off pre-labeled packages at FamilyMart, receive packages
- Japan Post: Drop-off at Lawson (some locations); full post office services nearby
- Amazon pickup: Collect Amazon orders at 7-Eleven, Lawson, FamilyMart Amazon locker locations
Online shopping orders frequently offer konbini pickup as a delivery option — ideal if you’re not home during delivery hours.
Food and Daily Essentials
The food quality at Japanese konbini far exceeds Western equivalents:
- Onigiri (おにぎり): Rice balls, ¥100–¥200 each. Quick, filling, varied fillings.
- Sandwiches and bento: Freshly made daily, usually ¥300–¥600.
- Hot foods: Fried chicken, steamed buns (肉まん in winter), hot dogs, corn dogs.
- Noodles: Cup ramen prepared in store, or microwave pasta/soba.
- Sweets: Excellent seasonal desserts — particularly 7-Eleven’s premium sweets range.
Non-food essentials: basic medicines (cold remedies, pain relief), batteries, phone chargers, umbrellas, basic stationery, and seasonal items.
Other Services
- Ticket sales: Concert tickets, theme park tickets via Loppi (Lawson) or Famiport (FamilyMart) terminals
- Transportation passes: IC card charging, some bus tickets
- Government services: My Number card-enabled konbini can print residence certificates and other official documents at the multifunction machine
- Waste disposal bags: Many municipalities’ designated garbage bags (指定ゴミ袋) sold at konbini
Services, fees, and availability vary by chain and location. Hours are typically 24/7 but some suburban locations may have limited hours. Verify specific services at your local konbini.