conbini are never too far out of the way
Conbini (convenience stores) in Japan are far more convenient than their counterparts back home. I hardly ever set foot in a 7-11 in the States, but since coming to live in Japan, conbini visits have become a weekly occurrence.
Things I’ll Miss #9: Conbini (Convenience Stores)
In Japan it feels like you’re never more than a block or two away from one of many chains of conbini: 7-11, Lawson’s, Family Mart, Circle K, Yamazaki, Sunkus, or one of the dozens of smaller local franchises. Everyone has their favorite, and I’m no different–I prefer Lawson’s because I have their Ponta point card, but I go to 7-11 and Family Mart often too.
Late for work in the morning and need to grab a quick breakfast? Need to pay a bill? Go to the bathroom? Get some cash? Toss some garbage or recycle a water bottle? Chances are high that at least one conbini will be en route to wherever you were already going.
inside 7-11
Conbini are great for quick snacks at any time of day. Lots of middle and high school students stop by on their way home from school or club activities to grab something to tide them over until dinnertime.
the packaged snack aisle
fried chicken and other hot foods
If it’s something more substantial you’re looking for, conbini have you covered too. Grab a rice ball or two, a sandwich, some instant soup, or a bento (box lunch) and you’re set!
onigiri (rice balls) and other lunch items
Out of all the food conbini has to offer, onigiri are my favorite, hands-down. My go-to fillings are umeboshi (Japanese pickled plum) and konbu (a type of seaweed), and Jeff’s vote goes to the flaked salmon. They’re all pretty delicious though. The clerks will even warm them up for you at check-out if you want.
onigiri (rice balls)
I’m going to miss being able to walk into a conbini and pick up my favorite onigiri any time I want. American convenience stores just don’t have the same appeal!
What’s your favorite Japanese conbini chain? Want more? Check out “#8: Onsen” here!
My favourite conbini was Family Mart 🙂 Although in many ways, the major chains are no different from each other, I’m partial to Family Mart because I could use my Tsutaya points card there and I lived so close to a Family Mart in Haguro. Plus, I do like the logo 🙂
Lawson’s is the one I live closest too, but not by much! I think Family Marts are the most numerous chain where I live in Shinjo, actually, they keep building more!
I’m always happy to pick any of the food here for my meals because they are usually quite affordable when I’m on a budget. So I end up getting breakfast, lunch or dinner here at any point of time when I travel to Japan.
I don’t really have a preference for any of them because it really depends on which ones are along my way. Although I tend to look for 7-11 when I want to draw money since the others don’t really allow me to do so. 🙂
7-11 is where I go to withdraw money most often too, since my bank waives the fee at 7-11 ATMs. As far as food goes, I prefer 7-11 since I think their onigiri taste better, but if I’m paying bills or getting snacks, I head to the Lawson’s just down the street from me to wrack up those Ponta points 😉 It’s definitely just a SLIGHT preference between conbini chains I have at this point, forged more out of habit that of anything haha 🙂
True but I’m usually only visiting for a short while so it makes little difference to me. Definitely can understand racking up points though! Every little bit helps. 🙂
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