Convenience Stores in Tokyo: What to Buy and How They Work

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Practical guide

Japan’s convenience stores, or konbini, are open around the clock on almost every street in Tokyo. They are much more than snack shops: you can eat a real meal, get cash, pay with a card and buy almost anything you forgot to pack. Here is how to use them.

The big three

You will see three main chains everywhere: 7-Eleven, FamilyMart and Lawson. They sell similar things, and each has its own fans for particular snacks and fried chicken. Most stores are open 24 hours.

What to eat

• Rice balls (onigiri): cheap and filling. Pull tab 1 down the middle, then pull off the two sides, to keep the seaweed crisp.
• Bento and noodles: full meals in a box. Staff can heat them for you at the register.
• Sandwiches: try the egg salad sandwich, a konbini classic.
• Hot food by the register: fried chicken, steamed buns in winter and oden, a simmered stew, at some stores.
• Desserts and coffee: chilled desserts, ice cream and freshly made coffee from a self-service machine.

Vegetarian, vegan or halal? Labels are in Japanese, so see our vegetarian and halal guide before you shop.

At the register

• Staff may ask atatamemasu ka? (shall I heat it?). Say hai, onegaishimasu for yes, or daijoubu desu for no.
• Plastic bags are not free. Since July 1, 2020, shops across Japan charge for plastic shopping bags. Bring your own bag or say fukuro irimasen (no bag, thanks).
• Chopsticks, spoons and wet towels are usually free for food you buy. Staff may ask if you need them.
• Some stores have self-checkout machines with an English option.

How to pay

Konbini take cash, most credit and debit cards, and IC cards such as Suica and PASMO. Paying with an IC card is the fastest: just touch the reader. See our Suica guide and money guide.

Getting cash: konbini ATMs

• 7-Eleven: Seven Bank ATMs accept overseas cards with marks such as Visa, Mastercard, JCB, American Express, UnionPay, Discover and Diners Club. Seven Bank notes that some cards with these marks may still not work.
• Lawson: Lawson Bank ATMs let you withdraw yen with overseas cards 24 hours a day, with English, Chinese and Korean screens, but only some Lawson stores have ATMs that accept them.
• Other chains: it depends on the ATM. If a card is refused, try a 7-Eleven.
• Your card issuer may charge its own fees.

More than food

Service	What it is for
Toilets	Many stores have a toilet. Ask the staff before using it
Wi-Fi	Some stores have free Wi-Fi, but it is often slow. See staying connected in Tokyo
Copy and print	Multi-function machines for copies and printing
Everyday items	Umbrellas, phone chargers, socks, basic toiletries and more

Konbini manners

• Tokyo has very few public trash cans. Many konbini have bins for items bought there, sorted by type. Take other trash back with you. See trash in Tokyo.
• Eat outside or in the eat-in area if there is one. Eating while walking is less common in Japan, so many people eat near the store.
• Food you eat inside the store is taxed at the standard rate (10%), while takeout is taxed at the reduced rate (8%), so staff may ask if you will eat in.

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