Convenience storeコンビニ

A convenience store, small grocery store, or corner shop, is a small store that stocks a range of everyday items such as groceries, snack foods, candy, toiletries, soft drinks, tobacco products, and newspapers. Such stores may also offer money order and wire transfer services. In some jurisdictions, corner stores are licensed to sell alcohol, typically beer and wine. They differ from general stores and village shops in that they are not in a rural location and are used as a convenient supplement to larger stores. A convenience store may be part of a gas/petrol station. It may be located alongside a busy road, in an urban area, or near a railway or railroad station or other transport hub. In some countries, convenience stores have long shopping hours, some being open 24 hours.

from Convenience_store (Wikipedia) CC BY SA 3.0

Advice about Convenience store

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How to Get Tickets for a Japanese Baseball Game

Being a baseball fanatic, a convenient service I use often at convenience stores is the ticket machines. Using these machines, you can easily purchase any kind of ticket you want. Any of the major combinis (Seven-Eleven, Lawson, Family Mart, and Sankus) will have a ticket machine and they have Engl…(80 words)

GenS

Fresh Coffee at Japanese Convenience Stores

Japan has many coffee shops, chains like Starbucks or Doutor and old Japanese style cafes called kissaten. Coffee is also available from vending machines everywhere, both hot and cold canned coffee. The many convenience stores offer a variety of coffee products, now also including freshly brewed co…(256 words)

David

Once Only Space and Survival Foods Now Convenience Store Snacks

According to a well-written article on the subject, "freeze-drying technology was originally developed for the production of medicine and is probably best-known among consumers for its use in instant coffee. But the concept of selling individual, freeze-dried blocks of food, from which a full meal …(316 words)

Former Deep Japan Writer

A Nearby Combini in Japan

If you are in desperate need of a map or guidebook, look for a nearby convenience store (they are everywhere). You will definitely find one. However, selection is limited and finding an English guidebook or map would be rare. If you want an English guidebook or map, you will have a better chanc…(121 words)

GenS

Food, Drinks, Utilities- Restrooms - convenience stores is a small world in itself..

Convenience stores will store the following - 1. Food - salad boxes, ready to eat bento box (pasta/curry etc) (mostly non-vegetarian), fruits (banana, apple, oranges), Curd, Diet biscuits, nuts, chips, chocolates, chewing gum, cup ramen noodles, soups, french fries or chicken nuggets (ready to ea…(287 words)

suku

Where to Buy Tickets in Japan?

Purchasing a ticket for a sporting event is easy in Japan. Unlike in the states, you cannot print out your ticket at home. Everything is usually done at a convenience store. You can either buy a ticket online and then visit a convenience store to print your ticket and make the payment or you can ju…(148 words)

GenS

Japanese Rock and Roll, Buy Tickets at a Convenience Store

The easiest way to purchase concert tickets, or pretty much any ticket, is at your nearest convenient store. Any of the major "combinis" (seven-eleven, lawson, sankus, and family mart) will have a ticket machine with English guidance. The key is to find the machine (usually next to the printer and …(102 words)

GenS

Convenience store solves all

If you find that at some point you have no more underwear in your luggage, or you forgot underwear altogether, never fear for there are easy solutions.My favorite convenience store, "Lawson 100" is a slightly different convenience store that can be likened more to an "all around" food store. Wi…(125 words)

KurtisW

Convenience stores and selection

Like the ubiquitous vending machines of Japan, convenience stores are truly convenient and just as ubiquitous. They are everywhere. And the selections they have is quite amazing for such tiny stores. Although the aisles are narrow, the lighting is very bright and the cleanliness and the stock li…(151 words)

Kevin

Easy and Affordable Ways to Beat Tsuyu (the Rainy Season)

Tsuyu, the rainy season, is arguably one of Japan's lesser liked features. From late May to the end of July, people across Japan are treated to all manner of wet, from occasional sprinkles to intensive downpours. Add in the heat and humidity, and you can imagine how uncomfortable tsuyu can be.T…(253 words)

Former Deep Japan Writer

SUKEROKU

When I don't have a clear idea of what type of food (bento) to buy, I always choose SUKEROKU bento.It is simple bento, kind of Sushi without raw fish.As you see the picture, two kinds of sushi are in.One is NORIMAKI, rolled by seaweed, inside : Kanpyo, brown color, cooked vegetable, boi…(137 words)

Moo Moo

Enjoy Japanese Chu-hi drink !

You will see an overwhelming numbers of Chu-hi cans lined up in a rowbesides beer and wine in every convenience stores. Chu-hi is aJapanese-shochu-based cocktail, which has now become a widely acceptedbeverage nationwide in Japan with a variety of offerings such as localfruits flavors.A…(332 words)

fujimorison

What does the kiosk on the train platform offer?

A convenience store on the train platform where you can buy very basic stuffs! Kiosk offers best possible basic needs with a minimum space on the train platform. We had Kiosk even before all the convenience stores did not exist. As each Kiosk store has only one staff, they use a lot of full…(221 words)

totowatanabe

Kara-age is the king of fried food

Kara-age is for the most part Japanese fried chicken, or perhaps Japanese chicken nuggets. Kara-age however in Japanese peoples' minds is separate from "fried chicken". Fried chicken in Japan always has the bone in, whereas kara-age is cut chunks of chicken thigh, seasoned in soy sauce, ginger and …(168 words)

KurtisW

100 Yen Shop Listing for Yokohama

I was recently asked by a group of tourists, “Can you tell us where the nearest convenience store is?”“Why bother with a conbini?” I replied. “There’s a 100 yen shop just down the street. They’ll have whatever you need. And for less.”Cue the sound of joy and jubilation. Oh happy day.100…(264 words)

Former Deep Japan Writer

Setsubun - Ehomaki culture

"Setsubun" is the day before the beginning of Spring in Japan and it's on February 3rd every year. A long sushi roll is eaten on the night of Setsubun while facing toward the year's "lucky" direction. This custom originally started in the Kansai area. With your eyes closed, we wish for perfect …(184 words)

EmiOnishi

10 Helpful Tips For When You Go Into a Japanese Onsen

Are you getting ready to take a trip to an Onsen Hot Spring in Japan?As an onsen-loving Senpai, allow me to provide you a few tips on how to be absolutely prepared before braving the nakedness and initial awkwardness of your first Onsen adventure. Trust me, all of this knowledge has been gained…(1064 words)

What to do with Garbage While Travellng in Japan? Where are all the Trash Cans?!!!

Are you used to having plenty of garbage cans everywhere?When I go home to the US, I am pleasantly surprised with the availability of garbage cans and how we can always find a place to dispose of paper waste, plastic bottles, candy wrappers and lunch leftovers that build up during the day.Hav…(669 words)

C.C. Lemon!!!

I love C.C. Lemon!I always keep at least one in my fridge, so I always feel I miss it when I go overseas from Japan.It's a lemon soda (like lemonade), sweet and sour with lots of vitamin C's in it, so I feel like drinking C.C. Lemon especially when I feel a bit tired, and after I drink it, …(180 words)

maxnino

Bentos from 7-11, Ito Yokado, OK stores

'Bento' is a take-out meal for lunch or dinner available in all parts across Japan. Although traditional bento contains rice, meat, fish and japanese pickles, it has evolved into various types, proportions and cuisines. You can find bentos serving other cuisines such as Italian, Chinese, Indian, et…(142 words)

Samir Bodhe

Japan's Special Soft Drink Flavors

Ever since coming to Japan I've visited convenience stores regularly, not only cause its convenient of course, but because of all the seasonal special drinks they offer. I've had Fanta plenty of times in America, but the flavors were always orange or grape. As soon as I got off the plane here I was…(314 words)

Alex Kobayashi /Subtokyo

Conbini Trashcans

If you are a resident of Japan, throwing away your household garbage at a convenience store is somewhat scorned. You may ask, "why use a convenience store?". Many wards and cities in Tokyo require that you purchase special garbage bags for your household trash, with a large bag running about 100 ye…(187 words)

KurtisW

The One and Only Bikkle!

Have had your Bikkle Today?One of the unique soft drinks that you should try while you're in Japan is Bikkle. Just the name alone is a great reason to try it, but you'll also be wowed by the taste, too.It is a yogurt-based drink that tastes a lot like the orange cream popsicles you maybe en…(102 words)

Nate

Mixed Sandwhich

When you want something easy, try a sandwich. A mixed sandwich at a convenience store is usually made of 3 standard sandwiches: tuna fish, ham and cheese, and egg salad sandwich. For a visitor to Japan that might be tired of having exotic food and wants something simple and inexpensive, a mixed san…(58 words)

Sweet42.195

TIROL Chocolate 20 yen each

You should go to a Japanese convenience store and buy TIROL chocolate for your friends! TIROL chocolate is very famous and I bet almost everybody knows. Originally they were introduced to the market 40 years ago and for the time being, they were sold at 10 yen each so that even little childre…(117 words)

EmiOnishi

To avoid spreading germs and to protect from seasonal pollen

In Japan a surgical mask is generally used when people get sick. It is common to see many people wearing such a mask during winter. In Japan, people are sensitive about coughing in trains or in areas with a high number of people. So those who wear masks don't want to spread their germs and don't wa…(125 words)

yukiroryo

Local Secret: Sakura at Zenpukuji

In a bid to get away from the crowds of Nakameguro, Ueno and Shinjuku, I found out about a minor sakura covered park in Nishiogikubo, about 20 minutes away from the station. Zenpukuji is a miniaturized version of the famous Inokashira park, and has the same lovely cherry trees stretching over a…(202 words)

Chiara

Good for the teeth, wallet, and diet

Japan certainly has some interesting snacks, some that may seem a bit outlandish and wild; mostly of the seafood variety. It may take a bit of courage and a bit of time to stomach some the stranger ones, but once you get used to the smell, texture, or flavor of some of the more "unique" snacks, the…(172 words)

KurtisW

Fun Children Activities in Japan, Learn Martial Arts

Bushido refers to the samurai way of life, the "yamato damashii" or the samurai spirit. It is a general attitude towards life including things like respecting hierarchal relationships, putting great emphasis on loyalty, and dying with honor. Since samurai don't exist anymore, its difficult to see o…(575 words)

GenS

Strong Zero Chuu Hais Give You More Bang for your Buck

While chuu hais come in various kinds, Suntory's Strong Zero Chuu Hais give you more alcohol per yen, as they come in 8% and 9% varieties. They are quite popular with Japanese men, but people of any gender can consume them. They typically cost 201 yen at most convenience stores and 158 yen at store…(54 words)

KurtisW

Japan offers many great options for vegetarians if you know where to look & how to order

As a long-time resident of Japan who eats a vegan diet most days, vegetarian and yes have to cave and be pescatorian at times (due to necessity of eating foods made with fish stock), it is easier than many other countries I have lived in and visited. All shops, convenience stores and supermarke…(199 words)

jjwalsh

Start with chu-hai

Chu-hai is a popular alcoholic drink made with the potato based shochu. It is sold in cans and ranges in price from under 100 yen to around 300 yen for 350ml. The price depends on the quality and where you buy it as supermarkets will obviously be cheaper that convenience stores and vending machines…(66 words)

Kenji

Ginza Ogura at Haneda Airport

Haneda’s international terminal has an impressive selection of good restaurants in a nicely designed area called the Edo Market Place, although they are all relatively expensive. Once you check in your luggage, you will have free time to wonder and have a meal before boarding the plane. You may…(233 words)

EmiOnishi

Japanese Chrysanthemums, A Wonderful Sight To See During Your Visit in Japan

"Kiku" is the Japanese word for Chrysanthemum. After residing in Japan for some 28 years, I understand that the Japanese relationship with this beautiful flower is deep, intricate and somewhat mysterious especially when you are a newbie visitor.I happen to live next to Japan’s second larges…(798 words)

Hot, Fresh Coffee On The Go!

Make no mistake. If you love coffee, Tokyo is one of the best cities in the world. As it is with so many other types of food and drink, you can find just about anything your caffeine-craving soul could want here. Tokyo's love affair with coffee started after the end of World War II, when the G…(808 words)

jdlawrence

Another Easy and Affordable Way to Beat Tsuyu (the Rainy Season)

Two years ago I wrote about one of my favourite summer dishes: "Hiyashi Chuka" - chilled Chinese noodles. It's a summer staple in Japan because it's tasty, light, and refreshing - a perfect meal to beat the season's sultry summer heat: http://www.deepjapan.org/a/3324As soon as June starts, you …(229 words)

Former Deep Japan Writer

Nabe parties and Barbecue parties.

Japan has a big restaurant industry with all kind of cuisines of the world, besides many good 24 hour options of packaged food from convenience stores, bento shops and super markets. More over as Japanese homes, especially in Tokyo, tend to be small, home parties are not so common and people tend t…(210 words)

Sanjeev Sinha

Elaborate onigiri is king

Traditional onigiris have a nice healthy appeal, and retain the "classic" Japanese dietary elements, such as rice, fish, and pickled veggies, but let's not limit ourselves to just the classics. Every convenience store has its own brand (or at least brand that is made for that convenience store), an…(178 words)

KurtisW

The Glory that is Onigiri

Often translated as a Japanese rice ball, they tend to come in two distinct shapes: disc and triangle. Onigiri is packed rice with some kind of filling inside then usually (but not always) wrapped in nori or seaweed paper. Imagine a kind maki sushi hamburger. They're easy to eat on the go and they'…(200 words)

Nate

Just charge it and swipe it

You can purchase a suica card from most major train stations for a 500 yen deposit. You can then add credit to the card at most train stations. You can swipe it at train station turnstiles, vending machines and many convenience stores until it runs out of credit.(47 words)

KurtisW