The Conbini: Even Better Than You Think!

Posted on 10/20/2020 Last updated on 11/20/2020

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Top Image: Borderlink Staff Member, used with permission

Among the many things Japan is famous for, its convenience stores (コンビ二) might not be the first thing that springs to mind. Those unfamiliar with Japan may think these konbini are little more than your run-of-the-mill corner store. Convenience stores in North America for example are generally most associated with gas stations.

However, those that live in Japan know all too well just how places like Family Mart, 7-Eleven, and Lawson really do put the “convenience” in “convenience store”. What is it that makes convenience stores so commonplace and so popular? Here are a few of the things that make Japan’s konbini (or “conbini” as they are known among English speakers) even better than you think!

You can pay all of your bills, and more!

Utilities, phone, rent, even ordering from Amazon: in Japan nearly everything comes with an option to pay at the convenience store and the process couldn’t be simpler. Either using an electronic code from email or a barcode from a bill mailed to you, head down to the nearest conbini. It will be scanned by the cashier and can be paid on the spot in cash.

A wide variety of tickets are sold through convenience stores, sometimes exclusively. Every store brand has their own type of smart kiosk which is fairly easy to navigate, and allows one to purchase tickets for concerts, special events or even attractions such as Tokyo Disneyland and the Studio Ghibli museum in Mitaka, Tokyo.

All convenience stores also have an ATM inside, and some even offer minimal banking services! Japan is still a mostly cash-based society, so it’s nice to always have an easy place to just stop in and grab a bit of extra money before hitting the ramen shop or karaoke bar. Just be aware that there will almost always be a transaction fee similar to using a bank ATM afterhours.

That being said, conbini are one of the places you can see the slow move towards a cashless society in action. It’s becoming more common these days to see self check-out registers that take only electronic payment.

They sell everything!

A typical convenience store Obento (boxed meal)　Photo Credit: manseok_Kim on Pixabay

Conbini really do sell everything! Snacks, hot foods, drinks, alcohol, toiletries, homewares, tobacco, manga, electronics, and even some clothes. If you can think of it, chances are the local Family Mart or Daily Yamazaki has it in stock.

Although the prices will be just a small bit higher there (though not nearly as much of a mark-up as you might expect), convenience stores sell just about everything you could need in a pinch.

To share some personal experience, just this morning from 7-Eleven I bought: apple pastries, fresh coffee, candles, sunscreen, insect repellent, a calligraphy pen, an ink pad, soap, razors, cigarettes, and a 32GB micro SD card. I’m completely serious! And to tie this back to my first point, I paid my electricity bill at the same time.

Even saké can be found in your average convenience store. Photo Credit: Nolan Arena

Prior to the coronavirus outbreak, it was even common for larger convenience stores to have seating for those who wanted to “eat-in” with their microwave meals or instant noodles. This aspect has understandably been put on hold in recent months.

Another change to conbini across Japan is that from July 2020, they’ve started charging a small fee for bags to encourage cutting back on plastic waste. While use of an “eco-bag” is encouraged, the fee is small (usually 3-5 yen at most) and most people seem content to keep buying and recycling plastic bags as usual.

Conbini are everywhere!

Whether you are in the center of Tokyo, or live in a rice field in the countryside (like me), there is always a conbini nearby. There are estimated to be over 50,000 convenience stores across Japan, and it’s almost impossible to travel through a reasonably-populated area without coming across at least one.

Different areas will oftentimes have one or two conbini chains that seem to dominate the region. For example, the area of Tokyo I stayed in when I first came to Japan was almost all Family Mart territory, whereas my current town is 7-Eleven turf.

It may seem strange to think of that as a positive, but it works as an excellent ice breaker when meeting people or testing out your Japanese skills. From my experience, most people living in Japan eventually grow to have a favorite conbini and this can result in a friendly conversation or even a lively debate.

In conclusion, amid the temples and shrines, skyscrapers and fashion boutiques, mountains and forests, the one constant of Japan is the 24/7/365 fluorescent lit convenience store; always there for you whenever you need a quick energy drink or a deck of UNO cards.

Photo Credits:

Top Image: Borderlink Staff Member, used with permission

Additional photos provided by manseok_Kim on Pixabay and Nolan Arena