How to Use a Convenience Store in Tokyo Like a Local

Your Complete Guide to Navigating Japan’s Legendary ‘Konbini’ Culture

In Tokyo, convenience stores—called konbini (コンビニ)—are far more than just places to buy snacks. They are cultural institutions, lifelines for locals, and one of the most reliable services for travelers and residents alike. Whether you’re looking for freshly prepared meals, paying bills, buying concert tickets, or just escaping the summer heat, konbini are open 24/7 and are always ready to serve you.

This guide will teach you everything you need to know to use a Tokyo convenience store like a local—from etiquette and hidden services to money-saving tips and insider product recommendations.

1. What Is a Konbini?

Konbini is the Japanese abbreviation for “convenience store.” The big three chains dominate Tokyo:

• 7-Eleven (セブンイレブン)

• FamilyMart (ファミリーマート)

• Lawson (ローソン)

Each chain has a slightly different branding and product focus, but all provide similar essential services. You’ll find a konbini on virtually every block in Tokyo—sometimes multiple on the same street corner.

2. What Can You Buy at a Konbini?

You’ll be amazed at the range of products packed into a relatively small space. Here’s a breakdown:

Food and Drinks

• Onigiri (Rice Balls): Tuna mayo, salmon, pickled plum

• Bento Boxes: Fried chicken, hamburg steak, noodles

• Instant Ramen and Cup Noodles

• Bread and Pastries: Melon pan, curry bread

• Hot Food: Fried chicken (famichiki!), croquettes, sausages

• Sandwiches and Salads

• Coffee, Green Tea, Milk Tea

• Beer, Chu-hi, Sake (after 10 AM)

Everyday Essentials

• Toiletries, toothpaste, deodorant

• Phone chargers and batteries

• Umbrellas and hand warmers (in winter)

• Stockings, razors, eye drops

Magazines and Books

• Manga and fashion magazines

• Newspapers

• Adult magazines (usually in the back or curtained off)

Services

• Bill payment (utility, phone)

• ATM (with international cards at 7-Eleven)

• Copy, scan, fax, and print services

• Concert and event ticket purchases

• Delivery and pick-up of packages (takkyubin)

3. Step-by-Step: How to Shop Like a Local

Step 1: Grab a Shopping Basket

Most konbini have baskets at the entrance. Japanese people often carry a basket even when buying just two or three things—it’s polite and efficient.

Step 2: Explore the Store Layout

• Fresh meals are at the front

• Hot foods are near the register

• Toiletries are usually near the back

• ATMs and photocopy machines are often near the entrance

☕ Step 3: Buy Fresh Coffee (Optional)

Each konbini has a self-serve coffee machine. Just purchase a cup at the register (usually ¥100–150), then head to the machine and press the corresponding button (ice or hot, small or large).

Step 4: Go to the Register

Place your items on the counter and wait until the staff scans everything before reaching for your wallet.

4. Mastering Konbini Etiquette

✅ DO:

• Line up behind the floor marker

• Say “お願いします” (onegaishimasu) when paying

• Open packages and eat outside if needed, but avoid mess

• Ask for “袋いりません” (fukuro irimasen) if you don’t need a bag

❌ DON’T:

• Eat inside unless tables are provided

• Use phones at the register

• Unwrap and eat food in line

• Leave trash—always bring it home or use store bins if available

5. Services That Go Beyond Shopping

ATM Access

• 7-Eleven ATMs accept Visa, MasterCard, UnionPay, Cirrus

• Lawson and FamilyMart ATMs may also work with international cards

• Withdrawals available 24/7 in most locations

Copy, Print, and Fax Machines

You can:

• Print documents from USB or cloud

• Scan passports or documents

• Fax within Japan

• Buy and print digital photos (use apps like PrintSmash or Netprint)

Bill Payment

Bring your utility or phone bill with the barcode. The clerk will scan it, and you can pay in cash or sometimes with a local payment app.

Package Delivery and Pick-Up

Use services like Takkyubin (宅急便) to send or receive parcels. You can drop off packages with pre-filled Yamato labels or pick up items ordered online (e.g., Amazon, Mercari).

️ Ticket Purchase (Loppi/Multimedia Terminal)

Konbini terminals allow you to buy:

• Concert and event tickets (e.g., Lawson’s Loppi machine)

• Highway bus tickets

• Museum or amusement park passes

• Pay for online orders via “Konbini payment”

6. Insider Tips and Local Favorites

Try Local-Only Konbini Items

• Matcha sweets

• Seasonal onigiri with regional flavors

• Premium ice cream (e.g., Uji matcha parfait)

• Anime-themed snacks

Try Famichiki at FamilyMart

Crispy, juicy, and wildly popular. Just ask: “Famichiki, hitotsu onegaishimasu.”

Look for Limited Edition Drinks

Konbini often sell exclusive soda flavors, alcohol, and energy drinks.

Beat the Heat or Cold

In summer, use the free cold beverage section to cool off. In winter, heated items like “oden” (fish cake stew) or steamed buns are popular comfort food.

7. Payment Methods: Cash, Cards, and Apps

Cash

Still widely used. Keep coins for exact change.

Credit/Debit Cards

Most konbini now accept:

• Visa, MasterCard, JCB

• Suica and Pasmo (IC cards)

• QR Code payment (LinePay, PayPay, Rakuten Pay)

Note: Not all credit cards work at ATMs, so test early.

8. Useful Japanese Phrases for Konbini Shopping

9. Konbini vs Supermarket vs Drugstore

Use konbini for convenience, not for saving money on bulk items.

10. Using Konbini for Daily Life in Tokyo

Living in Tokyo without a konbini is almost unthinkable. Locals use it:

• On their daily commute for breakfast or lunch

• To print resumes or job applications

• To pay taxes and utility bills

• As a meet-up point before concerts or trains

• To escape bad weather and reset their day

11. Common Mistakes First-Timers Make

❌ Expecting English from All Staff

Not all staff speak English. Use gestures, basic Japanese, or apps like Google Translate.

❌ Not Knowing When Alcohol Sales Start

Alcohol is not sold before 10 AM in many locations.

❌ Tossing Trash in the Wrong Bin

Sort trash into combustibles, plastic bottles, cans. If no public bin exists, take your trash home.

12. Why Konbini Represent Modern Japanese Culture

Konbini reflect Japan’s values:

• Cleanliness: Stores are spotless

• Efficiency: Systems are streamlined

• Service: Staff are polite, even at 3 AM

• Innovation: New products are released weekly

• Safety: Open 24/7 with bright lighting and security

By understanding how to navigate the konbini like a local, you also unlock a deeper appreciation of Japanese daily life.

Final Thoughts: From Tourist to Local with Konbini Mastery

Whether you’re living in Tokyo, staying short-term, or planning a move, learning how to use a convenience store like a local can significantly elevate your quality of life. You’ll save time, reduce stress, and discover hidden gems that only locals truly appreciate.

So next time you see that glowing green, blue, or red konbini sign at midnight—don’t hesitate. Step in, explore, and embrace Japan’s ultimate urban comfort zone.