konbini コンビニ

Japan’s 24-hour lifesavers for everything from midnight munchies to phone charger emergencies. They’re as common as vending machines and just as essential to surviving in modern-day Nippon.

What’s a コンビニ konbini?

Konbini (short for convenience store) are compact powerhouses of practicality offering:

お握り onigiri (rice balls) in flavors ranging from pickled plum to salmon mayo
Ready-to-eat 弁当 bentō, sandwiches, and salads
A vast drink selection (from green tea to strawberry milk)
Unexpected essentials like stationery, toiletries, and even spare underwear

The big three:

セブンイレブン Sebun Irebun (7-Eleven): Known for reliable ATMs that (usually) accept foreign cards, good coffee, and shockingly tasty pastries.
ファミリーマート Famirī Māto (FamilyMart): Home of ファミチキ Famichiki, fried chicken so addictive you’ll question your willpower.
ローソン Rōson (Lawson): Offers intriguing dessert cups, fresh baked goods, and occasionally Pokémon-themed goodies you didn’t know you needed.

Konbini etiquette:

Mind the shelves: Try not to rummage like a tornado. Staff meticulously restock, so keep that artful display intact.
Chow choice: If there’s a small seating area, use it. Otherwise, eating while walking is considered rude. Find a discreet corner or a park bench.
Sort your trash: Konbini have bins for burnables, plastics, and cans. Follow the labels, and the staff will love you.

Did you know?
Some people practically live on konbini bentō. They’re surprisingly decent for something microwaved in 60 seconds, and the variety is ever-changing.