Walking around Tokyo, you are sure to find one! Convenience stores, a convenience for foreigners
１ Convenience stores in Japan are tourist spots!!?
Something that surprises people who visit Japan is the large number of convenience stores. There are more than 56,000 convenience stores in Japan, with more than about 7,000 in Tokyo alone. Around all of the main stations in Tokyo, you will see a number of convenience stores just a short walk away.
A major feature of Japanese convenience stores is that they are open 24 hours a day and always provide a wide range of products and convenient services. This seems to surprise foreigners who visit Japan because there are lots of countries worldwide where there are no convenience stores, let alone stores that operate 24 hours a day.
The "rare Japanese convenience store" are an enjoyable tourist attraction where foreigners can purchase souvenirs and enjoy limited edition items featuring their favorite anime character. Japanese convenience sell sweets that are only sold for a limited time so customers can get a hold of Japan-like treats, etc. Lots of visitors make a point to visit convenience stores when visiting Japan.
２ Amazingly useful services are available at convenience stores in Japan
When foreigners use a convenience store in Japan for the first time, they may be overwhelmed by the number of services available unless they do some homework in advance.
Here are some of the services at convenience stores in Japan that are good to know about.
・Free Wi-Fi
Major Japanese convenience stores have Wi-Fi connections that can be used free of charge. Each company uses a different system and may require pre-registration such as requiring you register your email address. It may be smart to register for the free Wi-Fi service at your favorite convenience store before visiting.
・Overseas credit card & cash card correspondence (Seven-Eleven)
At Seven-Eleven, you can withdraw Japanese yen using your credit card from your home country. So if you thought you couldn't use your card at a Japanese ATM, you might be surprised to know that you can!
[Reference] https://www.sevenbank.co.jp/intlcard/
Seven-Eleven has been providing individual tax-exempt services since 2015 for purchases of more than 5,001 yen and less than 500,000 yen for people who are taking their purchases out of Japan. You will need to show your passport, but inquire with each location beforehand as this service is not available at all stores.
[Reference] https://www.sej.co.jp/in/taxfree_en.html
・ Eat-in Space
Although not well known to foreigners, some convenience stores have areas where customers can sit and eat. They also have hot water and hand wipes available so you can enjoy a light meal without having to visit a restaurant or café, but make sure you follow the rules as determined by each location.
・ Product Reservation
Depending on the store and the owner's prerogative, he or she will adjust the order quantity and to secure inventory. If you want to reserve a certain product, you can be sure that you get it when you want it. If you want to buy a lot of rice balls or bread, or if you have a favorite item, ask the store if you can make a reservation.
３ Features and concepts of convenience store companies
There are several types of convenience stores in Japan, but here are some of the features and concepts of each of the three major convenience stores.
Seven-Eleven
Seven-Eleven has a "near and convenient" slogan and lots of people even say "if you have to go to a convenience store, go to Seven-Eleven!". They provide services that serve as a model for other convenience store companies, such as being one of the first to introducing delivery services. In addition to this, they have a number of high quality products that are comparable to specialty stores, making it one of the most popular.
Seven Eleven is the only convenience store company in Japan that didn't have locations in Okinawa, but in July of this year, they opened 14 stores completing their nationwide map of locations and it quickly became a hot topic in Japan.
[Reference] https://www.sej.co.jp/
Family Mart
FamilyMart's slogan is "Fun & Fresh" and "You & Convenience". FamilyMart is well known as a convenience store that originated in Japan, but they are aggressively expanding overseas, with more than 22,000 stores in the world centering on Asia.
Family Mart is especially popular for its hot snacks located next to the cash register. They have a very popular full-fledged café menu which includes the "Famima Frappe" series that has different flavors depending on the season.
[Reference] https://www.family.co.jp
Lawson
Lawson uses "Machi no Hotto Station" as a slogan, and incorporates its' style with fashion in mind. They strongly focus on the sales of sweets and sell variety of attractive items that can only be found at Lawson.
In addition, Lawson has also developed a store called "Natural Lawson" that focuses on the support of a "beautiful, healthy and comfortable" lifestyle for women, and another store called "Lawson Store 100", which is a more affordable option for customers. They continue to strive toward keeping with the times by opening convenience stores that meet customer needs.
[Reference] https://www.lawson.co.jp/index.html
４ Popular convenience store products often selected by foreigners
Seven-Eleven "Golden Flame Grilled Hamburger"
This thick hamburger is a popular product that has a refined and rich sauce and is always more delicious than a hamburger eaten at a restaurant. This "Gold Series" is really delicious, so please try it.
FamilyMart "Famichiki"
FamilyMart's popular product "Famichiki" is a juicy chicken perfect for lunch and snacks. For those who like spicy foods, the Spicy Chicken is also highly recommended.
Lawson "Premium Roll Cake"
Lawson's popular product, the "Premium Roll Cake" is characterized by cream. The cream used in the premium roll cake has been continuously improved and continues to be loved by both men and women.
Find your favorite products at popular convenience stores.
５ Finally
In this edition, we have introduced you the world of Japanese convenience stores and given some helpful information about products and services available.
Tokyo is a place where you are bound to see several convenience stores wherever you go. There are lots of convenience stores in Japan, and each one has its own characteristics. You may find an item at one of many types of convenience stores that you love and when you do, take full advantage. As an example, some people find their favorite store based on the items they love like rice balls or sweets. Hopefully you will use this article as a reference to help you find your favorite in order to make your life comfortable.
