Unlocking the Secrets of Japanese Convenience Stores: Tips & Tricks

Convenience stores (コンビニ, pronounced Konbini) in Japan are like wonderlands for travellers; Snacks, drinks, bentos, fried foods, and all the late-night trips to the nearby convenience stores. Such good memories. But did you know you can do much more than just getting food and drinks? In this blog, we summarized the best insider tips and tricks you can try at convenience stores to make your trip even more accessible and fun!

Topping Up Your IC Card

Running out of credit on your IC card (Suica, Pasmo, etc)? You can top it up with cash at all convenience stores in Japan by telling the staff at the cashier “Suica/Icoca/Pasmo cha-ji, onegaishimasu (Please top up my Suica/Icoca/Pasmo Card).” Select the amount you want to top up on the screen, pay, and simply tap your card on the reader. You can also do it with the ATMs at 7-11, which offers easy multilingual instructions. This is super handy when you’re nowhere near a train station but still need to top up. Remember, in Japan, people say “charge” instead of “top up” when you are informing the staff what you want to do!

Printing Photos and Documents

Almost every konbini has a multi-function printer, where you can print documents from your phone or USB, make photocopies, and even print high-quality photos by simply downloading an app to transfer the photos to the machines you are using! The easiest way to do it as a tourist is to download the app made for printing in convenience stores. Search up the convenience store name you are using plus the keyword “printing” on the app store, download and follow the instructions by the app. A QR Code should be generated for your printing project. Simply scan the QR code, pay directly at the printer, and complete your printing project! Try this when you’re in Japan and print photos of wonderful travel memories.

Buy Stamps & Send Mail

Need to send a postcard back home? You can actually buy stamps at the register and even find a mailbox inside or just outside many convenience stores. Stamps in Japan are called “Kitte” (pronounced, kit-teh). You can also tell the staff the value of the stamp you want to purchase, starting from 85 yen. The safest option for overseas postcards is to get a stamp with a value of 110 yen. It’s a quick and convenient way to share your Japan experience without hunting for a post office.

Getting Seasonal Food

When winter hits, oden makes its appearance at konbini. This warm, comforting dish features ingredients like daikon radish, tofu, and fish cakes boiled in a light soy-based broth. It’s the perfect item to get in a Japanese convenience store because you literally can’t experience this elsewhere! You will see these oden stations near the cashier. Don’t be intimidated, just open the lid, grab a bowl and the tongs, pick your favorites, and hand them to the cashier. Want to see how it’s done? Check out this walkthrough video made by 7-11 Japan!

But winter is not the only season you can get special seasonal food in konbini. For example, in summer, look out for the freezer section because some konbini have limited summer-flavored shaved-ice desserts and frappuccinos you can make at their machines. In autumn, some konbini have a designated oven where they sell freshly baked sweet potatoes (Yakiimo). Finally, in spring, look out for the sakura-flavored mochi and dango for when you are going to view the sakura blossoms. Want to know where is the best place to view sakuras in Japan? Check out our Sakura Viewing Tours, available only in spring!

Discounted Theme Park Tickets

Want to skip the lines and save money on theme park tickets? Konbini ticket machines are your secret weapon! These machines sell tickets for various leisure facilities, often at discounted rates. For example, the entrance fee + free pass for Asakusa Hanayashiki is normally ¥3,300 for adults, but at a konbini, it’s only ¥2,700, saving you ¥600! Theme parks like Sanrio Puroland and Yomiuriland also offer discounts of around ¥100, which adds up quickly if you’re buying for the whole family. Skip the hassle at the ticket window and get your tickets before heading out, it’s a smart and budget-friendly way to start your adventure!

Pay Your Utility Bills

If you’re staying in Japan for a longer period and renting an apartment, you can pay your utility bills at a konbini. Simply bring your bill to the cashier, and they’ll process it for you. No need to go to a bank or post office, but make sure you don’t miss the deadline for the bill because an expired bill cannot be processed at a convenience store!

Shop for Clothes & Everyday Essentials

Forgot your socks? Need an umbrella on a rainy day? Many konbini carry basic clothing items like T-shirts, socks, and underwear, as well as practical household items like phone chargers, laundry detergent, and toiletries. Some convenience stores even carry limited items, for example, Family Mart has socks that are in the color of, you guessed it, Family Mart’s iconic green and blue color!

Seasonal Sweets & Drinks

Konbini are famous for their seasonal snacks and drinks. Depending on the time of year, you’ll find everything from sakura-flavored snacks in spring to chestnut treats in autumn. Look for words like “期間限定” or “限定” on the various food items. Don’t miss out on the wide selection of limited-edition drinks and sweets!

Final Thoughts

Konbini are truly a traveler’s best friend in Japan, and there’s so much more than simply getting snacks and drinks. So next time you step into a konbini, take a moment and try these tricks, you will find a whole new world beyond the snack aisle!

Featured Photo Credit: INHYEOK PARK on Unsplash

Ready for a trip to Japan? Be sure to check out some of our amazing food tours around Japan’s most popular destinations!