The konbini guide: how to eat well at a convenience store

Not what you expect

Unlike convenience stores elsewhere, a Japanese konbini (7-Eleven, Lawson, FamilyMart) is a reliable, cheap and genuinely tasty meal — open 24/7, everywhere. It's a traveller's best friend for breakfast, a late snack, or a budget day.

What to grab

• Onigiri: fresh rice balls — tuna-mayo, salmon, umeboshi (vegan). Look for the wrapping that keeps the nori crisp.
• Bento & pasta: hot meals heated at the register.
• Oden (winter): pick pieces from the counter pot.
• Fried chicken: Lawson's Karaage-kun, FamilyMart's Famichiki.
• Sandwiches: the egg-salad tamago sando is a cult favorite.
• Sweets, coffee and a huge drinks wall, plus ATMs and clean toilets.

Tips

Staff will ask atatamemasu ka? (“shall I heat it?”) — say yes for bento. Hot water is free for cup noodles. For dietary needs, read the ingredient labels (often Japanese only) — onigiri with umeboshi or kombu are usually vegan, but check.