Japanese Convenience Stores (Konbinis) live up to the hype. Upon arrival, it doesn’t take long to realize that konbinis are everywhere. As if by design, one is rarely more than a five minute walk from a fully stocked and illuminated konbini that never closes.

These Japanese modern day watering holes offer a surprisingly robust selection of food and drink. The staples there can be categorized as such:

The Konbini Bento 

The bento is king for the hungry konbini patron. 500 yen is enough to substitute a proper meal and can be heated up at the counter. They have katsudon (deep-fried pork cutlets over rice), donburi (rice bowls), gyūdon (strips of marinated beef over rice), curry and rice, pasta and more. They may not be a superfood but when you are in a pinch, they get the job done.

Libations

Illuminated, multicolored and refrigerated, the beverage section lures patrons in like flies to a bug zapper. Konbinis stock pile a variety of coffees, teas, lattes, sodas, sport drinks, vitamin drinks and alcohol. The drinks are as tasty as they are colorful.

Munchies

While Konbini snacks won’t nourish your body, they are undeniably tasty. If you are searching for a salty or sweet fix you won’t be short of options. The flavors can be quite the sensational shock too. I’ve seen potato chip flavors varying from cheeseburger to soy sauce mayonnaise Calbee chips.

On the go

If you are in a rush and have just enough time to shove some calories down your throat, the onigiri (or rice ball) is the right tool for the job. Cheap and portable, the various available rice balls give you a carbohydrate powered second wind on the go.

Seasonal fun

Japan is a four season country. This is evident by the weather, festivals and food options at the konbini. It adds some seasonal variety to your dietary decisions and super starts your holiday spirit.

This ranges large self-service pots of warm Oden soup to soft serve ice cream in the summer. The selection changes month to month adding some flavor to the konini experience.

Japanese Konbinis are great and in my opinion exemplify what makes Japan a great country. They provide attention to detail, address the seasons and offer me an avenue to indulge my American gluttony.

Konbinis offer way more than food, stay tuned for part 2 of our Japanese convenient store special.