The Amazing World of Japanese Convenience Stores
Japanese convenience stores, called コンビニ (konbini), are famous for being incredibly convenient and clean.
They are open 24/7 and offer much more than just snacks or drinks.
You can find them everywhere in Japan: in big cities, in the countryside, and even near tourist spots!
日本のコンビニは、とても便利で清潔だと世界的に有名です。24時間営業で、飲み物やお菓子だけでなく、さまざまなサービスが受けられます。日本中どこでも見つけることができますよ！
What Can You Do at a コンビニ?
- Buy delicious おにぎり (rice balls), 弁当 (bento) and スイーツ (sweets)
- Use an ATM or pay your bills
- Send or receive 宅配便 (takuhai-bin, parcels)
- Print documents and buy concert or theme park tickets
- Find daily necessities like 傘 (umbrellas), 文房具 (stationery), or even 下着 (underwear)!
おにぎりや弁当、スイーツだけでなく、ATMや公共料金の支払い、宅配便の受け取り・発送、書類のプリントやチケットの購入までできます。日用品も揃っていて、とても便利です。
Unique and Fun コンビニ Products
-
Fried Chicken (からあげ / フライドチキン)
Lawson’s "Karaage-kun" is famous! -
季節限定 (Seasonal) Ice Cream and Drinks
Try sakura flavor in spring or melon soda in summer! -
Hot Coffee and Lattes
Freshly ground coffee, cheap and tasty. Many stores have self-service coffee machines. -
冷凍食品 (Frozen Food)
High quality "konbini pasta" or "gyoza" ready in minutes. -
Unusual Snacks
Seaweed chips, matcha chocolate, or umeboshi candy!
コンビニ Useful Words
| 日本語 | Romaji | English |
|---|---|---|
| レジ | reji | Cash register |
| おにぎり | onigiri | Rice ball |
| 弁当 | bento | Lunch box |
| コピー機 | kopi-ki | Copy machine |
| 宅配便 | takuhai-bin | Parcel delivery |
Example Conversation
At the Counter:
店員： いらっしゃいませ！ (Irasshaimase!)
あなた： おにぎりとコーヒーをください。 (Onigiri to koohii o kudasai.)
店員： かしこまりました。お箸はご利用ですか？ (Kashikomarimashita. O-hashi wa go riyou desu ka?)
あなた： はい、お願いします。 (Hai, onegaishimasu.)
*Practice this at the コンビニ next time!
Tips for Using Japanese コンビニ
- If you’re lost, ask the staff! Many can help with simple English.
- You can use IC cards (like Suica, Pasmo) or credit cards at most stores.
- Some コンビニ even have clean toilets for customers!
Conclusion
Japanese convenience stores are more than just places to buy snacks—they’re a part of everyday life and a must-experience for visitors!
Try visiting a コンビニ on your next trip to Japan.
コンビニは日本文化の一部。ぜひ日本に来たときは体験してみてくださいね！