The Top 5 Japanese Konbini Countdown

Photo by Victoria Vlisides

For advanced English learners, check out the original article.

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GaijinPot, a popular website for foreigners living and working in Japan, recently posted an article listing the staff's Top 5 Favorite Convenience Stores in Japan.

If you have ever visited Japan, you will know that Japan's convenience stores - known as konbini - are very convenient. Most stores are open 24/7 and provide everything from food to clothing to hygiene products and more.

Most people in Japan have their favorite convenience stores that they will choose over other ones. And they are very loyal. Here is GaijinPot's Top 5 Konbinis and why:

5. Mini Stop

Mini-Stop was a controversial choice, but it's in our top five because of its superb ice cream selection. We recommend the Belgian chocolate. In general, the soft-serve ice cream here is its biggest selling point. As well as its selection of various limited-time sweets (Please bring back those caramel parfaits!).

Perhaps because it’s not quite as popular as our top 3, it seems like most stores have more space to relax and eat or read a magazine before you go about your business (or pleasure).

4. Seico Mart

You might be saying, “Wait, what?” You might not know about Seico Mart, but here’s why it's the best. It’s basically the ojii-san (grandpa) of the konbini as it is the oldest brand in Japan. Many of its products are cooked fresh on site. For example, its “Hot Chef” products include a croissant made from ingredients imported from France and baked on premises.

The reason you may not have heard of this one is that it’s only located in some prefectures, with the closest one to Tokyo city being in Saitama.

3. Lawson

Lawson did not make our top 2 because many just don’t seem to have strong feelings about it. They don't strongly love but they don't strongly dislike it either. But it is still well-knwon for some of its select foods and products.

They have some unique choices for chicken. The yakitori (grilled chicken skewers) are bigger and juicier than even the finest grocery store skewers. Its “Karaage-kun” deep-fried chicken nuggets are a perennial crowd pleaser — especially when the limited edition varieties, like yuzu or mentaiko (fish roe), hit the heat racks.

Another plus is its “Machi-cafe” selection of coffee, snacks and sweets — specifically (for our group, anyway) the banana muffins and matcha cookies. Surprisingly, the Lawson 100 and Natural Lawson shops are also a great place to look for fresh produce.

2. FamilyMart

FamilyMart — or FamiMa, as the cool kids call it — is great for baked goods and sweets. Beyond the Family Mart bread and cookies, it carries a weird brand of biscuit-and-chocolate hybrid called “Every Burger.”

Family Mart is also good for people who are trying to save money, with its convenient point card, the T-Point Card. And, some Japanese banks don’t charge a service fee if you grab cash from one of its ATMs. Yeah, we know Lawson and 7-Eleven also have point cards, but does anyone really use those?

1. 7-Eleven

Originality is important.

7 makes some great stuff with its “Premium” and “Gold” products. These osozai (prepared food) products range from baked goods to soups to onigiri (best tuna-mayo ones, hands down!) to hot reheatable meals. And, it’s all good in our book.

The Seven Caffe, with easy-to-use machines that quickly dispense richly robust, fresh-brewed morning coffee for ¥100-¥150 each, is another strong point for caffeine addicts. If you need a quick snack, we’re quite fond of 7’s egg salad sandwich and its mango ice cream.

Do you agree with this list? What do you think is the best Japanese convenience store and why?

Editor Note: This article has been shortened and modified from the original version.

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