If you’re planning a trip to Japan, you can’t miss out on the magic of Japanese convenience stores — known as “konbini.” In this post, I’ll compare the top three: 7-Eleven, FamilyMart, and Lawson. Get ready to discover must-try food and local favorites!
How Japanese People View Each Konbini
🟠 7-Eleven (セブンイレブン)
High-quality food and coffee make 7-Eleven the go-to konbini for many Japanese people. It’s known for consistency and great taste.
🟢 FamilyMart (ファミリーマート)
Everyone loves FamilyMart’s iconic hot snacks. It feels like the friendly neighborhood konbini with something for everyone.
🔵 Lawson (ローソン)
Stylish, healthy, and often considered “trendy.” Lawson’s sweets and seasonal collabs attract a younger, fashionable crowd.
Store Count (Domestic & International)
| Konbini | Founded in Japan | Japan Stores (approx.) | Overseas Stores (approx.) |
|---|---|---|---|
| 7-Eleven | 1974 | ~21,000 | ~62,000 |
| FamilyMart | 1981 | ~16,000 | ~8,000 |
| Lawson | 1975 | ~14,000 | ~7,000 |
Does your country have these konbinis ?
TV Appearances, News & Scandals
- 7-Eleven: Criticized for strict franchise rules — made national headlines.
- FamilyMart: Famima’s “FamiChiki” became a meme and even has its own song!
- Lawson: Popular in gourmet shows for its desserts like the Premium Roll Cake.
What to Buy: Must-Try Items from Each Store
7-Eleven:
- Onigiri (rice balls) – The rice is delicious and the seaweed is crispy!
- Seven Premium Gold side dishes – Surprisingly high-quality for convenience food.
- Fresh brewed coffee – Just ¥100 and better than some cafés!
FamilyMart:
- FamiChiki – Crispy, juicy, and served hot!
- Matcha desserts – Great if you’re into Japanese green tea flavors.
Lawson:
- Premium Roll Cake – Iconic, and often sells out fast.
- Karaage-kun – Bite-sized chicken, lots of flavor variations.
- Healthier snacks – Low-carb, high-protein options available.
Bonus: Cool Konbini Services
- 💳 Pay your bills and taxes
- 🏧 Use international ATMs
- 📶 Free Wi-Fi available in all stores
- 🖨️ Print documents and photos right from your phone
- 🎁 Get anime-themed merch during limited-time campaigns
Final Thoughts
Japanese convenience stores are more than just “convenient.” They’re cultural icons — a true part of daily life in Japan. If you’re visiting, don’t just walk past them. Step in, explore, and taste your way through Japan’s unique konbini culture.
