Japan Convenience Store Guide: Konbini Food, Services & Tips
Frequently Asked Questions
Are konbini open 24 hours?
Yes — the standard hours for major chain convenience stores (7-Eleven, FamilyMart, Lawson) are 24 hours a day, 365 days a year, including national holidays. Some franchises in lower-traffic areas may have modified hours (particularly late night), and some Japan Post or Ministop locations may close earlier. In cities and tourist areas, however, you can reliably count on konbini being open whenever you need them.
Can I use a foreign credit card at konbini ATMs?
7-Eleven ATMs in Japan are the most reliable for international cards — they accept Visa, Mastercard, Maestro, Cirrus, Plus, and several other networks, with an English-language interface. Japan Post ATMs also work with international cards. Lawson and FamilyMart ATMs are increasingly international-capable, particularly in tourist areas. If one machine declines your card, try a different chain's ATM. Inform your bank of your Japan travel before departure to prevent fraud blocks.
What are the best things to eat at a Japanese convenience store?
The onigiri rice balls (particularly tuna mayo and salmon), steamed nikuman pork buns (in cold months), the respective chains' signature fried chicken pieces (7-Eleven chicken vs. FamilyMart famichiki), and the premium refrigerated desserts at Lawson (Uchi Café line) are consistently excellent. Seasonal limited editions change every few weeks and are worth trying whenever you see them.
How do I pay at a konbini?
Most konbini accept cash, IC transit cards (Suica, Pasmo, Icoca — tap on the reader), major credit/debit cards, and QR code payments (PayPay, Line Pay, etc.). Foreign credit cards are generally accepted. For the fastest checkout, IC card payment is most seamless — no PIN required for purchases under ¥10,000–¥20,000 at most locations.
Can I print documents at a konbini?
Yes. Multifunction printers at major chains support printing from USB drives, SD cards, and smartphone apps (7-Print, FamilyMart Print, Lawson Print). You can print JPEGs, PDFs, and other formats; black-and-white costs around ¥10/page, color ¥50–¥80/page. Some machines also scan to USB or email. This is useful for printing boarding passes, hotel confirmations, or documents that need to be physically presented.