7-Eleven, Lawson, FamilyMart & More – What to Buy and How They Differ
Japan’s convenience stores (or “konbini”) are famous around the world. But did you know that not all konbini are the same?
In this guide, we’ll introduce the top convenience store chains in Japan, explain what makes each one special, and highlight popular products you shouldn’t miss.
Whether you’re grabbing a snack, paying bills, or printing tickets—konbini are your best friend.
🟢 1. 7-Eleven Japan (セブンイレブン)
✅ Most popular chain in Japan (over 21,000 stores)
✅ Clean, well-lit, and great food quality
✅ Offers ATM, Wi-Fi, bill payment, ticketing services
🛍️ Must-Try Items:
- Onigiri (rice balls) – Fresh and varied (try grilled salmon or tuna mayo)
- Egg Sandwich – Super fluffy and rich
- Fried Chicken (Nanachiki) – Crispy and juicy
- Premium desserts (e.g. matcha mousse)
- 7-Premium br
- anded snacks – Exclusive high-quality convenience foods
🔵 2. Lawson (ローソン)
✅ Known for sweets, healthy options, and regional goods
✅ Strong branding partnerships (like Pokémon, Ghibli)
✅ Often found near stations and schools
🛍️ Must-Try Items:
- Uchi Café Sweets – Famous dessert line (puddings, roll cakes)
- Karaage-kun – Bite-size fried chicken in different flavors
- Natural Lawson – Health-conscious version with organic and gluten-free items
- Seasonal desserts and baked goods
🟢 3. FamilyMart (ファミリーマート)
✅ Friendly vibe and green branding
✅ Great for quick meals and hot snacks
✅ Found nearly everywhere
🛍️ Must-Try Items:
- Famichiki – The most popular fried chicken at konbini
- Fami Sweets – Delicious and affordable desserts
- Sandwiches and salads – Good balance of freshness and price
- Exclusive anime or pop culture collab goods
🟠 4. Mini Stop (ミニストップ)
✅ Has eat-in areas at many locations
✅ Famous for soft-serve ice cream
✅ Seasonal items like Belgian chocolate parfaits
🛍️ Must-Try Items:
- Soft cream (vanilla, mango, etc.)
- Yakisoba Bento – Hot meals made fresh
- Chilled desserts and parfaits
- Fried potato wedges – A cult favorite
⚪ 5. Daily Yamazaki (デイリーヤマザキ)
✅ More old-school and traditional feel
✅ Focused on fresh baked bread & pastries
✅ Often located in rural or suburban areas
🛍️ Must-Try Items:
- Melon Pan (sweet bun)
- Curry bread (kare-pan)
- Handmade sandwiches and buns
- In-store bakery at many branches
📊 Comparison Table: Japan’s Main Konbini Chains
| Chain Name | Best Known For | Hot Snacks | Sweets/Desserts | Bakery | ATM / Wi-Fi | Found In | Official Website |
|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|
| 7-Eleven | Food quality & cleanliness | ✅ Yes (Nanachiki) | ✅ Yes (Premium desserts) | ❌ Limited | ✅ Yes | Everywhere | sej.co.jp |
| Lawson | Sweets & seasonal goods | ✅ Yes (Karaage-kun) | ✅ Yes (Uchi Café) | ❌ No | ✅ Yes | Urban areas | lawson.jp |
| FamilyMart | Fried chicken & collabs | ✅ Yes (Famichiki) | ✅ Yes (Fami Sweets) | ❌ No | ✅ Yes | Everywhere | family.co.jp |
| Mini Stop | Eat-in & soft serve | ✅ Yes | ✅ Yes (Parfaits) | ❌ No | ❌ Limited | Suburban | ministop.co.jp |
| Daily Yamazaki | Bakery items & rural areas | ✅ Yes (limited) | ❌ Minimal | ✅ Yes | ❌ Limited | Rural | daily-yamazaki.jp |
💡 Bonus Tips for Using Konbini in Japan
・Most konbini are open 24/7
・You can pay using cash, IC cards (Suica, PASMO), or credit card
👇Click here for a detailed guide to IC cards in Japan!👇
https://eitaroblog.com/japan-ic-card-guide/
・Many offer Wi-Fi, ATM access, and even event ticketing
・Some allow you to ship luggage or packages
✨ Final Thoughts
Japanese convenience stores are more than just places to buy snacks—they’re part of everyday life.
Each chain has its own strengths, so don’t hesitate to explore multiple konbini during your trip.
Looking for a fast breakfast? Need Wi-Fi? Craving ice cream at midnight?
Your local konbini has you covered.
For a deeper dive into what surprises foreigners about Japanese convenience stores, check out this article:
👉 https://eitaroblog.com/japanese-convenience-stores/
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