Eating Up Japan
Why I Can’t Stay Away from 7–Eleven, Lawson, and Family Mart
Japanese convenience store snacks keep me going back for more
In the US, 7–Eleven offers slushies and sad-looking chicken, but in Japan, convenience stores have just about everything you could want. — Becky Saunders, Fodors.com
The Japanese convenience store (Konbini) has gained popularity in recent years and even notoriety as a destination not to be missed for tourists visiting Japan.
There are many good reasons for this.
They are ubiquitous and available. In large cities like Tokyo, there seems to be a convenience store on every block. Maybe several. They are in hotel basements. Adjacent to subway stations. On the ground floors of business buildings. And many are open 24/7.
They stock good quality items, including food and snacks, seasonal and regional specialties, that people desire or need at a reasonable price. Is it raining out? Forget your umbrella? Pop into the nearest Konbini and get one for a great price. The staff has already anticipated the demand and located umbrellas near the entrance. And it isn’t going to break the first (or second, or third) time you use it.
