Are Japanese Convenience Stores Worth The Hype?

In the early stages of my research on Japan, I kept coming across the concept of Japanese convenience stores like 7-11 and was immediately intrigued. I mean, come on, who could resist the idea of ¥300 fresh smoothies and ¥300 onigiri?!

I definitely could not. I was immediately invested in this idea and when I finally got to go to Japan, I budgeted a portion of money and quite a bit of time for this endeavor. I tried just about everything 7-11 has to offer and still managed to spend under $75! From delicious pre-packaged snacks to freshly made goods and machine blended smoothies – I left no stone unturned!

Now, can you rely on convenience store food while in Japan? No, nor should you – especially when there are so many delicious foods to try. However, you should still leave some room in the budget tol try some Japanese convenience store foods.

With that being said, I am thrilled to share my top 5 convenience store gems, along with a few honorable mentions to savor:

5. Rich Chocolate Cake

(Found at 7-11)

Indulging a sweet tooth, especially after a hearty, savory meal, is a delight that shouldn’t be missed, and I have just the recommendation for all of the dessert enthusiasts out there. The chocolate cake, presented in a single package, delivers a swift and satisfying remedy for your sugar cravings, making it a delectable post-meal treat!

To make the experience mess-free, the creators have thoughtfully included a small fork with each cake. This ingenious addition ensures that you can savor this confection while on the move without the risk of sticky fingers, making it the ideal treat to relish on the go. The multiple packs available are bound to see you through your entire journey, unless, of course, your affection for cake knows no bounds.

All this sweet indulgence can be yours for a mere ¥288, equivalent to a wallet-friendly $1.93 USD, making it an irresistible treat that’s kind to both your taste buds and your travel budget.

4. Yaki Gyoza

(Found at Lawsons)

Gyoza has earned a cherished place as one of my all-time favorite Japanese snacks, consistently astonishing me even when sourced from local convenience stores. The moment I laid eyes on those neatly arranged Gyoza packages in the refrigerator section, I couldn’t help but be enticed by their mouthwatering appearance. However, I harbored concerns regarding how well their texture would hold up during the reheating process. To my pleasant surprise, the Gyoza proved to be a revelation, boasting an exquisite soft and chewy texture reminiscent of what you’d expect from a traditional Gyoza restaurant.

Yet, amidst all the appreciation for this delectable treat, there’s a slight drawback – it’s not the most on-the-go-friendly snack. Personally, I found myself wanting to enjoy Gyoza around a cozy table in one of Japan’s many renowned Gyoza restaurants, where the ambiance would undoubtedly elevate the culinary delight.

Nonetheless, when you consider the price point, it’s clear that Gyoza is a worthy contender for the list of must-try convenience store snacks. Its delectable taste and restaurant-quality texture make it a delectable find that might just entice you to sit down and savor the moment amid the bustling streets of Japan.

3. Smoothies

(Found at 7-11)

Traveling in Japan during the Summer can be extremely hot (so I might be biased here), but I could not recommend this delicious treat enough. Although this was a tough find, if you can find this gem you need to try it! Usually found in the frozen section, you can find an assortment of fruit filled cups that within minutes turn into one of the best smoothies you will ever try. All you have to do is purchase your frozen fruit cup, scan and remove the plastic lid, pllace the cup into the smoothie machine, and hit “GO”. Within a minute, you are left with a perfectly blended smoothie that can quench your thirst in seconds. The smoothies come in different flavors like strawberry banana, blueberry, Mango Pineapple, and greens. 

After trying all of the flavors, I can not recommend the strawberry banana smoothie enough. It is such a good treat. This you can get all for about ¥300 or $1.83 USD.

2. Curry Bread

(Found at: 7-11) 

When I initially reached out to some friends who had visited Japan, this recommendation consistently topped the list, and I can tell you for a fact that it lived up to the hype. Curry Bread, also known as Kare Pan, is a delightful savory treat that demands your attention. Crafted from a tender, chewy bread dough, it conceals within its confines a mouthwatering curry that elevates every bite into a taste sensation. If I were to draw a comparison, picture a warm and savory twist on the beloved Boston cream donut. The best part? This delectable indulgence sets you back a mere ¥120, or approximately $0.80 USD, making it an affordable and gratifying midday snack while exploring the wonders of Japan.

1. Onigiri

(Found at Lawson and 7-11)

When it comes to selecting the most exceptional treats from convenience stores across Japan, my criteria boiled down to two crucial factors: convenience and deliciousness. In my perspective, Japan is a country perpetually on the move, where pausing for too long might result in missing out on some hidden gem just around the corner. That’s precisely why onigiri takes the coveted top spot as my number one choice for a convenience store snack.

With Onigiri in hand, you’re equipped to savor a quick and tasty snack while immersing yourself in the dynamic flow of Japanese life, ensuring that you won’t miss out on any of the extraordinary experiences that this country has to offer. You can get all of this for a whopping ¥324 or $2.17 USD. 

While convenience store treasures offer both ease and flavor, Japan’s culinary landscape is a vibrant tapestry replete with world-class restaurants, street food vendors, and charming local eateries. So, consider integrating the delights of convenience stores into your adventure. Be sure to savor the profound diversity of Japan’s culinary culture by exploring the offerings of local restaurants and markets. By doing so, you’ll forge an all-encompassing and unforgettable gastronomic journey through this exceptional country.

Like this post? Pin it!