{"id":18829,"date":"2023-09-10T18:45:00","date_gmt":"2023-09-10T09:45:00","guid":{"rendered":"https:\/\/blog.villagehouse.jp\/?p=18829"},"modified":"2025-06-29T12:29:37","modified_gmt":"2025-06-29T03:29:37","slug":"top-5-things-you-can-do-at-a-japanese-convenience-store-that-you-might-not-have-known-about","status":"publish","type":"post","link":"https:\/\/blog.villagehouse.jp\/en\/japanese-apartment-life\/top-5-things-you-can-do-at-a-japanese-convenience-store-that-you-might-not-have-known-about\/","title":{"rendered":"Top 5 Things You Can Do At A Japanese Convenience Store That You Might Not Have Known About\u00a0"},"content":{"rendered":"\n

Convenience stores, or konbiniensu sutoa <\/em>in Japanese are ubiquitous in the country as trees are in a forest. Though there are no definitive records as to when the first convenience store popped up, many point to the year 1974, which is when the first 7-Eleven opened in Japan.  <\/p>\n\n\n\n

As of 2021, there were over 56,000 convenience stores operating in Japan, and they make up an integral part of the country\u2019s retail sector. Statista.com found that revenues generated from convenience stores make up around 8% of Japan\u2019s total retail sales. <\/p>\n\n\n\n

Perhaps unsurprising to some, 7-Eleven is currently Japan\u2019s leading convenience store operator with approximately 21,327 locations across the country\u2019s 47 prefectures. Coming in second place is Family Mart with 16,513 stores and Lawson at third place with 14,631 stores. <\/p>\n\n\n

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Popularity of Convenience Stores<\/strong> <\/h2>\n\n\n\n

Colloquially known as konbinis<\/em> in Japan, convenience stores are an integral part of Japanese society and life, to the point where visiting one is the highlight of many tourists\u2019 experiences when visiting the country. Why are they so popular? Well, convenience stores provide round-the-clock access to a myriad of goods and services, which help sustain the country\u2019s citizens and residents\u2019 busy and hectic schedules.  <\/p>\n\n\n\n

Convenience stores in Japan also take the idea of \u201cconvenience\u201d to the next level, providing, along with the ability to purchase everyday groceries, toiletries, and goods, a wide variety of services, which will be discussed in this article. <\/p>\n\n\n\n

If you\u2019re looking for a hassle-free, budget-friendly apartment to move into, check out Village House<\/a>, which provides tenants with move-in support and cashback of up to \u00a530,000 (terms and conditions apply). <\/p>\n\n\n\n

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Printing Photos<\/strong> <\/h2>\n\n\n
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Many convenience stores in Japan come installed with an all-in-one printer, scanner, and copier so if you\u2019re looking to save some cash (and some space in your apartment!), simply take all your printing, scanning, and copying needs down to your nearest konbini<\/em>.  <\/p>\n\n\n\n

One neat feature of these all-in-one machines is the ability to print photos, especially passport photos. https:\/\/pic-chan.net<\/a> is an online photo service that allows you to take a photo on your phone and print it out at your closest convenience store for a mere \u00a5200. <\/p>\n\n\n\n

You can also download and use the PrintSmash app, which then can be used in conjunction with photo printers at Japanese convenience stores. Files are sent via Wi-Fi, which the convenience store also provides for free; and it costs around \u00a530 for a standard-size photo. <\/p>\n\n\n\n

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Sending Mail<\/strong> <\/h2>\n\n\n
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If you\u2019re in need of a stamp (kitte<\/em> in Japanese), you can buy them at convenience stores, along with some other postage paraphernalia like envelopes. However, some Japanese convenience stores go above and beyond this simple service by allowing customers to send mail from their stores.  <\/p>\n\n\n\n

What delivery service you need will depend on what convenience stores are nearby you as not all konbinis<\/em> offer a package delivery service, and if they do, it may not be the one you want or need.  <\/p>\n\n\n\n

In general, 7-Eleven and Family Mart offer Yamato Transport\u2019s TA-Q-BIN package delivery service while Lawson and MINISTOP offer Japan Post\u2019s Yu-Pack package delivery service. <\/p>\n\n\n\n

Navitime\u2019s Japan Travel states that common package delivery services at Japanese convenience stores include: <\/p>\n\n\n\n

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