I’ve fallen in love, and his name is Lawson.
Ever wake up at 3:27 a.m. groggy, irritable, and starving? Don’t have any food in your mini fridge, and don’t want to cook while people are sleeping? Japan has the solution and it’s typically a block or less away from you in literally any direction. I’m talking about Japanese convenience stores, or konbini (コンビニ).
Think of an American gas station like Holiday or Super America. Sure, they’ve got a wide selection of soda, candy, a few types of other foods, and the typical assortment of magazines and chewing gum. Now, do away with the gas (because greenhouse gasses are bad) and amplify the selection of delicious, grocery store quality food by 1000x. That’s what konbini feel like. Open 24 hours a day, the konbini of Japan are more convenient than any grocery store–especially if you don’t have a lot of time on your hands for multiple train stops. There are a bunch of different stores also; Lawson, 7/11, Circle K, Family Mart, etc., and they’re all equally are great in my opinion. You can buy all the typical gas station food stuffs as well as a selection of office supplies, hygienics, cooking seasons, alcohol (I’m talking full wine bottles!), bread, dairy products, and more! The pre-made meals offered at konbini go far beyond a flimsy sandwich or breakfast wrap that you have to warm up yourself. They’ve got full, to-go meals that you can eat right out of the package, a huge assortment of riceballs and sushi rolls, and the greatest gift to humankind, nikuman.
And if you’ve already spent all of your money on nikuman, just slid over to the ATM where, typically, you can use your international bank card to get some sweet sweet yen for more stuff, or to pay your rent. You know, which ever if more important. So, next time your driving to the grocery store, heaving a million heavy bags of groceries into your car and going all the way back home, just dream about konbini. It’s pretty greats to just walk down the street for a few things and be able to carry what you need back home in one bag.
Also, I must note, that the Japanese candy selection is pretty darn fascinating so my friends and family back home better anticipate a box full of sugary treats in the future.
A Little Slack in Japan 