The combini stores
In Japan, people love everything “benri” (handy), and when traveling, Japanese often think that things are never as “benri” as in Japan. And usually for a good reason, in fact, in Japan, exists what is called “combini”, short fort “convenient store”, that are small shops open 24/7 you can find everywhere and where you can find everything.
Lawson, 7 Eleven, Family Mart, Ministop, etc, it is not too much to say that you could live and find almost everything you need by doing all your shopping in a combini.
Here is a short guide to the combini: how to be able to buy anything you need, less than 10 minutes away from home.
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The combini culture
It is said that in Japan there is a combini for 2 000 inhabitants. They are found literally at every street corner in the major cities, but are also present in smaller cities and rural areas. The combini stores are so widespread that people are surprised when they hear of a place (generally small remote islands) without a combini. |
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The snacking paradise
The original purpose of the combini is selling snacks and food for busy people at every hour of the day or night. If it’s possible to buy sandwiches, salads or fried chicken in the combini, the most representative products are the “bento”, “cup ramen” and other “onigiri” (rice balls). You can also find “Oden”, type of winter Japanese hot pot, or Italian ice creams in summer. |
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The back up planBeside foods, the combini stores sell all kinds of products like band aids, pens, toilet paper, batteries, umbrellas, clothes, some main stream medicines, CDs, etc… It is also possible to buy alcohol and cigarettes, but only in stores that indicate it on their signs with the Japanese "タバコ" or "酒". You can also find small toilet kits that come in handy when you are unable to go back home… |
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Extra services
The combini stores offer many services like bank, postal or transportation services. The trick is to know which brand does what, and that is not an easy task… |
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Services for travelers
* While it is not always easy to find ATM that accept foreign cards, the ATM in the 7 Eleven stores will work with all types of cards. |
Japan by car
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Staying in a Minka
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