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PikaMyu RYO
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How to Use Japanese Convenience Stores (Konbini): Easy English Guide for Foreign Residents & Travelers
PikaMyu RYO
Japanese convenience stores—called konbini—are amazingly useful, clean, and safe. You can buy food, drinks, daily items, tickets, and even pay bills all in one place.
This guide explains how to use konbini easily, safely, and politely—even if it’s your first time in Japan.
Contents
What You Can Do at a Konbini
Food & Drinks
Konbini have a wide range of ready-to-eat items:
- bento boxes, onigiri, sandwiches, bread, sweets, snacks, etc.
- hot foods like fried chicken or oden (seasonal)
- various drinks including tea, coffee, soft drinks, energy drinks, etc.
Services
- ATM
- Copy/print machine
- Wi-Fi (in some stores)
- Bill payment
- Parcel pickup
- Ticket purchases (concerts, events, etc.)
- Toilets (available in many stores)
Payment Methods
You can pay by:
- Cash
- Credit/debit card
- Suica, Pasmo, and other IC cards
- QR code payments (depending on store)
ATM note:
ATMs at konbini are generally safe, but use basic precautions like covering your PIN and avoiding using ATMs if someone is standing too close.
Useful Staff Phrases
Konbini staff may ask:
- “Atatamemasu ka?”（あたためますか？）
Would you like it heated? - “Fukuro wa irimasu ka?”（袋はいりますか？）
Do you need a plastic bag?
You can answer:
- “Hai”: Yes
- “Daijoubu desu” / “Iie”: No
Handy Japanese Phrases (With Romaji)
| English | Japanese |
|---|---|
| Can you heat this? | atatamete kudasai（あたためてください） |
| No plastic bag, please | fukuro wa irimasen（袋はいりません） |
| Do you have a spoon/chopsticks? | spoon / ohashi arimasu ka?（スプーン / おはし ありますか？） |
| What time do you close? | nanji ni shimarimasu ka?（何時に閉まりますか？） |
| May I use the restroom? | toire ii desu ka?（トイレ いいですか？） |
| Thank you | arigatou（ありがとう） |
| Excuse me / Sorry | sumimasen（すみません） |
💡 Tip:
Some stores require you to say “Sumimasen, toire ii desu ka?” to use the restroom. It’s polite to ask before entering.
Konbini Manners (Important but Friendly!)
Many Japanese people appreciate good manners in compact spaces like konbini.
Here are gentle guidelines that help everyone enjoy their visit:
1) Keep the aisles clear
Konbini aisles are narrow.
If you have a big backpack, take it off your shoulders to avoid bumping into shelves. It gives a very good impression.
2) Don’t open items before paying
You can eat outside after purchasing, but never eat inside the store unless the shop has a dedicated eat-in space.
3) Queue properly
Lines can be long during rush hours.
Stand behind the line marker and wait patiently.
4) Handle trash properly
Many konbini have small trash bins—please use them correctly and don’t leave trash outside.
5) Avoid speaking loudly inside
Talking on the phone or speaking too loudly can make others uncomfortable. Quiet voices are appreciated.
When Store Hours Are Shorter
Most big cities have 24-hour konbini, but:
- Tourist spots
- Mountainside areas
- Countryside towns
may have shorter hours.
Before going far to find a konbini, ask someone:
“Kono konbini wa nanji made desu ka?”（このコンビニは何時までですか？）
What time does this convenience store close?”
This will save you a lot of trouble!
Helpful Links
The official English website of a major convenience store is below.
Final Tips
Konbini are one of the easiest and safest places for travelers to use in Japan.
As long as you follow basic manners and stay aware of store rules, you’ll have a smooth and pleasant experience.
Enjoy exploring Japanese konbini—they’re small, but full of surprises!
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横浜（よこはま）出身（しゅっしん）の日本人（にほんじん）です。25の国（くに）と地域（ちいき）の言葉（ことば）を勉強（べんきょう）しています。台湾（たいわん）で日本語（にほんご）を教（おし）えるための勉強（べんきょう）をしたことがあります。日本（にほん）で役（やく）に立（た）つ情報（じょうほう）を書（か）いていきます。時々（ときどき）見（み）に来（き）てくださいね♪