Date published: 10 September 2023
Almost every foreign tourist I know who has visited Japan has, without a doubt, made a stop at a convenience store. The 24-hour availability and vast product range often leave many in awe. So, what are those irresistible items they find themselves purchasing again and again?
This time, we spoke with an American woman in her 20s living in Japan about her “highly-praised, must-buy items” from Japanese convenience stores. Just what has she rated so highly?
(Note: The following is based on the experiences and opinions of the interviewees.)
A Staple of Convenience Stores: “Onigiri” (Rice Ball)!
“The first thing I buy at a convenience store? Without a doubt, it’s onigiri! They’re truly delicious, and we don’t have them in America. Plus, they’re affordable. I always keep an eye out for the 100 yen sales (laughs).”
While it might seem like a typical response from a Japanese person to gravitate towards onigiri, it’s fascinating to see that our American interviewee also holds them in high regard. The fact that they’re not available in America, combined with their undeniable tastiness, makes them all the more appealing. It’s heartwarming to see how Japanese food culture has made an impression. By the way, her favorite filling? Tuna mayo!
A Perfect Companion for the Journey Home: Hot Snacks by the Register – “Karaage” (Fried Chicken)!
“I just can’t resist the karaage when it’s right next to the register. There’s a world of difference between American fried chicken and karaage. I feel like the Japanese karaage isn’t as greasy, so I’ve started to prefer it lately. I usually munch on it as I head home, and by the time I arrive, it’s all gone.”
When you’re about to check out, those tempting convenience store hot snacks by the counter can be hard to resist, and among them, karaage seems to be a top favorite.
Even though both are chicken, there’s something unique about the Japanese “karaage” compared to typical fried chicken. The bite-sized convenience, the variety of flavors, and the fact that you can eat it on the go all make it an attractive purchase.
Not Just Water, But This! Japanese “Health Drinks”
“When I buy a drink, I often opt for teas that claim to suppress fat absorption or boost fat burning. Once I started, I just couldn’t stop. You won’t find tea of such high quality anywhere else! I’m a bit conscious about my figure, and while I’m unsure about the actual effects, it’s more about the feeling it gives me.”
When it comes to beverages, she leans towards health drinks, particularly teas. The idea that if you’re going to drink something, it might as well have some health benefits is a clear reflection of her health-conscious mindset.
She mentioned that in the US, buying and consuming tea wasn’t as frequent. However, in Japan, with the wide availability of teas – especially those with specific health claims – she’s become quite enamored.
Unexpectedly Sophisticated! Japan’s Traditional Snack, “Imo Kenpi”
“One of the most delicious Japanese snacks I’ve ever had. If I see it in a convenience store, I’m definitely buying it! I’ve occasionally seen it in places selling Asian ingredients in the U.S., but it’s not that common. I truly love it – once I start eating, I just can’t stop… (laughs)”
It’s quite a unique choice, but Imo Kenpi seems to be her favorite convenience store snack. Its perfectly balanced sweet and salty flavor keeps her coming back for more, making it a frequent purchase.
Affordable and Delicious! ‘Convenience Store Coffee’
“When it comes to something uniquely Japanese, convenience store coffee takes the crown. It’s so reasonably priced, yet the quality is top-notch and truly delicious. It’s not just the coffee – they offer lattes, sherbet-like frappes, and more. Why go to an expensive cafe when you can get a delicious drink right at the convenience store?”
The coffee, which is uniquely developed for many convenience stores, is becoming as noteworthy as hot snacks, if not more so. In America, you can’t find this kind of quality coffee at a convenience store, making it a special feature exclusive to Japanese convenience stores.
Japanese Convenience Stores: A Trove of High-Quality Delicious Finds
She believes that the quality of everything is fundamentally different between Japanese and American convenience stores. In America, she seldom finds anything tasty or worth buying at convenience stores, but in Japan, she frequently uses them due to their sheer convenience.
“In Japanese convenience stores, there’s a wide variety of alcohol, which is great. In the U.S., the rules regarding alcohol can be strict, and it varies by state. There are even places where it’s against the law to have an opened bottle of alcohol in a car. While I don’t often drink at home, before going out for drinks in Japan, I might buy turmeric drinks (a popular hangover preventative in Japan),” she said, showcasing her embrace of Japanese customs.
Not only in terms of products but also in the services they provide, Japanese convenience stores have undergone significant evolution. It wouldn’t be an exaggeration to call them another facet of Japanese culture. When travel opens up again, we hope many foreign tourists will get to experience them firsthand.
*Note: This article is a re-edited and republished version of an original article from early 2019.
Written by:
*This information is from the time of this article’s publication.
*Prices and options mentioned are subject to change.
*Unless stated otherwise, all prices include tax.
Discussion about this post