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What to Buy at a Japanese 7-Eleven Convenience Store

What to Buy at a Japanese 7-Eleven Convenience Store

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When thinking back on favorite experiences in a country, sometimes it’s not the big attractions that stand out in your memory so much as the unusual quirks. Which bring me to the wonderland of the Japanese 7-Eleven, one of the more memorable stops in Japan.

And it’s not just me who is obsessed with Japanese 7-Elevens– ask any traveler and they will often wax poetic about their favorite things from a Japanese 7-Eleven. While 7-Elevens are the gold standard in Japanese convenience stores, you really can’t go wrong with any convenience store– the chain Lawsons also has its fans.

So what makes a Japanese 7-Eleven so fun?

japan 7-11 7 eleven seven convenience store

Not only are Japansese 7-Eleven covenience stores fun to shop, they are essential for the American tourist– unlike elsewhere, the ATM machines here always seem to work for US cards.

Hot Food Selection at a Japanese 7-Eleven

Whereas a US 7-eleven has questionable hot dogs and stale coffee, at a Japanese 7-11 the fresh food actually looks fresh– and tempting.

The elaborate fresh food selection at a 7-Eleven in Japan.

The elaborate fresh food selection at a 7-Eleven in Japan.

Refrigerated Prepped Takeout Food

Mostly we grab pre-packaged food like these or onigiri stuffed rice balls which are a deal at around 60 cents. I was thrilled to see an onigiri shop open in my NYC neighborhood– until I saw they were charging $3.50 a pop.

Onigiri stuffed rice balls are a favorite snack japan

Onigiri stuffed rice balls come in many different flavors– but it can be hard to tell what you are buying unless you can read Japanese.

Other takeout food to consider: fresh and tasty sushi, soba noodles and other treats.

Soy and other Japanese Sauces

Whereas my 7-Eleven might have one dusty Kikkoman soy sauce, the Japanese 7-Eleven had several shelves worth of soy sauces to choose from.

Japanese Candy

Japan is famous for its fun, crazy and delicious candy. I’ll explore all the favorite Japanese candy in a future post, but just be aware that the Japanese 7-Eleven candy aisle puts the US one to shame. If you;re overwhelmed by the selection, you can’t go wrong with Japanese flavored KitKats.

melty kiss japanese candy

Melty Kiss is a popular Japanese candy favorite.

crunky japanese candy

Crunky came highly recommended.

Japanese Potato Chips

I devoured a bag of Japanese potato chips in one evening if that tells you anything.

Totally addictive. Especially the first ones in the second row. I went through an entire bag of these in one night.

Japanese Drinks

Japanese drinks are fun to taste test– often you’ll have no idea what something actually is until you try it. But fortunately most of what I tried was pretty tasty. Like in the US, energy drinks are very popular.

Cup o Noodles and Ramen Soup

You may have fond (or not so fond) memories of Cup o Noodles and packaged ramen soup from your college dorm days. I promise you haven’t seen anything like the entire aisle filled with soup and noodle selections.

Not sure what this is? But I definitely wanted to try it.

Japanese Sandwiches in a Hotdog Bun

Apparently in Japan, anything can go into a hotdog bun and make a tasty sandwich– whipped cream, noodles, actual hot dogs (at room temperature). While I did not try any of the sammies, they were fun to browse.

I took a pass at these packaged Japanese hot dogs.

Fun accessories

Why not pick up a tote bag with some charming engrish.

Toy Sets

How cute are these little packaged toy sets.

Surgical Face Masks

You’ve seen the photos of Japanese wearing face masks, especially while on subways and in the crowded city streets. Unsurprisingly, the Japanese 7-Eleven stocks a full selection of face masks.

Have you been to a Japanese 7-Eleven? Tell us about your favorite finds!

Disclosure: my visit to the Kanto region of Japan was hosted by JTB, however I can assure you that my 7-Eleven shopping picks are entirely my own.

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Friday 26th of March 2021

Do they have gluten free food?

Kristin Francis

Thursday 15th of April 2021

Not sure-- I suspect many things are rice based and gluten free anyway. Not a lot of breads and wheat in Japan.

Anna D

Friday 26th of October 2018

I went to Japan 3 years ago and didn’t know about any of this. I thought the pastries were really good and that was it! Going back next year and I’m so excited!!

Kristin Francis

Thursday 15th of April 2021

Hi Anna, hope you had an amazing trip!

John

Tuesday 15th of August 2017

The 7/11 branded savory rice snacks with fried salmons skins are to die for!!!

Kristin Francis

Tuesday 24th of October 2017

Ah good to know, I'll look for them next time!!

Ray Laskowitz

Saturday 28th of January 2017

Just so you know, most 7-11s have regional things. In the south you can buy all things south. When I lived in Hong Kong 7-11s had all things Chinese incudling one store that was owned and managed by Buddhist monks.

Kristin Francis

Thursday 16th of February 2017

Ray, I did mot know that! That's fascinating!! Thanks so much for the tips :)

Shepard C Willner

Friday 27th of January 2017

As I stated in another post, I haven't been to Japan yet, but it's on my bucket list for post-retirement travel. I hope you're able to eat some of the stuff you buy before taking it home, especially sandwiches filled with meat or cheese, which you know can't be taken through Customs.