Conbini
Japanese Conbini are convenience stores spread all over Japan and particularly loved by the Japanese. In every corner of the city, village and railway station, Conbini offer a wide variety of products and services at all hours of the day and night.
The word Conbini is the Japanese transliteration of the English word convenience. Conbini are very convenient for anyone who needs to buy or do something at any time of the day. Open 24 hours a day, 7 days a week, Conbini offer a wide assortment of products, such as food, soft drinks, cigarettes, newspapers, books, household products and more.
Conbini are extremely popular in Japan because they offer efficient service and consistent quality. In addition, they are also used as a convenient place to meet friends, make small purchases or even eat. Many people prefer to eat take-away food bought in Conbini rather than going to expensive restaurants.
But Conbini do not just sell food for immediate consumption. They can also offer healthy and tasty food for a quick lunch or dinner, such as salads, soups, bento, sushi and much more. Many of the foods sold in Conbini are prepared fresh daily, which means that the dining experience is often good and not at all expensive.
Ninosan, CC BY-SA 3.0, via Wikimedia Commons
Conbini also become a meeting place for people who want to pay utility bills or rent. They can also book tickets for concerts, sporting events or even train journeys. These payment and ticket booking services are convenient for anyone, especially foreigners and tourists who find it difficult to manage their money in Japan.
Conbini are not only a convenience, but also an essential help to the local community, as they often provide a free delivery service of basic necessities to people with disabilities, the elderly or those with special needs.
In addition, the Conbini are also famous for their variety of alcoholic beverages and snacks. Drinks are available in many options, including beer, sake, shochu and many more. Conbini also offer sweet and savoury snacks, a real selection that goes far beyond the typical chips and chocolate. The Japanese love to experiment with new flavours and the small portions offered in Conbini are ideal for sampling everything without having to deal with large quantities of unfamiliar food.
Another service offered by Conbini are ATM withdrawal and deposit services. Since Japanese post offices have limited opening hours and rather long queues, the possibility of incorporating ATM withdrawal and deposit services into Conbini’s working hours offers many people a much more convenient service than the traditional post office.