Introduction: More Than Just Snacks and Drinks
Japanese convenience stores, or konbini, are famous for their tasty onigiri, coffee, and seasonal sweets.
But beyond snacks and drinks, they are an essential part of daily life in Japan, offering a wide range of services that can save you time, money, and stress.
Here are seven things you probably didn’t know you could do at your local 7-Eleven, Lawson, or FamilyMart.
Pay Bills and Taxes Without Going to the City Office
Many foreigners are surprised to learn you can pay utility bills, national health insurance premiums, and even taxes at the convenience store counter.
Simply bring the payment slip you received in the mail, hand it to the cashier, and pay in cash or by certain electronic payment methods.
This is especially useful if you don’t have a Japanese bank account yet.
Tip: Some stores allow payment via QR code scanning using apps like PayPay or LINE Pay.
Print Documents, Photos, and More from Multi-Function Machines
Most major convenience stores have high-tech multi-function copy machines.
You can print documents from a USB stick, SD card, or directly from your smartphone using a dedicated app.
These machines can also print passport photos, posters, and even digital stamps.
App to try:
- Netprint (7-Eleven) or PrintSmash (FamilyMart, Lawson) — upload files from your phone and print them in-store.
Reserve Concert, Sports, and Event Tickets at the Kiosk
Inside many konbini, you’ll find touchscreen kiosks like Loppi (Lawson) or FamiPort (FamilyMart).
These allow you to purchase tickets for concerts, sports games, theater performances, theme parks, and even bus tours.
Once you book, you get a slip that you take to the cashier to pay.
Pro tip: Bring your passport number if booking certain events, as some require ID for pickup.
Send and Receive Parcels with Takkyubin Services
Need to send luggage to your hotel or ship souvenirs home?
Convenience stores partner with delivery companies like Yamato Transport and Japan Post to handle shipping.
You can even receive parcels by having them delivered to your nearest konbini for pickup.
Traveler hack: Send your suitcase to the airport a day before your flight — saves you from carrying it on the train.
Free Wi-Fi, Charging Spots, and ATMs for Foreign Cards
Most big chains offer free Wi-Fi — just connect to their SSID and accept the terms.
Some stores also have small seating areas with charging ports.
ATMs in konbini are foreign card–friendly, supporting Visa, Mastercard, and UnionPay.
Tech tip: Download an offline map app (like Google Maps offline mode) while using the free Wi-Fi.
Order Hot Food or Seasonal Items in Advance
You can pre-order hot food like fried chicken buckets (especially during Christmas) or seasonal desserts.
Order forms are usually available at the counter or online via the store’s app.
Example: Lawson’s app lets you order limited-edition sweets and pick them up at a specific store.
Final Tip: Using Apps to Find the Best Nearby Convenience Store
Each chain has its own app that shows store locations, available services, and current promotions.
If you’re traveling, use these apps to find the nearest store with ATMs, Wi-Fi, or a copy machine.
Recommended apps:
- 7-Eleven Japan
- Lawson App
- FamilyMart App
By using konbini for more than just food, you can save time, enjoy special experiences, and make your life in Japan much smoother — whether you’re here for a week or a year.