Wondering where to find tasty food for breakfast, lunch, or dinner in Japan? Convenience stores have you covered!
They offer delicious, affordable food perfect for any time of day, whether you’re craving a quick breakfast sandwich, satisfying lunch bento, or hearty dinner ramen.
Here are 10 convenience-store foods I personally enjoyed, along with prices (tax included) and tips to help you find your own favorites during your trip! 😊
1. Sandwiches
a. Fruit Sandwich
Fruit Sandwiches from Japan’s convenience stores make a delicious breakfast you’ll love.
At FamilyMart, you’ll find soft white bread filled with juicy yellow peach, pineapple, and mandarin orange, paired with creamy mascarpone whipped cream for a mild cheesecake flavor (¥375 or about $2.60).
Lawson’s sandwich offers fresh slices of kiwi, pineapple, and peach, combined with light whipped cream that’s sweet and refreshing (¥408 or roughly $2.80).
7-Eleven’s version usually has strawberries paired with fluffy whipped cream, creating a sandwich that’s soft, creamy, and feels like enjoying cake on the go (¥454 or around $3.20).
It’s the ideal quick and satisfying breakfast, sweet, fruity, and just enough to brighten your morning!
b. Egg Sandwich
Egg sandwiches make a perfect quick breakfast you’ll definitely want to try.
At FamilyMart, you’ll find soft white bread generously filled with creamy egg salad that’s mildly sweet and savory, offering a rich egg flavor (¥286 or about $2).
Lawson’s sandwich features smooth, creamy egg salad layered between fluffy slices of bread, great for an easy morning meal or snack (¥279 or roughly $1.90).
7-Eleven keeps things simple with boiled eggs seasoned lightly with mayonnaise, salt, and pepper, giving you the natural taste of eggs in every bite (¥248.40 or about $1.70).
It’s the ideal breakfast to grab on your way out, especially if you have a busy day of sightseeing ahead.
c. Chicken Cutlet Sandwich
If you’re craving something hearty and savory, the Chicken Cutlet Sandwich from 7-Eleven is a tasty pick.
Imagine biting into soft white bread packed with a crispy fried chicken fillet coated in sweet, tangy tonkatsu sauce.
A bit of crunchy shredded cabbage and creamy mayo round out the flavors and textures perfectly.
At about ¥410 (roughly $2.90), it’s an affordable and filling meal, ideal when you’re hungry in the morning or need something quick during your travels.
You can also easily find similar delicious sandwiches at other convenience stores like FamilyMart and Lawson!
d. Pork Cutlet Sandwich
If you’re looking for a satisfying meal that’s quick yet delicious, Lawson’s Pork Cutlet Sandwich is a great choice.
This sandwich features a thick pork cutlet that’s perfectly crispy on the outside and tender on the inside.
Paired with soft, fluffy bread that soaks up a flavorful sweet and savory sauce from Maisen, each bite feels indulgent.
The crunchy cabbage adds a refreshing balance, making it ideal for breakfast or lunch when you’re exploring Japan.
At ¥495 (about $3.40), it’s a tasty and affordable way to experience one of Japan’s beloved comfort foods.
I’ve personally tried this sandwich, and it’s really delicious. Definitely one you shouldn’t miss during your trip!
2. Nissin Cup Noodles
Nissin Cup Noodles is one of those tasty treats you just can’t miss when exploring convenience store meals in Japan.
It’s instant ramen noodles served in a handy cup. Just add hot water, wait three minutes, and you’re all set!
The noodles are thin and curly, soft but slightly chewy, soaking up the flavorful broth nicely.
You’ll find plenty of delicious flavors like Seafood, Curry, Original, and even Chili Tomato.
It’s super affordable too, usually around ¥255 (about $1.80) for a regular cup and ¥300 (about $2.10) for a bigger size.
It’s perfect for breakfast, a quick lunch, or an easy dinner after exploring all day.
Personally, I really enjoy Seafood and Curry. Seafood has a creamy, rich taste that’s super satisfying.
Curry is mildly spicy, giving just the right kick and making it really delicious.
3. Fried Chicken
Fried chicken from convenience stores in Japan is an absolute must-try! Each store offers its own tasty version.
It’s the perfect bite whether you need breakfast, lunch, or dinner on the go.
a. Fami-Chiki (FamilyMart)
FamilyMart’s Fami-Chiki has a crispy coating and juicy, tender meat that’s boneless and easy to eat while on the move (¥240 or about $1.70).
b. L Fried Chicken (Lawson)
Lawson’s L-Chiki is deliciously seasoned with a crunchy outer layer and juicy interior.
You can choose between Regular or Hot flavor if you prefer some heat (Regular: ¥248 or roughly $1.70, Hot: ¥259 or about $1.80).
c. Fried Chicken (7-Eleven)
7-Eleven serves Japanese-style fried chicken with simple, lightly salted seasoning, crispy outside, and juicy meat inside (¥240.84 or roughly $1.60).
4. Fried Chicken Bites
Fried Chicken Bites are perfect if you’re craving something quick, tasty, and easy to eat on the go.
a. Karaage-kun (Lawson)
Lawson offers Karaage-kun, a box of five bite-sized chicken pieces with a juicy interior and a crispy, light coating that’s not greasy.
You can pick from several flavors like Regular, spicy Red, mild Cheese, refreshing Lemon, and even special limited editions such as Mustard Mayo.
Personally, I tried the Regular flavor, and the simple chicken taste really hit the spot (¥259 or roughly $1.80 per box, special Mustard Mayo ¥278 or about $1.90).
b. Fried Chicken (7-Eleven)
At 7-Eleven, you’ll find delicious fried chicken bites too.
They offer packs of five pieces, with options like soy sauce-seasoned thigh meat or ginger-flavored breast meat, both tender, juicy, and satisfying (¥302.40 or roughly $2.10 per pack).
5. Nissin Mouko Tanmen Nakamoto Spicy Ramen
Nissin Mouko Tanmen Nakamoto Spicy Ramen from 7-Eleven lets you enjoy a popular Tokyo ramen shop’s specialty right from an instant cup.
Inside, you’ll find thick, chewy noodles in a rich miso broth flavored perfectly with garlic and a satisfying spicy kick that’s tasty without being too intense.
Generous amounts of tofu cubes, cabbage, mushrooms, and special garlic chili oil make it hearty enough to fill you up for breakfast, lunch, or dinner.
Personally, I love how the spice level adds excitement to each bite, but if you’re sensitive to heat, keep a cold drink nearby.
You can grab this flavorful meal for about ¥260 (around $1.80).
6. Bento Sets
Bento sets from convenience stores are great if you’re looking for a quick and tasty meal on the go.
You’ll find choices like Makunouchi Bento (rice with grilled fish, egg, and veggies), Nori Bento (rice topped with seaweed and crispy fried fish), and Roast Katsu Bento (crispy pork cutlet with sauce and rice).
There’s also Chicken Karaage Bento and Salmon Bento. Below are some bento meals I’ve tried myself and found very delicious.
a. Pork Cutlet Curry Rice (FamilyMart)
FamilyMart has a tasty set with pork cutlet slices served alongside Japanese curry sauce and rice.
The pork is tender and juicy inside, with a lightly crispy coating that stays nice even after reheating.
The thick curry sauce blends smoothly with the soft rice, giving a satisfying bite each time.
It’s medium spicy, noticeable but gentle enough for everyone (¥598, roughly $4.10).
b. Thick Pork Cutlet & Fried Chicken Bento (Lawson)
Lawson offers a bento featuring crispy pork cutlet plus crunchy fried chicken marinated in soy sauce, garlic, and ginger.
Fresh shredded cabbage helps balance out the hearty meats, and the sweet-savory sauce makes everything taste even better.
The generous portion of rice and meats is filling and satisfying (¥697, about $4.80).
c. Deep Fried Chicken Bento (7-Eleven)
For chicken lovers, 7-Eleven’s deep fried chicken bento is another tasty and budget-friendly choice (¥591.84, about $4.03).
7. Pizza Bun
FamilyMart’s Pizza Bun is like enjoying a mini pizza wrapped in a soft, fluffy steamed bun.
With each bite, you get flavorful tomato sauce and melted mozzarella cheese, all tucked into dough that’s tender and slightly chewy.
It’s a tasty, filling snack that’s perfect for any meal on the go, and at just ¥168 (around $1.20), it’s easy on your wallet too.
I personally enjoy this bun because the flavors are well balanced and never overwhelming, making it a satisfying choice on the go.
8. Ippeichan Yakisoba Noodles
Ippeichan Yakisoba Noodles are a delicious quick meal you’ll definitely enjoy from convenience stores.
This instant noodle cup has chewy yakisoba noodles covered in a savory sauce with a slight sweetness that’s incredibly satisfying.
It comes with a tangy and slightly spicy mustard mayo packet, so you can easily adjust the spice to your liking.
You’ll also find bits of cabbage and pork mixed in, along with crunchy seaweed flakes and ginger pieces for extra flavor and texture.
It’s super easy to prepare: just add hot water, wait three minutes, drain, then mix everything together.
Ippeichan is a local favorite, and you can conveniently find it in FamilyMart, Lawson, and 7-Eleven stores. It typically costs around ¥292 (roughly $2).
9. Onigiri
Onigiri is a tasty Japanese rice ball snack that’s perfect for breakfast, especially when you need something quick and satisfying to start your day.
It’s fluffy, lightly salted rice shaped into a triangle or oval, usually wrapped with seaweed and filled with delicious ingredients.
Popular fillings include creamy Tuna Mayonnaise, flavorful Grilled Salmon, Salmon Mayo, and savory Teriyaki Chicken.
If you’re looking for something unique, try Grilled Onigiri. These rice balls have a toasted outer layer brushed with soy sauce, giving them a slightly smoky taste.
I personally tried the Tuna Mayonnaise Onigiri (¥158 or around $1.10).
It was delicious, with the creamy tuna mayo blending perfectly with the soft rice and flavorful seaweed.
10. Sushi Sets
Sushi sets from convenience stores are the perfect meals for lunch or dinner if you’re craving fresh sushi without waiting in line.
These ready-to-eat packs usually come with favorites like creamy tuna rolls, buttery salmon sushi, and tender shrimp.
You’ll enjoy a nice mix of textures like soft, crunchy, and chewy, all in one box.
I personally grabbed the Tuna & Salmon Sushi Set from FamilyMart for ¥528 (around $3.70). It was fresh, tasty, and just right for a quick meal between sightseeing.
If you’re exploring Japan and want a tasty, affordable sushi experience, convenience store sushi sets are a must-try!
Good Pick #1: Ippudo Akamaru Shinaji Hakata Tonkotsu
If you’re a ramen fan, you’ll definitely want to try the Ippudo Akamaru Shinaji Hakata Tonkotsu instant ramen cup (¥354, roughly $2.40).
It comes with thin, chewy noodles in a creamy, flavorful pork broth that’s incredibly satisfying.
There’s also a tender pork slice, crunchy wood-ear mushrooms, green onions, and a hint of aromatic garlic oil.
The best part is the red miso paste you mix in, which adds a gentle kick and extra depth of flavor, making it taste surprisingly close to ramen you’d find at a restaurant.
It’s perfect for a quick, hearty meal when you’re on the go. I personally loved how authentic it felt!
Good Pick #2: Nissin Curry Meshi
If you’re craving something warm, tasty, and quick, Nissin Curry Meshi is a perfect pick for a meal on the go.
You can easily find it at convenience stores like FamilyMart, Lawson, and 7-Eleven.
It’s basically instant curry rice in a cup. Just pour in hot water, wait 5 minutes, and you’ve got yourself a hearty snack or meal.
The flavor is mild and savory, with tasty bits of beef and onions mixed in a rich, buttery curry sauce that’s not overly spicy.
I love the soft, creamy texture because the rice really soaks up that thick curry, giving it a stew-like comfort that’s super satisfying.
It’s pretty balanced nutritionally too, packing in protein, vitamins, and fiber, making it healthier than a lot of other instant meals out there.
At around ¥429 (about $3), it’s a delicious, affordable way to enjoy the real taste of Japanese curry without the fuss.
Good Pick #3: Yakitori
Yakitori is one of the tastiest snacks you’ll find at FamilyMart, perfect for a quick, light meal. It’s basically grilled chicken skewers, and ordering is easy.
You just pick your favorite flavor by saying “tare” (soy sauce) or “shio” (salt).
My personal favorite is the juicy chicken thigh with soy sauce, grilled just right to give it a smoky, sweet-and-salty flavor.
If you prefer something crispy, their chicken skin yakitori is rich and savory, while the salt-seasoned option has a nice, lighter crunch.
Each skewer costs around ¥150 to ¥158 (about $1), making it an affordable and delicious choice anytime you’re hungry.
Good Pick #4: Moist Cake (Chocolate)
One of my favorite finds for a quick breakfast is the Moist Chocolate Cake from FamilyMart.
It’s freshly baked, soft, and buttery, almost like biting into a fluffy sponge cake.
The small chocolate chunks on top add just the right amount of sweetness and a nice, slight crunch.
Because it comes individually wrapped, it’s perfect for grabbing on-the-go, especially with a coffee or tea.
At around ¥145 (roughly $1), it’s a tasty and affordable treat that makes mornings a bit more special.
Good Pick #5: Cream Puff
Cream puffs from Japanese convenience stores make a fantastic quick breakfast, especially if you want something sweet to kick off your day.
Personally, cream puffs always brighten my morning because they’re comforting, tasty, and super easy to eat on the go.
a. Double Cream Puff (FamilyMart)
FamilyMart offers the Double Cream Puff, generously filled with whipped cream and rich custard made from fresh Hokkaido cream (around ¥185 or $1.30).
b. Twin Big Cream Puff (Lawson)
Lawson’s Twin Big Cream Puff also tastes amazing with its fluffy whipped cream and thick, vanilla-flavored custard, wrapped in a soft, airy pastry shell (about ¥138 or $1).
c. Custard Cream Puff (7-Eleven)
At 7-Eleven, the Custard Cream Puff is popular for its mildly sweet custard filling and soft, slightly chewy pastry (around ¥162 or $1.10).
Good Pick #6: Meiji Oishii Gyunyu
Meiji Oishii Gyunyu is a fresh, tasty whole milk you’ll find at convenience stores all over Japan.
It’s pure cow’s milk without any extra flavors or additives, giving it a mild, creamy taste that’s slightly sweet without any sourness.
Its texture is smooth and creamy but still light enough to drink easily.
I personally love pairing it with pastries or breads, or even mixing it with coffee to make a quick latte.
A convenient 450ml carton typically costs around ¥186 (about $1.30), making it a tasty and affordable start to your day!
