10 konbini foods to try on your first day in Japan
The classics locals actually buy, with the Japanese names to find them.
New items come and go every week, but these are on the shelves all year at 7-Eleven, FamilyMart and Lawson. Start here, then check this week's new releases.
- Egg sandwichたまごサンドtamago sando
Soft white bread with creamy egg salad. Every chain has its own, and people argue about which is best. More →
- Tuna mayo onigiriツナマヨ おにぎりtsuna mayo
The best-selling rice ball filling in Japan. Mild, creamy and a safe first pick. More →
- Famichikiファミチキfamichiki
FamilyMart's boneless fried chicken from the hot counter. Juicy, peppery, eaten straight from the paper sleeve. More →
- Karaage-kunからあげクンkaraage-kun
Lawson's bite-size fried chicken in a small box with a mascot on it. Flavors rotate. More →
- Salmon onigiri鮭 おにぎりshake
Salted grilled salmon inside rice and seaweed. The classic Japanese breakfast in a triangle. More →
- Nikuman (steamed pork bun)肉まんnikuman
Fluffy steamed bun with a pork filling, kept warm by the register in autumn and winter. More →
- Odenおでんoden
Egg, radish, fish cakes and more simmered in broth. Seasonal, usually from autumn. Not every store carries it. More →
- Melon panメロンパンmelon pan
A sweet bun with a crunchy cookie crust. It is named for its look, not its taste.
- Custard puddingプリンpurin
Japanese caramel custard pudding, found in the chilled dessert shelf.
- Bottled green tea緑茶ryokucha
Unsweetened green tea in a plastic bottle. In cold months, warm bottles sit in a heated case.
These are long-running products. Names, prices and availability change by store and season; check the shelf label.