If India is a paradise for food lovers, Japan is an entirely different universe – one where every corner, every alley, every tiny window of a shop opens into a new culinary revelation. When I travelled across Japan last month (yes, I’m still not over it – and no, I won’t let you move on either), I was convinced I’d be spoiled for choice with ramen, sushi, mochi, dorayaki, and silky udon. But nothing prepared me for what I actually discovered.
During my journey through Tokyo, Kyoto, and Osaka, I stayed at the Four Seasons in each city, where mornings began with exquisitely curated five-star breakfasts that deserve their own love letter. But by lunch and dinner, I would step out and explore Japan the way it truly should be experienced: through food, eaten like a local. And that’s where the real story begins.
While I adored the tiny cafes, the five-star food and bustling street stalls, what genuinely shocked me was learning where Japan’s “salary” people – yes, that’s what they call working professionals, actually eat. In the frantic rhythm of commuting, meetings, and late-night office hours, most of them grab their snacks and often even full meals from two unexpected convenience stores: 7-Eleven and FamilyMart. No matter where you are in Japan, one of these konbini icons appears within a one-kilometre radius, almost like a paradise for food lovers. And the choices inside are absolutely overwhelming in the best way.
So if you, or someone lucky you know, are travelling to Japan soon, consider this your insider guide. I wish I had something like this when I went, because honestly, I relied entirely on gut instinct (pun intended) each time I stepped into a konbini. This article is my act of community service for travellers everywhere. And in my next piece, I’ll tell you exactly what you can and cannot take back home from Japan – because trust me, some of the rules will surprise you.
If you’re wondering about prices, rest assured: 7-Eleven and FamilyMart offer remarkably affordable options. 7-Eleven arrived in Japan in 1974 and now it has grown to 21,770 stores across the country. Safe to say, it’s easy to see just how deeply loved the brand has become.
Let me re-iterate, I didn’t fall in love with Japan over sushi, or ramen, or a perfectly plated tasting menu at a serious counter. I fell for it standing outside a convenience store close to midnight, in my pyjamas, holding fried chicken that was too hot to eat properly and too good to wait for. And that’s where this story truly begins.
Also Read: 15 Japanese Etiquette Every Traveller Must Know Before Visiting Japan This Winter
What To Eat At 7-Eleven Japan: Traveller’s Guide
1. Onigiri (Japanese Rice Balls)
Onigiri quickly became my go-to convenience-store snack in Japan. These rice balls, usually triangular or round, are made with perfectly seasoned steamed rice and filled with everything from classic salmon and tangy umeboshi (pickled plum) to tuna, chicken, or pork. They’re neatly wrapped in nori (seaweed), and the packaging is so clever it keeps the seaweed crisp until the very last moment.
You’ll find onigiri everywhere in Japan, but the ones at 7-Eleven are especially reliable when you need a quick, satisfying bite on the go.
Price: ¥165 (₹97)
2. Tamago Sando (Egg Sandwich)
I had heard the hype about Japan’s tamago sando long before I arrived. This is easily one of 7-Eleven’s most beloved items, and for good reason. Imagine impossibly soft milk bread holding together a filling of finely mashed hard-boiled eggs mixed with Japan’s holy-grail ingredient: Kewpie mayonnaise. It’s creamy, it’s rich, it’s subtly sweet, and it hits every umami note perfectly.
It sounds simple, because it is – but the result is pure magic. I ended up buying it more times than I care to admit.
Price: ¥270 (₹155)
3. Furutsu Sando (Fruit Sandwich)
The furutsu sando is one of those snacks you hear about, see everywhere online, and still feel pleasantly surprised by when you finally try it. It’s also hugely popular across Japan – and yes, I completely understand the obsession now. These sandwiches are made with ultra-soft shokupan (Japanese milk bread), layered with fresh seasonal fruit and generously filled with lightly sweetened whipped cream.
They’re beautiful, almost too pretty to eat. But trust me, they taste even better than they look.
Price: ¥289 (₹166)
4. Nanachiki (Fried Chicken)
Let me tell you – Nanachiki is the convenience-store legend of Japan. The fried chicken at 7-Eleven is everything you want it to be: perfectly crispy on the outside, unbelievably juicy inside, and packed with flavour in every single bite. And the best part is that they hand it to you piping hot.
I’m not even embarrassed to admit that I bought two almost every time I walked into a 7-Eleven.
Price: ¥203 (₹116)
5. Charcoal-Grilled Yakitori (Chicken Skewers)
Yakitori is Japan at its simplest and most satisfying. These bite-sized chicken pieces, skewered on bamboo sticks and cooked over binchotan charcoal, are seasoned with just the right touch of salt (shio), letting the smoky, savoury flavour shine.
Price: ¥119 (₹68)
6. Chūkaman / Nikuman (Pork Or Chicken Bao Buns)
Nikuman are soft, pillowy steamed buns filled with juicy, flavourful fillings – most commonly minced pork with onion, bamboo shoots, shiitake, and a hint of ginger and soy sauce. While pork is the classic, you’ll also find chicken, beef, and other variations.
I personally love the beef ones, but honestly, any filling is a delight.
Price: ¥149 (₹86)
Also Read: 8 Japanese Skincare Products I Bought (And Loved) In Japan: Local Favourites, Dermatologist-Approved
7. Beef And Shrimp Tempura Udon
I stumbled upon this gem on a chilly evening in Kyoto when they were out of Nanachiki. The shrimp is fried to golden perfection in a light, crisp batter, while the udon noodles is light and flavourful.
Price: ¥620 (₹356)
8. Papico Tea Latte
I’d seen this viral Japanese treat in films and couldn’t resist trying it – childlike curiosity fully rewarded. The Papico Tea Latte is a creamy, frozen dessert in a quirky tube.
It tastes like a rich, sweet matcha latte (of course they have matcha flavour!) with smooth texture and just the right hint of chocolate. I went for the latte flavour and loved every spoonful.
Price: ¥190 (₹109)
9. Classic Raw Dorayaki With Bean Paste And Whipped Cream
I couldn’t resist trying this sweet little indulgence, and it didn’t disappoint. Soft, fluffy dorayaki pancakes sandwich, smooth whipped cream and subtly sweet azuki bean paste from Tokachi, Hokkaido makes it the perfect sweet-savoury snack.
Chilled for maximum freshness, it’s light, melt-in-your-mouth, and completely Instagram-worthy – just the kind of treat that makes wandering Japanese streets even sweeter.
Price: ¥190 (₹109)
10. Imuraya Rich Uji Matcha Ice Cream
As a matcha lover, I couldn’t resist this one. Made with premium Uji matcha from Kyoto, it delivers an authentic, deep green tea flavour perfectly balanced with creamy Hokkaido milk. A must-try for anyone craving true Japanese matcha.
Price: ¥248 (₹142)
What To Eat At FamilyMart Japan: Traveller’s Guide
1. Famichiki (Boneless Fried Chicken)
If you have to choose between 7-Eleven’s fried chicken and Famichiki, go for Famichiki. It’s perfectly crispy, juicy, and packed with flavour, with just a touch less sweetness than its rival – making it my personal favourite.
Price: ¥223 (₹127)
2. Spicy Pork Chorizo
Hands down one of the best sausages I’ve ever had. Packed with smoky, peppery flavour and rich, meaty umami, it’s the perfect spicy snack. I even found myself munching on it while on the bullet train with my friends. A solid 10/10 in my book.
Price: ¥332 (₹190)
3. Fried Dumplings
Filled with tender pork and cabbage, each bite bursts with the savoury aroma of garlic, ginger, and rich chicken stock. Crispy on the outside and juicy inside, they’re the perfect handheld comfort food.
View this post on Instagram
Price: ¥332 (₹190)
4. Deep-Fried Squid Tentacles
These bite-sized squid tentacles are perfectly deep-fried and lightly seasoned with soy sauce. The batter is perfectly crisp without being greasy, and the tender squid inside is simply irresistible. As a seafood lover, I couldn’t get enough.
Price: ¥350 (₹200)
5. Mentaiko And Seaweed Bento
Skipping a Japanese bento is a mistake, and this Mentaiko and Seaweed Bento from FamilyMart proved why. Packed with crispy tempura, fried white fish, croquettes, spicy mentaiko, and perfectly seasoned rice, it hits all the right notes. I saw so many people grabbing it that I didn’t even hesitate.
Price: ¥554 (₹317)
6. Spicy Clam And Kimchi Sundubu Jjigae
I fell in love with this soft tofu stew on first taste. Silky tofu, tender clams, tangy kimchi, and fresh vegetables swim in a fiery, flavourful broth that packs just the right spicy punch.
Perfect for warming up on a chilly day.
Price: ¥406 (₹233)
7. Sukeroku Sushi
This Sukeroku sushi set pairs three sweet, flavourful inari (tofu pockets) with four fresh maki rolls, each bite highlighting the natural taste of the ingredients.
A simple yet satisfying sushi experience.
Price: ¥536 (₹307)
8. Melon Bread
The top is crisp and buttery, made with French fermented butter, while the inside is soft and pillowy thanks to panettone yeast.
View this post on Instagram
Every bite is a perfect mix of crunch and fluff – a quick snack that instantly hit the sweet spot.
Price: ¥128 (₹73)
9. Sanshoku Dango
You’ll fall for these colourful skewered mochi instantly.
The pink, white, and green dumplings aren’t just pretty – they celebrate the cherry blossom cycle, with chewy, subtly sweet flavours that make them perfect for snacking anytime, not just spring festivals.
Price: ¥116 (₹66)
10. Aisu No Mi
I grabbed an Aisu No Mi on a whim at FamilyMart, and I liked it. To be quite honest, now that I am back in India, I miss this lovely treat even more.
Each tiny fruit ice ball melts in your mouth with a clean, fruity sweetness – so simple, so pure yet somehow the perfect treat to cool down while exploring Japan.
Price: ¥184 (₹105)
Now Go And Enjoy Japan Like A Local
Japan isn’t just a country you visit, it’s a country you taste. And honestly, some of my happiest moments were spent outside a 7-Eleven or a FamilyMart, clutching a Nanachiki or Famichiki that was too hot to eat properly and far too good to wait.
So if you’re in Japan and don’t read or understand Japanese, simply open this article, pick what you want, and point at the screen – it’s really that easy.
Go ahead! Try the weird, the sweet, the spicy, the crispy. Let the streets, the smell of frying tempura, and the glow of neon signs guide you. Eat like a local, snack like a tourist, and fall in love with Japan bite by bite.
