Japan: The Konbini Saved My Life
Japan's convenience store culture is phenomenal. I'd heard of their legendary ubiquity, but what I didn't realize is just how integral they would be to my trip. Every time I needed a refill on water or Pocari Sweat, Lawson; a hot bottle of coffee, 7-Eleven; a Famichiki fix, Family Mart. But this was also where I got a lot of my breakfasts. Restaurants in most places don't open until lunch, so if you don't have to option of buying groceries and making something yourself, the konbini may be your only hope. Lucky for you, it's a goldmine!
I frequently had sushi packs for breakfast and onigiri to throw in my backpack for later. Because they are absolutely everywhere, I never worried about running out of water in the 35°C, 100% humidity weather, and only packed a bottle at a time to keep the load light. Aside from a nonstop supply of electrolyte drinks and water, these meccas of modern convenience invariably have some combo of an enviable supply of cheap alcohol, a smattering of groceries, frozen goods, baking, and, of course, all the junk food you might expect back home.
My first stop in Japan, after getting settled at my hostel was Family Mart for some of that famous Famichiki. I capped nearly every night with a tall can or two of Strong Zero, a 9% ABV lemon-flavoured chuhai (basically a lemony highball), pretty much everywhere I ended up in the country. And Lawson was my last stop in the airport before going home, for a bottle of green tea and just one more onigiri before leaving.
I've read many posts online about the mighty konbini - mostly adoring, as I hope this comes across, but I did find one or two people who were underwhelmed or complaining about quality. They are incorrect. The konbini is a modern miracle. Don't expect gourmet. It's a convenience store. But the quality for fresh food was excellent, the variety was impressive, and it was all very inexpensive. I can't imagine visiting Japan and not frequenting the konbini.
