An institution in Japan, convenience stores attract interest from shoppers, management students and cyclists. They’re called “konbini” (コンビニ), an abbreviation of convenience. If you’re unfamiliar with them in Japan they’re both practical for cyclists, and surprisingly delightful.
The format is simple, a mini-supermarket that offers extra services. 7-Eleven, Lawson and Family Mart dominate the sector. The three chains are almost always open 24/7, it’s even been part of the franchise terms. There are 56,000 stores and they account for a quarter of food sales nationally. In towns the are so many of them, rival outlets can be within metres of each other and both flourish.
Now mini-marts aren’t special, you find them in many countries. But konbini in Japan are different because of the amount of fresh food inside. To call it a gourmet wonderland is pushing it, but the staples inside are pretty good.
For the cyclist they have plenty going. For starters you can click-clack in there in your cycling shoes and lycra and the shop staff don’t mind. Help yourself to the cabinets of cold drinks if it’s hot. Hot tea and coffee if it’s cold, and if it’s really cold, remember 7-Eleven is big on oden. You’ll find cheap onigiri rice balls, ideal carbs for energy that fit in a cycling jersey pocket and usually with a range of fillings and not many extra, unwanted ingredients. There are sweet snacks of course. They sell batteries and often have sockets to charge up a device while you enjoy a snack inside. Once out of the city centres they typically have car parks and sometimes a bench, there’s usually a spot to sit outside with your bike.
Convenient, but..
The touring cyclist should be aware that konbini are at their most convenient in the big towns and cities. Fast-moving consumer goods appear where there are fast-moving consumers. So all those trip-saving goodies are in the big cities and not by the rural roads you’re exploring. Konbini location correlates inversely with where you want to be cycling. But that’s obvious, stock up and head off to enjoy peaceful roads. The more rural you go, the less standard they are. Ride into a small town and the convenience store won’t have the same choice. Arrive at night and it’s closed.
Also the food products are industrial rather than local so you might be getting a taste of Japan in your 120 yen onigiri rice ball that you can’t get back home, but it’s not the taste of the area you’re visiting.
They’re obviously convenient but not where travel memories are made, visit one 7-Eleven and you’ve visited them all, visit several and chances memories will blur into one neon-lit haze. So what I’m saying is use them to help out but try and go local too… the next article here will be about the Michi no Eki (道の駅) “roadside stations” which combine rest areas for travellers with abundant local produce.
Travel tips
- Convenience stores really are convenient, a lot of managerial effort has gone into identifying and meeting consumer needs. They work for the cyclist, plenty of snacks and drinks
- They’re great for emergency snacks, drinks and more but there aren’t so many in the countryside. You’ll find lots when you don’t need them
- 7-Eleven is the largest chain, they’re useful for foreigners as you can use their ATMs to withdraw cash (the Japan Post office works too)
- As good as they are, they’re designed to be the same and your memories will blur into one. Want a coffee or a snack? Look for local café
