I'm an American who visited a convenience store in Japan. It was miles better than any I've been to in the US.

Christina LiaoFeb 21, 2024, 23:16 IST

Lawson's logo is a vintage milk can and most stores will have blue and white signage.Christina Liao

I frequently travel to Japan, and its major convenience-store chain Lawson always impresses me.
Convenience stores in Japan offer delicious yet affordable food and Lawson is known for its sweets.

I travel to Japan at least once a year and am always surprised by just how incredible convenience stores — or konbini, as they're ubiquitously called in Japanese — are in the country.

One of the three major chains that can be found there is Lawson (the other two being 7-Eleven and Family Mart).

Lawson actually has roots in the United States. In 1939, J.J. Lawson opened a dairy store in Ohio that would eventually grow into a chain. Although there are just two locations in the US, plenty can be found in Japan.

Here's a closer look at what it's like shopping at a Lawson in Japan.

Food and drinks are the cornerstone of convenience stores in Japan.

I've found a variety of quality and affordable food can be found at any Lawson.Christina Liao

Onigiri is one of my favorite food items to pick up at a convenience store.

Onigiri and temaki are two popular rice snacks you can find at Lawson.Christina Liao

Sandwiches are another must-try item.

Egg sandwiches are particularly popular in this category.Christina Liao

Other fresh foods include bento boxes, salads, and noodles.

You can get a well-balanced meal for around $5.Christina Liao

There's also a bakery section.

Lawson has a range of packaged baked goods. Christina Liao

And hot food by the cash register.

Fried chicken, croquette, and steamed buns are just some of the things you can expect.Christina Liao

Lawson is also known for its sweets, especially the Hokkaido cream roll.

It's worth picking up a milk-cream cake roll at Lawson.Christina Liao

There are also plenty of ice-cream options.

Ice cream is always a good idea.Christina Liao

But don't make the mistake of walking and eating at the same time.

Trash bins next to the eating area are separated by combustibles, plastic containers, and cans and bottles.Christina Liao

There are hot and cold sections for tea and coffee.

The convenience of a hot grab-and-go coffee or tea is just one of the many reasons Japanese convenience stores are far better than any in the US.Christina Liao

Fresh coffee is also an option.

Lawson's Machi Café brews coffee with Arabica beansChristina Liao

There's no shortage of alcoholic beverages.

Lawson sells a range of ready-to-drink alcoholic beverages. Christina Liao

You'll be spoiled for choice when it comes to instant noodles.

You can prepare most noodle dishes in the store, too. Christina Liao

We also can't forget about the range of sweet and savory snacks.

The snack aisle is filled with many local favorites. Christina Liao

Lawson also has its own line of nutritional packaged foods.

Natural Lawson is the chain's answer to more healthful options on the goChristina Liao

But Lawson has more than just food.

Lawson has clothes, makeup, and even some tech accessories. Christina Liao

You can even find beauty products and household essentials at Lawson.

Lawson has items you might find at a drugstore in the US. Christina Liao

Lawson also recently began partnering with Muji.

You can now find the minimalist Japanese brand Muji at most Lawsons.Christina Liao

Ultimately, I highly suggest visiting Lawson when you're in Japan.

Definitely try some of Lawson's fried chicken.Christina Liao

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