I'm an American who visited 7-Eleven in Japan, and it totally blew US convenience stores out of the water

Nickelle TilleySep 29, 2022, 20:04 IST

I moved to Okinawa, Japan, and tried new foods I found at the local 7-Eleven.Nickelle Tilley

I moved from the US to Japan and have been very impressed by the 7-Eleven stores in my new home.
In Japan, convenience stores are truly a one-stop shop for snacks, clothes, toiletries, and more.

The 7-Eleven storefronts in Japan and the US look almost identical, but the convenience stores are vastly different on the inside.

There are 7-Elevens around the world, including in Okinawa, Japan.Nickelle Tilley

The 7-Elevens in Japan offer so much more than just food and beverages.

The 7-Eleven I visited in Japan had an ATM and a copy machine inside.Nickelle Tilley

Customers can buy various household items and toiletries here.

The 7-Eleven sold toiletries and clothes in addition to food.Nickelle Tilley

The store sells alcohol along with drinks, pills, and powders that are supposed to alleviate hangover symptoms.

I found an alcoholic juice box and a bunch of remedies for hangover symptoms.Nickelle Tilley

The store's main draw is its freshly prepared, high-quality food.

I often pick up fresh fruit and yogurt when I stop in at the local 7-Eleven.Nickelle Tilley

Shoppers can stop in for specialty coffee drinks and hot breakfasts.

The coffee and pancakes are my go-to breakfast combination at 7-Eleven.Nickelle Tilley

An array of prepackaged ramen, rice, and curry line the shelves.

There are countless types of ramen at the 7-Eleven in Japan.Nickelle Tilley

The store has a section dedicated to seasonings and dressings.

The ketchup and mayonnaise are kept in plastic bags by the sauces.Nickelle Tilley

Onigiri is one of my favorite finds at 7-Eleven.

Onigiri is a popular rice snack in Japan, and it's one of my favorite things to purchase at 7-Eleven.Nickelle Tilley

The stores carry both sweet and savory sandwiches.

The egg sandwich is probably the most popular choice at 7-Eleven.Nickelle Tilley

Bento boxes are ideal for a quick, tasty lunch.

The bento boxes are one of my favorite quick lunch options.Nickelle Tilley

The fried food by the register is a must-try.

The fried food sold at 7-Eleven in Japan is delicious and inexpensive.Nickelle Tilley

One of my favorite things about the 7-Elevens in Japan is the sweets.

The chocolate cake is one of my favorite desserts from 7-Eleven.Nickelle Tilley

You can also get a fairly healthy meal filled with greens for less than $5.

There are a ton of salads at 7-Eleven in Japan.Nickelle Tilley

The bakery section has bread, baked goods, and room-temperature sandwiches.

The 7-Eleven carried a bun with a sausage in the middle.Nickelle Tilley

You can get individual pieces of seasoned meat or fish.

I love finding new foods and products at the 7-Eleven in Japan.Nickelle Tilley

I come across intriguing, new foods every time I go to 7-Eleven, and I'm still working up the courage to try them.

The 7-Eleven in Japan sold bags of quail eggs and smoked squid.Nickelle Tilley

Overall, I love shopping at 7-Eleven locations in Japan.

Coolish, "drinkable" ice cream in a pouch, is one of my favorite things to get at 7-Eleven.Nickelle Tilley

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