5 Japanese Convenience Store Foods You Need to Try
Discover 5 must-try Japanese convenience store foods, from 7-Eleven’s famous egg sandwiches to FamilyMart’s crispy fried chicken and Lawson’s popular snacks, with tips on what to try during your trip to Japan.

Quick answer
The best Japanese convenience store foods to try include 7-Eleven’s tuna mayo onigiri, FamilyMart’s FamiChiki fried chicken, Lawson’s Karaage-kun, Ministop’s Hokkaido Milk Soft Serve, and NewDays’ Jumbo Onigiri. These five popular picks offer a taste of Japan’s convenience store culture, from savoury rice snacks and crispy fried chicken to creamy soft-serve ice cream. Prices, flavours, and availability vary by store and season.
5 Japanese Convenience Store Foods You Need to Try, Ranked by Broad Traveller Appeal

7-Eleven Japan Onigiri (Tuna Mayo)
Onigiri is one of the most popular Japanese convenience store foods and a must-try snack for first-time visitors. At 7-Eleven Japan, tuna mayonnaise onigiri is a popular choice, featuring seasoned rice shaped into a triangle and wrapped in nori seaweed. Prices vary by size and filling, so check the label in-store for the current price. Other common fillings include salmon, pickled plum, and spicy cod roe. The special wrapper helps keep the seaweed crisp until you open it. Dietary note: Tuna mayo contains fish and may contain egg. Other fillings may contain pork, shellfish, or other allergens, so check the package label before buying.

FamilyMart Famichiki
FamilyMart’s FamiChiki is one of Japan’s most popular convenience store snacks. Introduced in 2006, this boneless fried chicken is known for its crispy golden coating and juicy interior. It’s usually sold hot near the checkout counter, making it an easy snack to grab on the go. Pair it with FamilyMart’s Fuwa-Fuwa bun, sold separately, to make a simple chicken sandwich. Prices vary by product and location, so check the current price in-store.
Dietary note: FamiChiki contains chicken and may contain wheat and other allergens. Ingredients can vary by product, so check the package information or ask store staff about pork-derived ingredients if this is a concern.
Lawson Karaage-kun
Lawson’s Karaage-kun is a popular Japanese convenience store snack featuring five bite-sized pieces of fried chicken served in a fun, chicken-themed paper box. First introduced in 1986, it has become one of Lawson’s signature hot snacks. The Regular flavour is mild and juicy, while the Red version offers a spicier kick. Cheese and seasonal flavours may also be available, depending on the store. These bite-sized pieces are ideal for a quick snack while exploring Japan. Prices and flavour availability vary by location and season, so check the current options in-store.
Dietary note: Karaage-kun contains chicken and may contain wheat and other allergens. Check the packaging or ask store staff for ingredient details.
Ministop Hokkaido Milk Soft Serve
Ministop’s Hokkaido Milk Soft Serve is a Japanese convenience store dessert worth trying if you have a sweet tooth. Made with Hokkaido-style milk, this soft-serve ice cream is known for its creamy texture and rich milky flavour. Ministop is especially popular for its in-store soft-serve counter, which offers a different experience from typical packaged convenience store desserts. Alongside classic vanilla, you may find seasonal flavours and limited-time creations throughout the year. Prices and flavours vary by location and season, so check the menu at your nearest branch.
Dietary note: Contains dairy, and the cone may contain wheat. Check the ingredient and allergen information before ordering.
NewDays Jumbo Onigiri
NewDays’ Jumbo Onigiri is a convenient Japanese snack to grab before boarding a train, especially at JR East stations. NewDays operates convenience stores inside railway stations, making it a handy stop for travelers heading out on a Shinkansen journey. Its larger-than-usual onigiri offers a filling option for the ride, with fillings that may include pickled plum, spicy cod roe, or chicken mayonnaise. You may also find regional specialties, such as onigiri made with Kishu Nanko ume plums from Wakayama Prefecture. Prices, sizes, and fillings vary by store, so check the packaging for current details.
Dietary note: Cod roe contains fish, and chicken mayonnaise contains chicken and may contain egg. Pickled-plum varieties may include other ingredients, so check the label if you follow a specific diet.



