The Most Popular Convenience Store in Japan, Ranked

Choose the convenience store you think is the most popular!

Author: Gregor Krambs
Updated on Apr 20, 2024 06:58
Tourists often find themselves navigating through the dizzying array of convenience stores in Japan, each offering a unique blend of products from onigiri to exclusive seasonal items. Identifying the most popular store can greatly enhance one's experience, saving time and ensuring access to high-quality goods and services. For locals, voting on their preferred convenience store doesn't just reflect personal taste; it influences new visitors and helps maintain a high standard across all outlets. This dynamic voting system provides a current snapshot of public preference, guiding choices and highlighting trends in consumer satisfaction.

What Is the Most Popular Convenience Store in Japan?

  1. 1
    41
    votes
    With over 20,000 stores across Japan, 7-Eleven is the largest and most popular convenience store chain in the country. It offers a wide range of products, including snacks, drinks, daily necessities, and even banking services. It is also known for its high-quality and affordable food items, such as onigiri (rice balls) and bento boxes.
    7-Eleven is a popular convenience store chain in Canada. It is known for providing a wide range of products and services to customers, particularly in urban areas. The stores are typically open 24 hours a day, 7 days a week, offering customers convenience and accessibility at any time.
    • Number of locations: Approximately 636 stores in Canada.
    • Product variety: Offers a diverse range of products including snacks, beverages, groceries, household items, and more.
    • Food offerings: Provides ready-to-eat food options such as hot dogs, pizza, sandwiches, and pastries.
    • Financial services: Many stores offer services like ATM machines, money orders, and prepaid cards.
    • Mobile app: Has a convenient mobile app allowing customers to locate stores, browse promotions, and even place mobile orders.
  2. 2
    35
    votes
    FamilyMart is the second largest convenience store chain in Japan, with over 18,000 stores. It is known for its wide variety of food items, including fresh and healthy options like salads and sandwiches, as well as popular snacks and drinks. It also offers a range of services, such as printing and shipping.
    FamilyMart is a popular convenience store chain in Japan known for its wide range of products and 24/7 operating hours. It offers a convenient shopping experience for customers with its accessible locations and various services.
    • Number of stores: Over 24,000 (as of 2021)
    • Operating hours: 24/7
    • Product variety: Over 10,000 items including food, beverages, snacks, daily necessities, and more
    • Services: ATM services, ticket sales, bill payments, photocopying, faxing, parcel delivery, and more
    • International presence: Presence in several countries including Japan, Taiwan, China, Thailand, Vietnam, Indonesia, and more
  3. 3
    23
    votes
    Lawson is another major convenience store chain in Japan, with over 14,000 stores. It is known for its high-quality food items, such as freshly baked bread and pastries, as well as its popular fried chicken known as Karaage-kun. It also offers a range of daily necessities and services, such as ATMs and ticket sales.
    Lawson is a popular convenience store chain in Japan known for its wide range of products and services. It aims to provide customers with a convenient and enjoyable shopping experience.
    • Store Count: Approximately 14,000 stores in Japan
    • Store Types: Variety of store types including regular Lawson, Lawson Store 100, Lawson SELECT, and more.
    • 24/7 Operation: Most stores operate 24 hours a day, 7 days a week.
    • Product Variety: Offers a wide range of products including food, beverages, groceries, daily essentials, and household items.
    • Fresh Food: Provides freshly prepared food such as onigiri (rice balls), bento boxes, sandwiches, and pastries.
  4. 4
    19
    votes

    Mini Stop

    Mini Stop Co., Ltd.
    Mini Stop is a smaller convenience store chain, with around 2,000 stores across Japan. It is known for its tasty and unique food items, such as soft serve ice cream and takoyaki (octopus balls). It also offers a range of services, such as printing and copying.
    Mini Stop is a popular convenience store chain in Japan that offers a wide range of grocery items, snacks, beverages, and ready-to-eat meals. Its stores are known for their cleanliness, organization, and convenience. Mini Stop aims to provide customers with a one-stop shopping experience.
    • Store Count: Over 1,000 stores in Japan
    • Operating Hours: 24/7
    • Product Range: Grocery items, snacks, beverages, ready-to-eat meals
    • ATM Service: Available in select stores
    • Fresh Food Corner: Offers a variety of freshly baked goods and hot food items
    Mini Stop in other rankings
  5. 5
    9
    votes
    Daily Yamazaki
    Kuha455405 · CC BY-SA 3.0

    Daily Yamazaki

    Yamazaki Baking Co., Ltd.
    Daily Yamazaki is a convenience store chain that originated in Kyoto and now has over 2,000 stores across Japan. It is known for its high-quality and fresh food items, such as baked goods and sandwiches. It also offers a range of daily necessities, such as toiletries and household items.
    Daily Yamazaki is one of the most popular convenience store chains in Japan. It offers a wide variety of products and services to cater to the needs of customers. The stores are well-known for their clean and organized layout, making it easy for customers to find what they are looking for.
    • Ready-to-eat meals: Customers can find a wide selection of ready-to-eat meals and bento boxes.
    • Number of stores: Over 10,000
    • Operating hours: 24/7
    • Product range: Food, beverages, snacks, household items, toiletries, and more
    • Freshness of products: Daily Yamazaki focuses on providing fresh and high-quality products.
  6. 6
    11
    votes
    Sunkus is a convenience store chain with around 1,000 stores across Japan. It is known for its affordable and convenient products, such as snacks and drinks. It also offers a range of services, such as shipping and copying.
    Sunkus is a popular convenience store chain in Japan that offers a wide range of products and services to customers. It is known for its convenient locations, extended operating hours, and diverse product selection.
    • Number of stores: Approximately 6,000
    • Operating hours: 24 hours, 7 days a week
    • Product variety: Offers a wide range of items including groceries, snacks, beverages, ready-to-eat meals, magazines, toiletries, and more.
    • Services: Provides services like ATMs, bill payment, ticket sales, postal services, and photocopying.
    • Payment options: Accepts various payment methods including cash, debit cards, credit cards, and electronic money.
  7. 7
    9
    votes

    Circle K

    Fred Hervey
    Circle K is a convenience store chain with around 1,000 stores across Japan. It is known for its popular coffee and tea products, as well as its range of snacks and drinks. It also offers a range of services, such as printing and shipping.
    Circle K is a well-known convenience store chain in Canada. With a wide presence across the country, it offers a variety of products and services to meet the needs of customers on the go. From snacks and beverages to household essentials and automotive supplies, Circle K aims to provide convenient solutions for everyday needs.
    • Store Count: Over 2,200 locations
    • 24/7 Operation: Open round the clock
    • Product Range: Wide assortment of snacks, drinks, groceries, and more
    • Food Service: Grab-and-go food offerings like sandwiches, pastries, and hot snacks
    • Gas Stations: Many locations feature fuel services
    Circle K in other rankings
  8. 8
    5
    votes
    Seicomart is a convenience store chain that originated in Hokkaido and now has around 1,000 stores across Japan. It is known for its fresh and high-quality food items, such as freshly baked bread and locally sourced produce. It also offers a range of services, such as banking and ticket sales.
    Seicomart is a popular convenience store chain in Japan known for its wide variety of products and excellent customer service. It offers a diverse selection of groceries, snacks, drinks, and freshly prepared meals, making it a one-stop-shop for many customers. Seicomart stores are typically small in size and are conveniently located in residential areas or near transportation hubs.
    • Number of stores: Over 1,300
    • Operating hours: 24 hours
    • Popular products: Bento boxes, onigiri, snacks, drinks
    • ATM availability: Available in most stores
    • Payment methods: Cash, credit cards, mobile payments
  9. 9
    7
    votes
    Lawson Store 100
    Own work · CC BY-SA 3.0

    Lawson Store 100

    Lawson, Inc.
    Lawson Store 100 is a discount convenience store chain, with over 1,000 stores across Japan. It is known for its affordable and high-quality products, including food items, daily necessities, and household items. It also offers a range of services, such as printing and shipping.
    Lawson Store 100 is a popular convenience store chain in Japan. It is known for its affordable prices and wide range of products, catering to various customer needs.
    • Store Count: Over 13,000 stores nationwide
    • Store Size: Compact and efficient layout
    • Product Range: Approximately 6,000 items
    • Operating Hours: 24/7 operation
    • Fresh Food: Quality and affordable bento boxes, onigiri (rice balls), and salads
  10. 10
    5
    votes
    Poplar is a smaller convenience store chain, with around 300 stores across Japan. It is known for its affordable and convenient products, such as snacks and drinks. It also offers a range of services, such as printing and copying.
    Poplar is one of the most popular convenience store chains in Japan. It is known for its wide range of products, convenient locations, and friendly service.
    • Number of stores: Over 1,000 stores nationwide
    • Product offerings: Various food and beverage items, daily necessities, magazines, and more
    • 24/7 operation: Most stores open 24 hours a day, 7 days a week
    • ATM availability: ATM services available in many Poplar stores
    • Fresh food options: Poplar offers a selection of fresh ready-to-eat meals and snacks

Missing your favorite convenience store?

Graphs
Discussion

Ranking factors for popular convenience store

  1. Number of store locations
    The convenience store with the highest number of outlets across the country might be a good indicator of its popularity. More locations mean more accessibility for consumers, contributing to the store's popularity.
  2. Sales revenue
    The total annual sales revenue for each convenience store chain reveals its financial success and might correlate to its popularity among customers. Higher revenue might indicate a higher customer base and their preference for that particular convenience store.
  3. Brand recognition
    The familiarity and reputation of a convenience store brand among the public can also contribute to its popularity. A well-known and well-regarded convenience store is more likely to attract customers.
  4. Product variety and quality
    A popular convenience store should offer a wide variety of high-quality products, including unique and seasonal items. Customer satisfaction with the products available may directly impact the store's popularity.
  5. Customer service
    Excellent customer service can be a determining factor in a convenience store's popularity. Stores that provide friendly, efficient, and helpful service are more likely to retain customers and attract new ones.
  6. Pricing and promotions
    Competitive pricing and frequent promotions contribute to a convenience store's popularity. Consumers tend to gravitate towards stores that provide good value for money and offer attractive deals and discounts.
  7. Store atmosphere and cleanliness
    A well-maintained, clean, and pleasant environment plays a crucial role in attracting customers to a convenience store. A popular convenience store would likely prioritize maintaining an organized and tidy space.
  8. Technological innovation
    Convenience stores that offer modern services – like self-checkout kiosks, mobile payment options, and a user-friendly online platform – might be seen as more popular due to their ability to meet consumers' changing needs.
  9. Loyalty programs
    Effective convenience store loyalty programs incentivize consumers to return and make more purchases, potentially increasing the store's popularity.
  10. Consumer feedback and reviews
    Online customer reviews, ratings, and word-of-mouth recommendations can provide valuable insight into a convenience store's popularity. High ratings and positive reviews can indicate high levels of customer satisfaction and popularity among consumers.

About this ranking

This is a community-based ranking of the most popular convenience store in Japan. We do our best to provide fair voting, but it is not intended to be exhaustive. So if you notice something or store is missing, feel free to help improve the ranking!

Statistics

  • 2986 views
  • 159 votes
  • 10 ranked items

Movers & Shakers

Voting Rules

A participant may cast an up or down vote for each store once every 24 hours. The rank of each store is then calculated from the weighted sum of all up and down votes.

More information on most popular convenience store in japan

Convenience stores are an integral part of Japanese culture, providing locals and tourists with easy access to a wide range of products and services. With over 50,000 convenience stores scattered throughout the country, it's no surprise that these retail establishments have become a staple for everyone on the go. In Japan, the top three convenience store chains are 7-Eleven, FamilyMart, and Lawson, with each boasting a unique set of offerings and loyal customer base. From delicious bento boxes and snacks to hot beverages and household necessities, these stores have everything you need to make your life easier. But which one is the most popular? That's where StrawPoll comes in. We've conducted an extensive survey of Japanese residents and visitors to determine which convenience store reigns supreme. Keep reading to find out the results and discover what makes each chain stand out from the rest.

Share this article