The Most Popular Convenience Store in Japan, Ranked

Choose the convenience store you think is the most popular!

Author: Gregor Krambs
Updated on Jul 22, 2024 06:45
For those living in or visiting Japan, convenience stores are a crucial part of daily life, offering a wide array of products from snacks to full meals and household necessities. However, with so many options, it can be overwhelming to decide which store might best meet one’s needs. A ranked list of the most popular convenience stores could serve as a helpful guide, providing insights based on consumer preferences and experiences. By participating in voting, users contribute to a more accurate and democratic reflection of what each convenience store represents in terms of quality, variety, and customer satisfaction. This live ranking not only informs newcomers but also stimulates competition among the stores to improve and innovate in their offerings. Each vote counts towards painting a clearer picture of consumer trends and preferences in the convenience store industry in Japan.

What Is the Most Popular Convenience Store in Japan?

  1. 2
    35
    points
    FamilyMart

    FamilyMart

    FamilyMart is the second-largest convenience store chain in Japan, known for its Famichiki fried chicken and wide assortment of ready-to-eat meals.
    • Number of stores in Japan: Over 16,000
    • Founded in Japan: 1973
  2. 3
    24
    points
    Lawson

    Lawson

    Lawson is a major convenience store chain in Japan, offering a variety of products including their popular Karaage-kun fried chicken.
    • Number of stores in Japan: Over 14,000
    • Founded in Japan: 1975
  3. 4
    18
    points
    Mini Stop

    Mini Stop

    Mini Stop is a convenience store chain in Japan known for its unique offerings of desserts and fast food alongside traditional convenience items.
    • Number of stores in Japan: Over 2,000
    • Founded in Japan: 1980
  4. 5
    12
    points
    Sunkus

    Sunkus

    Sunkus was a popular convenience store chain in Japan that merged with FamilyMart, known for its compact store layout and variety of products.
    • Number of stores in Japan before merger: N/A
    • Merged with FamilyMart: 2016
  5. 6
    9
    points
    Daily Yamazaki

    Daily Yamazaki

    Daily Yamazaki is a convenience store chain in Japan that stands out for its bakery section, offering freshly baked breads and pastries.
    • Number of stores in Japan: Over 1,000
    • Founded in Japan: 1977
  6. 7
    9
    points
    Circle K

    Circle K

    Circle K was a major convenience store chain in Japan, known for its wide range of products, before it merged with FamilyMart.
    • Number of stores in Japan before merger: N/A
    • Merged with FamilyMart: 2016
  7. 8
    4
    points

    Poplar

    Poplar is a regional convenience store chain in Japan, known for its presence in smaller towns and its commitment to community service.
    • Number of stores in Japan: Approximately 800
    • Founded in Japan: 1976
  8. 9
    0
    points

    NewDays

    NewDays is a convenience store chain found primarily in and around train stations in Japan, offering a quick and convenient shopping experience for commuters.
    • Number of stores in Japan: Approximately 900
    • Founded in Japan: 2000
  9. 10
    0
    points

    Three F

    Three F is a convenience store chain in Japan known for its localized selection of goods, catering specifically to the preferences of the communities it serves.
    • Number of stores in Japan: Approximately 1,000
    • Founded in Japan: 1956

Missing your favorite convenience store?

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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

  • 3611 views
  • 151 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.

Additional Information

More about the Most Popular Convenience Store in Japan

7-Eleven
Rank #1 for the most popular convenience store in Japan: 7-Eleven (Source)
Convenience stores in Japan are a staple of daily life. They are small, well-stocked shops that cater to a wide range of needs. These stores, known locally as "konbini," are found on almost every street corner. They serve as a one-stop shop for food, drinks, household items, and services.

The rise of convenience stores in Japan began in the 1970s. They quickly became popular due to their accessibility and variety of products. Today, they are an integral part of Japanese culture. People rely on them for quick meals, snacks, and everyday essentials.

One key feature of these stores is their extensive selection of food. They offer fresh meals, such as bento boxes, sandwiches, and salads. Many stores also have microwaves and hot water dispensers for instant meals. This makes it easy for customers to grab a quick bite on the go.

In addition to food, these stores provide a range of beverages. From bottled water and soft drinks to coffee and tea, there is something for everyone. Some stores even sell alcoholic beverages, including beer, wine, and sake.

Household items are another important aspect of these stores. They stock toiletries, cleaning supplies, and basic medicines. This makes it convenient for customers to pick up essentials without needing to visit a larger supermarket.

These stores also offer a variety of services. Many have ATMs that accept international cards, making it easy for tourists to withdraw cash. Some stores provide photocopying, printing, and fax services. Others have ticket machines for concerts, events, and transportation.

The stores are known for their cleanliness and organization. Staff members work hard to keep the shelves stocked and the store tidy. They also provide excellent customer service, often greeting customers with a warm smile and a polite bow.

Another notable feature is the 24-hour operation. Most stores remain open around the clock, seven days a week. This ensures that customers can shop at any time, day or night. This is particularly useful for those with busy schedules or late-night cravings.

The stores also play a role in disaster preparedness. They stock emergency supplies, such as batteries, flashlights, and non-perishable food. In times of natural disasters, they often stay open to provide essential goods to the community.

The convenience store industry in Japan is highly competitive. Companies constantly innovate to attract customers. They introduce new products, improve services, and enhance store layouts. This competition ensures that customers receive the best possible experience.

In conclusion, convenience stores in Japan are more than just places to shop. They are a vital part of daily life, offering a wide range of products and services. Their accessibility, variety, and excellent service make them an indispensable resource for both locals and tourists. Whether you need a quick meal, household items, or essential services, these stores have you covered.

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