I’ve done my fair share of exploring Asia and the rest of the world, yet Japanese convenience stores still rank in the top spot for me!
1. Big Rice Ball
Onigiri or “rice balls” are the bread and butter of Japanese society, fueling the nation with energy since ancient times. A simple concept of rice molded into a ball, wrapped in savory seaweed paper, and containing a filling at the core such as fish or vegetables, you can find huge selections at any convenience store in Japan.
Occasionally, you will find a rare item such as the Ookina Omusubi or “Big Rice Ball” which is exactly what you think it is…a big rice ball! Packing about double the nutrients of a typical onigiri, rice balls of this size can be viewed as a meal in itself, transcending the snack label like its smaller siblings into something more grand.
2. Watermelon & Salty Lemon Smoothie
Kagome is Japan’s go-to brand for delicious combini smoothies and juices, typically featuring a varied mix of fruits and vegetables packed with vitamins and other health benefits. In the summer of 2025, I came across a special edition of Kagome smoothies inspired by a Taiwanese recipe featuring a combination of watermelon and salty lemon (among other ingredients). The result was a refreshing and tangy smoothie that was nutritious and energizing to combat the summer lethargy.
3. GODIVA Chocolate Drink
GODIVA is Japan’s favorite Belgian chocolate partner, and you’ll see this label on countless chocolate products in convenience stores, cafes, and restaurants throughout the country, not to mention the dedicated GODIVA stores themselves. One of the best chocolate drinks I’ve ever had was at my local FamilyMart when this special edition GODIVA Chocolate Drink made its way to the shelves, delivering the iconic rich chocolate taste that the brand is known for!
4. Snoopy Chocolate Cake Donut
Snoopy is another partnership that often appears in Japanese desserts, typically featuring a combination of chocolate and peanuts, likely honoring the “Peanuts” comic strip it features in. The other day, I came across the Snoopy Chocolate Cake Donut for a measly 168 yen, featuring a rich mud cake shaped into a doughnut and sprinkled with crunchy bits of peanuts. I’m usually not so impressed by combini doughnuts, but this one had a quality about it on par with the likes of Krispy Kreme or Mister Donut.
5. Hokkaido Corn Soft Serve
While convenience stores like FamilyMart and 7-Eleven often feature a wide range of soft serve flavors, this particular Hokkaido Corn Soft Serve is typically only found in Hokkaido prefecture. However, on occasion, you may find them in supermarkets such as Aeon. Of course, you could also find them at any combini in Hokkaido, as the brand is exclusive to their very own Seicomart convenience store.
To learn more about life in Japan, check out my book: The Japanese Pursuit of Perfection. This book features my most profound observations of Japanese culture and society as a foreign resident. Available in e-book, paperback, and hardcover. Grab your copy today!