Putting together one of my recommended combini combinations will not only leave you feeling satisfied but will also help you save money!
Starters
Soup is a great starter to any meal, whether it’s breakfast, lunch, or dinner. Getting access to a quick shot of soup is usually impossible in most countries, but not in Japan!
Whether you’re at a local combini (convenience store) or a vending machine (they’re honestly everywhere), then you’ll have access to a delicious hot can of corn soup!
While not the most filling lunch item here, it acts as the perfect starter by giving you the essential salts and nutrition you need to stay energized.
I’ve previously mentioned this item in my recommended breakfast set, but it certainly is not restricted to morning food. Ohayo milk pudding is a delicious creamy milk pudding that can be enjoyed at any point of the day.
While I recommend foods rich in calcium for breakfast, this item is light enough to be enjoyed as a starter for lunch too. It’s not too filling and provides a slow and steady sugar hit to revive the brain for work.
Mains
Japanese combinis are notorious for their succulent egg sandwiches. These soft and smooth delicacies can be enjoyed at any part of the day, but I’d recommend them as a main lunch item.
Let’s be real, most of us don’t enjoy the crust on our bread, so the fact that these egg sandwiches have them removed is a big bonus. If you are a crust-lover, do not fret, because crust-included sandwiches are also available.
If you have a big hunger for lunch, chances are the delicious creamy egg sandwich still won’t be enough to satisfy the pangs. Fortunately, combinis also offers an abundance of onigiris (rice balls) for just 100-200 yen (about 1 USD).
As a personal preference, I’d highly recommend the tomato and egg onigiri if you can get your hands on it. This item features tomato-flavored rice wrapped in an egg omelet with rich tomato sauce sandwiched in the middle.
The cream of the crop for lunch items would have to be a boxed rice meal. Japan’s combinis offer a plethora of ready-to-eat meals that can be heated and enjoyed in the store.
Whether you’re at a 7-Eleven, Family Mart, Lawson, Mini Stop, or Daily Yamazaki, you will find countless meal options between the 500-1000 yen range (4-8 USD).
These meals typically include marinated chicken, beef, or salmon combined with vegetables or egg over a bed of steamed rice or noodles. I’d recommend this meal as a standalone main for lunch as they can be quite filling.
Refreshments
Everywhere you go in Japan, you’ll have access to green teas, juices, water, and soft drinks. However, if you want something a little different that is difficult to find in your home country, I’d recommend a melon and milk drink.
This refreshing beverage combines fresh melon-flavored milk with real melon pieces for a drink that’s not only thirst-quenching but also filling.
At just 300ml in size, it’s the perfect refreshment to take with you back to work or give your mind and body a reset before resuming your daily duties.
If you’re a coffee addict like myself, then chances are one cup in the morning just won’t cut it. Around lunchtime, you will start to feel the craving again as your mind threatens to shut down.
Every combini has a coffee machine that lets you pick anything between hot espressos and iced cafe lattes. I’d recommend the latter for a hot day or simply as a boost to commence the second half of your work tasks.
Affordably priced at just 200 yen (1.50 USD) on average, grabbing a refreshing caffeine hit after a delicious (and cheap) lunch is the perfect way to dive into the afternoon’s activities!
Of course, if you are planning to visit Japan, you’ll need a way to get around the country as efficiently and affordably as possible. Japan Rail provides an abundance of travel passes to suit your travel needs. So whether you are traveling individually or as a group, the JR Pass is every traveler’s go-to for getting around and making the most of your time in Japan!