Reviewing Ministop – Japan’s lesser-known combini

Ministop is an original Japanese combini like Family Mart and Lawson, but they are much harder to find. Here’s what they have to offer!

Cheap delicious meals

Like any combini (Japanese convenience store), Ministop offers a plethora of cheap meals ready to eat. These meals can be heated on demand and enjoyed at Ministop’s seating and dining area for customers.

Unlike Family Mart, 7-Eleven, and Lawson which may or may not come with a seating area, Ministop always does. Their meals are delicious and typically feature a combination of fish, chicken, beef, and/or egg on a bed of rice and vegetables.

Ministop’s iconic ice creamery

At Ministop, you will feel like you’re at Baskin Robbins with its unique ice cream menu. Like an actual ice creamery, the menu is displayed above the counter and features options for cones or cups and various sizes.

Their flavors may not be as vast as Baskin Robbins, but they do offer some unique flavors you won’t find anywhere else. Such flavors include creme caramel parfait, sweet potato soft serve, and seasonal sakura ice cream.

Original products

In addition to its unique ice cream selection that sets it apart from other combinis, Ministop also has its own branded products. For example, they offer the “Marrons Au Lait” as part of the Ministop chilled coffee range.

For under 1000 yen (8 USD), you can easily put together a set meal including a delicious rice bento box, a beverage, and a coffee. The best part is enjoying your Ministop meal at one of the window seats and watching as people stroll past the store.


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!

Leave a Reply