World Travel 2013-2014, The Wonders of the Japanese Convenience Store
Ah yes, you may look at this title and think ‘Jess, what is possibly so wonderful about a convenience store – they’re all the same!’, and yes in some ways you would be right. But in Japan, convenience stores are something else. I think for me, it’s the range of items and quality which I find impressive. In Australia, any food from a convenience store or petrol station would only be eaten as an absolute final resort (I’m not kidding, you would have to be VERY desperate) as the food is well, lets face it – it’s inedible.
In Japan, convenience stores stock all of the usual things you would expect to find – instant noodles, makeup, icecream, snacks, candy, breads, desserts, drinks, underwear oh and of course the bento packs.

You can get a bento box from a convenience store for around 300-400 yen (around $4 AUD) for a rather large meal. The price will vary depending on the size and contents but not only are these cheap, you can get them at any time (convenience stores are open 24 hours) and they will be heated for you while you wait. Nothing like a hot meal in the freezing cold of winter when everywhere else is shut… which is what happened to us at Koya-san. Thankfully there was a Lawson’s Convenience Store!
The breads are actually edible (compared to other places we visited in South East Asia), and in fact rather yummy (I rather enjoy the melon pan). Not only that you can even buy your desserts, including parfaits, which look rather good too! I wouldn’t say they’re the highest quality meals around, but when you’re on the move and you need some quick, hot food, you can’t beat a convenience store.

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