Discovering Japan’s Unmatched 7-Eleven Experience

Have you ever dreamt that you’re in your own version of Beauty and the Beast‘s “Be Our Guest” scene? Picture this: delightful food spread before you, and just as you’re about to take a bite…you wake up. For me, that dream came true in Japan. Except I was awake, seated at a tiny round table, and was actually able to eat every single bite.

Planning My Tokyo Adventure

Visiting Japan had long been on my bucket list, and last fall, I finally planned my own Tokyo adventure. From the food to the people, every element was perfect. I had such a wonderful time that I’m already strategizing for my next visit. What I didn’t foresee, however, was that the place I frequented the most was a store I knew all too well.

Indeed, I went to Japan and found myself captivated by 7-Eleven.

The Magic of 7-Eleven in Japan

You’re probably thinking I’m crazy, but hear me out. The 7-Eleven in Japan is astonishingly different from the dimly lit convenience stores we know in America. Rather, it’s a treasure trove of culinary delights. Japan is home to almost a third of 7-Eleven’s global locations. When you walk through those sliding doors, you enter a realm where you can not only purchase freshly fried chicken but also pay your electricity bill. I’m not alone in my enthusiasm; just peruse YouTube to see countless others who, like me, have discovered that 7-Eleven might just be the happiest place on earth.

My Culinary Journey

My personal journey began with an egg salad sandwich. Anthony Bourdain praised 7-Eleven’s version as the finest he’d ever tasted, which made it a must-try for me. So, during my time in Tokyo, I did what anyone would do: I dropped my bags at the hotel, searched for the nearest location, and immediately ventured there.

The entire store was immaculate. Everything was bright and orderly, with designated seating areas for enjoying your food. My mouth watered as I approached the sandwich section and spotted the famous egg salad. Mission accomplished! I spent the next half hour gathering anything that caught my eye. I left with the sandwich, a pizza pork bun, an impressively large pain aux raisin, and two packets of mini pancakes. Rounding out my haul were two coffees: one hot and one iced. The best part? I acquired all of that for under $15. The price alone makes a visit truly worthwhile.

Indulging in Delicacies

Back in my hotel room, the first bite converted me. The egg salad was exquisite—creamy, perfectly eggy, and enveloped in the softest bread I’ve ever eaten. The pizza bun featured an ideal blend of cheese and tomato encased in a smooth, pillow-like dome. And the pain aux raisin? It had layer upon layer of sweet custard, flaky pastry, and plump raisins. At this point, a normal person may have stopped, but I’m not one to back down, so I moved on to the pancakes. What I assumed were four mini pancakes were, in fact, two pancake sandwiches packed with delectable buttercream and mind-blowing maple jelly. Even today, it’s difficult to articulate just how delightful they were. Plus, even the coffee was exceptional—freshly ground and delicious.

The Convenience of 7-Eleven

I spent a total of six days in Tokyo and visited 7-Eleven a remarkable seven times. Following that initial trip, I found myself seeking excuses to return. It’s one of the few places where tourists can easily withdraw cash, which is crucial since much of Tokyo still operates on cash-only. Thus, every ATM visit became an opportunity for snack time. Preparing for a train trip to Kyoto? There’s 7-Eleven! Need free Wi-Fi? You guessed it—7-Eleven again! Alongside the pancakes, I developed an obsession with their katsu sandwich, onigiri sampler, and an iced caramel latte that I often enjoyed as an after-meal treat. For anyone doubting the safety of consuming fish and pork from a convenience store, remember that in Japan, food is always freshly prepared. With such a vast selection, how could anyone resist sampling a bit of everything?

Your Must-Visit Destination

In summary, if you’re planning your upcoming trip to Japan, make sure to include 7-Eleven in your itinerary. With unbeatable prices, a diverse selection, top-notch service (Japanese hospitality is genuine—even in a convenience store), and irresistibly delicious food, you will undoubtedly thank me later.