How to Order & Use Everything

Konbini checkouts are fast once you know the routine. Staff will ask you a few standard questions — here is what each one means.

Karaage-kun, frankfurters and fries sit in heated display cases near the register. You order at the register and staff fetch them for you.

All major chains sell cheap machine coffee (¥100-180). You buy a cup-sized ticket at the register, then dispense it yourself.

Konbini double as parcel hubs: send packages (takkyubin/yamato), and pick up online orders from Amazon JP and other shops.

The copy machine doubles as a multi-ticket terminal: concert tickets, event tickets, expressway cards and more.

Any bill with a payment slip (収納代行 barcoded form) can be paid at the register: utilities, taxes, online orders.

Konbini are the most reliable public spots for cash and connectivity in Japan.

Suica (and regional equivalents PASMO, ICOCA) is a rechargeable card for trains, vending machines and konbini purchases.

The 10 phrases that cover 95% of konbini interactions. Staff are used to foreign customers — pointing and smiling go a long way.