Known for their 24 hour service, convenience stores are popular worldwide. People drop by for some quick shopping or buying things late at night. Konbini, as they are known in Japan, can be found on almost every street offering products and services that are not usually found in a convenience store.
Here are some of the unusual but very functional products/services that konbinis have:
1. Neckties When Japanese men go on out-of-town trips and forget their neckties, they just have to find the nearest konbini and purchase one. Handkerchiefs are also sold in konbinis as well as socks and gloves.
Photo from japan-magazine.jnto.go.jp
2. Bills payment Water, electricity, phone bills and other bills can all be paid in a konbini. They have automated machines which can assist you with your transaction or you can opt to pay at the cashier instead. Stores also have ATMs so you could withdraw first before paying your bills.
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Photo from thejapanguy.com
3. Fresh food Japan does not only have reheatable food on their konbini menu, they also have fresh food like onigiri, bento meals, and even ramen. They get two to five deliveries a day, ensuring the freshness of the food that they sell.
Photo from japan-talk.com
4. Ticket reservations Wanting to catch the ultimate baseball tournament of the year? Or itching to spend your weekend at an amusement park? You can already make a reservation or purchase a ticket in a nearby convenience store! You no longer need to to wait in long queues to watch that tournament!
Photo from designmadeinjapan.com
5. Photocopy and fax machines Japan is home to busy people. If they can’t reach their office at the moment, they can drop by a konbini to have their documents photocopied or faxed immediately. Some convenient stores also have printers and scanners.
Photo from rocketnews.com
6. Toilets You can use the toilet in a convenience store for free, even without making a purchase! You can also ensure the cleanliness of the bathroom and its privacy.
Photo from rocketnews.com
Discover the wonders of a Japanese convenience store and add some other unusual things in this growing list!
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