Family Mart • Lawson • 7/11
It won't take long for you to fall in love with the Japanese convenience stores, or otherwise known as Konbini's. They truly are convenient, most if not all, are open 24/7 and carry just about anything you need from meals to snacks, magazines, and other quick pick me ups. I know you're probably wondering, well what makes them so special? All I can say is just wait until you first step in one, the immense amount of selection for just about every kind of meal, snack, or treat, you're sure to always find something to quell your midnight or mid-day craving. And as it is Japan, the quality you can expect is much greater than anything you'd find at home.
Konbinis
Family Mart
Welcome to Family Mart, one of the more popular Konbini's in Japan, or at least the Osaka region. Family Mart boasts all your traditional convenience stores amenities from snacks, meals (hot and cold), a wide variety of drinks, magazines, event tickets, and even a nation wide shipping service. While they do also have ATM's, it can be hit or miss sometimes whether it'll accept your home card or not, though this won't be an issue if you open up your own Japanese bank account.
If your planning on going to any major event that requires tickets, look for the Loppi machine, a self-serving ticket dispenser. You may need the attendants assistance as it is in Japanese. Don't be afraid to ask, most if not all are more than willing to help you.
Tips:
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Some North American bank cards may not work in the ATM's
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Need to send something across Japan for cheap? Ask the attendant for "Takkyubin Onegaishimasu" (たっきゅうびん おねがいします). They will give you a waybill to fill out.
Lawson
Lawson, one of the other big three Konbini's in Japan. Offering similar amenities to Family Mart, one thing you'll notice is a slight difference in the type of meals and snacks offered from brand to brand. In particular the "Pan"(bread) section, one of my personal favourites, which you'll experience why when you arrive. Like Family Mart, Lawson's also offers Loppi service, the event ticket service machines.
Tips:
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The closest Lawson's to the seminar houses is across from the Makino Station. Approximately a 10-12 minute walk.
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Some North American bank cards may not work in the ATM's. 7/11 is your best bet for making withdrawls.
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Need to send something across Japan for cheap? Ask the attendant for "Takkyubin Onegaishimasu" (たっきゅうびん おねがいします). They will give you a waybill to fill out.
7/11
Makino Ekimae - Lawsons
Most of you should already be familiar with 7/11. A staple convenience store in North America, and also Japan. However, the Japanese 7/11 operates quite a bit different than the American counterpart that your used to. Resembling the it's Japanese competitors, 7/11 offers a wide range of Japanese drinks, snacks, and prepared hot/cold meals. Among other services offered such as Takkyubin (Ta-Q-Bin), and Loppi ticket services.
Tips:
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7/11 ATM's along with Post Offices, are your best bets for withdrawing cash with an international debit card.
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You can purchase Event Tickets here, along with phone cards and other prepaid cards.
7/11 across from the Main Gate