Convenience Store and Drugstore Must-Buys in Tokyo
Published: 2026-10-03 · Last verified: 2026-10-03
What to eat at Japan's convenience stores, which drugstore items visitors take home, and how tax-free shopping works from November 2026.
Convenience stores: what to try
Tokyo's convenience stores (konbini) are on almost every corner, and many visitors say the food is a highlight of their trip. The big three are 7-Eleven, FamilyMart and Lawson.
Famichiki (FamilyMart)Juicy boneless fried chicken from the hot-snack counter. FamilyMart's signature snack.
Karaage-kun (Lawson)Bite-size fried chicken in a little box, with flavors that change through the year.
OnigiriRice balls filled with salmon, tuna-mayo and more. Pull the numbered tabs in order to keep the seaweed crisp.
Egg sandwich (7-Eleven)Soft white bread with creamy egg salad, a long-time favorite.
OdenSimmered daikon, eggs and fish cakes, sold by the register in the cooler months.
Sweets (Lawson Uchi Café)Desserts and seasonal cakes that change often, so look for what's new.Staff can heat bento for you. Nod when they ask, or say "atatamete kudasai" (please heat it up).
Snacks to take home
Convenience stores and supermarkets are great for gifts. Look for Japan-only and seasonal flavors.
Japan-only Kit KatMatcha and seasonal flavors you won't find at home.Limited editions sell out quickly, so buy them when you see them.
Drugstores: what visitors buy
Japanese drugstores sell much more than medicine. Big chains such as Matsumoto Kiyoshi, Cocokara Fine and Sundrug carry skincare, cosmetics, snacks and everyday goods.
| Category | Popular picks | Why visitors like them |
|---|---|---|
| Sunscreen | Biore UV, Nivea UV | Light, water-based texture |
| Sheet masks | Quality 1st, Keana Nadeshiko rice mask | Value packs that make easy gifts |
| Skincare | Hada Labo lotion, Melano CC serum | Long-selling Japanese classics |
| Eye drops | Many cooling types | A huge range to choose from |
| Relaxation | Kyusoku Jikan foot sheets, steam eye masks | Perfect after long walking days |
Big drugstores in tourist areas are used to helping visitors.
Buying medicine
Some cold medicines and pain-relief products contain ingredients that are restricted in other countries. Check your home country's rules before you buy.
Some medicines can only be sold after a pharmacist explains them, so staff may ask you a few questions.
Not sure what to choose? Ask the pharmacist. A translation app helps.
Tax-free shopping is changing
📢 From November 1, 2026, tax-free shopping becomes a refund system
| Until October 31, 2026 | From November 1, 2026 | |
|---|---|---|
| At the store | Tax is taken off at the register | You pay the price including tax |
| Getting the tax back | Nothing more to do | Refunded when you leave Japan, after customs checks the items |
| What to bring | Your passport | Your passport |
How it works from November 1
- Shop at a tax-free store and show your passport.
- Pay the price including tax.
- When you leave Japan, customs at the airport or port checks the items.
- The tax is refunded.
You may need to show the items at the airport, so check the procedure before you check in your luggage, and leave extra time.
Rules and participating stores can change, so check the signs in each store.
Good to know
- Liquids such as lotion and sunscreen must follow the airport rules for carry-on bags. Pack large bottles in your checked luggage.
- Big drugstores near the stations in Shinjuku, Shibuya and Ginza are used to helping visitors.
- Compare the chains in our store guide.