Konbini & Chains: How to Eat Cheap and Fast in Tokyo

You can eat surprisingly well in Tokyo without a reservation. Convenience stores (konbini) and fast chains are open early, late and often 24 hours. Here's how to use them like a local.

Konbini: 7-Eleven, FamilyMart, Lawson

• Hot snacks by the register: fried chicken, croquettes and more. Point and say "Kore kudasai." Each chain has its own famous fried chicken, so try all three.
• Onigiri: rice balls with fillings like salmon or tuna mayo. Follow the numbers on the wrapper (1, 2, 3) to open it without breaking the seaweed.
• They'll heat it for you: bento and some foods can be warmed at the register. Staff will ask "Atatamemasu ka?" (Shall I heat it?).
• Seasonal and limited items: sweets, drinks and snacks change often. If you see "期間限定" (limited time), it may be gone next week.
• Konbini also have ATMs, toilets in many stores, and trash bins. A lifesaver.

Gyudon chains: Sukiya, Yoshinoya, Matsuya

Beef bowls in minutes, at any hour. Many shops now order by tablet or a ticket machine at the entrance, usually with an English option.

• Choose a size (regular is fine for most people) and add a raw egg or miso soup.
• Free pickled ginger and spices are on the counter.
• Eat, put your tray where it was, and go. It's fast food, not a place to hang out.

Coffee chains

Chains like Doutor are cheap and quick. Order at the counter, take your tray to a seat, and return it to the return shelf when you leave.

John's tip

Most konbini don't have seats. Eating while walking is frowned upon in many places, so eat outside the store or back at your hotel.

Words that work

• Atatamete kudasai — Please heat it
• Fukuro wa iranai desu — I don't need a bag
• Namimori, onegaishimasu — Regular size, please

More food tips: Your First Meal in Tokyo. Questions? Ask John.