[langsoul-com]

What makes Konbinis across Asia unique is that it's convenient, cheap and high quality. That's the magic sauce.

Most other places are super expensive or convenient or high quality. But hardly all combined. That's why Asian Konbinis are great. Note this is true of most of Asia, not just Japan.

[burglins]

Are they cheap, though? I often avoid going to shops the like of GS25, Żabka or 7/11, because the prices are often 125%-150% the normal supermarket price.

[wesapien]

In the area I stayed in Tokyo, there was a konbini and supermarket across the street from my nearest subway. Food is definitely cheaper, more selection and better quality at the supermarket. I started making notes on Google Maps for any supermarket that I can find along my routes.

[smugma]

25-50% markup is rather small, given the convenience. In the US, 100% premium is not unheard of. And Costco may be half the price of the supermarket if you’re willing to buy bulk.

[wintermutestwin]

They also have clean and free restrooms. My Japan trip was such a pleasure as I was able to walk ~20km a day without ever stressing about needing to pee. Contrast to most US/EU cities where I burn so much time urgently trying to find a bathroom or else I stop hydrating and feel crappy.

[dfxm12]

In my experience, that's not unique to just konbinis though. Granted, I've only been to large cities, but cheap, convenient, delicious food is available from many types of stores/vendors/take away/etc.

Maybe it's just the big cities, but I think maybe this part of the world just demands this from anyone selling food. If you aren't providing this quality, you won't stay in business because there's too much competition that is.

[yapyap]

Is it also cheap for the average Japanese person? I assume we’re all just chatting away about mostly western standards given that HN is an English platform

[saynay]

Yeah, fairly cheap. Can grab a sandwich for about the price of metro fare.

[ThrowawayTestr]

Lots of English YouTubers have channels dedicated to Japanese food. The prices always make me extremely envious.