Contents
1. Introduction to Lawson: A Popular Japanese Convenience Store
Lawson is one of Japan’s most popular convenience store chains, known for its wide selection of products, clean stores, and friendly service. For foreign tourists visiting Japan, Lawson can be a lifesaver for quick meals, travel essentials, and even unique Japanese souvenirs. With over 14,000 locations across Japan, it’s almost guaranteed that you’ll find a Lawson nearby, whether you’re in a bustling city like Tokyo or a quiet rural town.
Lawson stores are open 24/7, making them a convenient option at any time of day or night. They carry a wide range of items such as bento lunch boxes, onigiri (rice balls), snacks, drinks, daily necessities, and even seasonal goods. Many branches also offer services such as ATMs with English-language support, free Wi-Fi, and ticket purchasing machines for concerts or transportation.
The brand has several subtypes of stores, including “Lawson Store 100” which offers most items for just ¥100 (about $0.70 USD), and “Natural Lawson” which focuses on health-conscious and organic options. These different types cater to various needs, making Lawson more than just a convenience store—it’s a part of everyday life in Japan.
For tourists, Lawson is especially helpful because of its simplicity and accessibility. Most signage includes English, and many staff members are used to assisting non-Japanese speakers. Some stores are even equipped with multilingual self-checkout machines. In tourist-heavy areas, Lawson stores may also sell items such as SIM cards, travel adapters, or sightseeing tickets.
Whether you need a quick bite, a drink, or just a place to rest for a moment, Lawson is a reliable and easy-to-use stop for foreign visitors in Japan. Getting familiar with what Lawson offers will make your travels smoother and more enjoyable.
2. How to Find a Lawson Near You
Finding a Lawson store in Japan is incredibly easy, thanks to the chain’s widespread presence across the country. Whether you’re in a major city like Tokyo, Osaka, or Kyoto, or exploring smaller towns and rural areas, there’s a good chance that a Lawson is just around the corner. For foreign tourists, several convenient tools and methods can help locate the nearest Lawson quickly and efficiently.
One of the best ways to find a Lawson is by using Google Maps. Simply type “Lawson” into the search bar, and nearby store locations will appear instantly. Google Maps not only shows the nearest stores but also includes useful details like store hours, photos, customer reviews, and navigation options. This is especially helpful if you’re in an unfamiliar neighborhood.
Another helpful tool is Lawson’s official website, which features a store locator. While the site is primarily in Japanese, many browsers offer automatic translation, making it accessible for non-Japanese speakers. The locator allows you to search by area, postal code, or landmarks, which is useful if you’re planning your route in advance.
If you’re using a Japanese SIM card or pocket Wi-Fi device, you can also download apps such as Japan Travel by NAVITIME or Maps.me, both of which support English and offer offline maps that include convenience store locations. Many of these apps categorize convenience stores, so you can filter your search to display only Lawson locations.
In busy areas like train stations, tourist attractions, and city centers, Lawson stores are often located directly inside or adjacent to buildings. Keep an eye out for the distinctive blue and white sign with the word “LAWSON” written in English. Some stores may also include labels like “Natural Lawson” or “Lawson Store 100,” offering specialized items like organic foods or discounted daily goods at around ¥100 (approximately $0.70 USD).
Thanks to Japan’s highly organized infrastructure and reliable digital tools, finding a Lawson is a stress-free process. With just a smartphone and internet access, you’ll never be far from snacks, drinks, or travel essentials during your journey.
3. What You Can Buy at Lawson
Lawson is more than just a convenience store — it’s a one-stop shop for a wide variety of products that cater to both locals and travelers. Whether you’re looking for a quick meal, daily essentials, or unique Japanese souvenirs, Lawson has you covered. The store is well-organized and clearly labeled, making it easy even for non-Japanese speakers to find what they need.
One of the biggest attractions at Lawson is its selection of ready-to-eat meals. You’ll find freshly prepared bento boxes, onigiri (rice balls), sandwiches, instant noodles, and fried foods like karaage (Japanese fried chicken). Prices are very reasonable, usually ranging from ¥150 to ¥600 (approximately $1.00 to $4.00 USD), making it a great choice for budget-conscious travelers.
Lawson also offers a wide range of drinks, including bottled water, juices, teas, coffee, and even alcohol like beer, sake, and chu-hi (shochu highball). Alcoholic drinks typically cost around ¥100–¥300 ($0.70–$2.00 USD), and you must be 20 years or older to purchase them.
If you have a sweet tooth, the dessert section won’t disappoint. Lawson is famous for its exclusive sweets, such as the popular “Uchi Café” line of desserts, which includes cream-filled pastries, puddings, and seasonal treats. Prices usually range between ¥150 and ¥400 ($1.00–$2.70 USD).
Aside from food and drinks, Lawson sells many daily necessities. You can find toiletries like toothbrushes, razors, shampoo, and sanitary products. There are also items like phone chargers, face masks, hand warmers, and even socks or underwear — perfect if you forgot something during your trip.
Tourists will also appreciate Lawson’s small selection of souvenirs and regional snacks. Some stores offer limited-edition items or local specialties, such as matcha-flavored candies or instant ramen unique to that area. Additionally, Lawson often partners with popular anime or game franchises to sell themed merchandise.
Lawson is designed to make life easier — and that extends to travelers, too. With its diverse inventory, fair pricing, and high-quality goods, it’s an essential stop for anyone visiting Japan.
4. How to Use the Self-Checkout and Pay
Using the self-checkout system at Lawson is a convenient and efficient way to pay for your items, especially if you prefer minimal interaction or if the store is busy. Many Lawson locations now feature self-checkout machines, which are easy to use even for foreign tourists thanks to their intuitive design and multilingual support.
When you’re ready to pay, look for the self-checkout kiosk, usually located near the entrance or beside the main cashier counters. The screen typically offers language options such as English, Chinese, and Korean. Tap the English button to begin the process in your preferred language.
Next, scan each item’s barcode using the attached scanner. The screen will display the item name and price as you scan. If an item doesn’t scan properly, you can ask a nearby staff member for assistance. Once all your items are scanned, tap the “Pay” or “Proceed to Payment” button.
Lawson’s self-checkout machines accept a variety of payment methods:
- Cash – Insert bills or coins into the appropriate slots. The machine will return any change automatically. For example, if your total is ¥800 (about $5.30 USD) and you insert ¥1,000, you’ll receive ¥200 ($1.30 USD) in change.
- Credit/Debit Cards – Most international cards are accepted, including Visa and MasterCard. Insert or tap your card as directed.
- IC Cards – If you have a prepaid transportation card like Suica or Pasmo, you can tap it on the reader to pay.
- Mobile Payments – Lawson supports payment apps like PayPay, Rakuten Pay, and even Apple Pay or Google Pay, depending on the store.
After completing your payment, the machine will print a receipt and a small bag icon may appear on the screen. At some locations, you will be asked if you need a plastic bag (there may be a small charge, such as ¥5 or about $0.03 USD). You can tap “Yes” or “No” accordingly.
Don’t forget to collect your purchased items and receipt. If you used cash, be sure to take your change. Trash bins and microwaves are usually located near the checkout area if you want to heat your food or dispose of packaging right away.
Using the self-checkout at Lawson is quick and stress-free. With just a few taps, you can be on your way — making it an ideal option for travelers looking to save time while shopping.
5. Tips for a Smooth Shopping Experience
Shopping at Lawson is usually quick and easy, but a few simple tips can help make your visit even smoother—especially if it’s your first time navigating a Japanese convenience store. These suggestions are especially useful for foreign tourists who may not be familiar with local customs or the store layout.
1. Bring Cash or a Compatible Card:
While many Lawson locations accept credit cards and IC cards like Suica or Pasmo, some smaller or rural stores may only accept cash. It’s a good idea to carry small bills and coins, as many items are priced between ¥100 and ¥600 (approximately $0.70 to $4.00 USD). If you need to withdraw cash, most Lawson stores have ATMs that support international cards.
2. Use the Microwave and Hot Water Station:
If you buy hot food or instant noodles, Lawson provides microwaves and hot water dispensers, usually located near the checkout counter. Staff can also heat up your meal for you upon request—just say “atatamete kudasai” (please heat it up). This makes it easy to enjoy a warm meal on the go.
3. Don’t Open Items Before Paying:
It’s considered rude and improper to open food or drinks before purchase. Always pay first, then feel free to eat at designated areas or nearby parks. While Lawson doesn’t usually have seating, some branches in major cities do offer small eating spaces or benches outside.
4. Look for Seasonal and Limited Items:
Lawson regularly features seasonal treats and regional products that change throughout the year. From sakura-themed desserts in spring to Halloween snacks in autumn, you might find something unique that’s only available for a limited time. These items also make great souvenirs.
5. Ask for a Plastic Bag If Needed:
Due to Japan’s eco-friendly policies, plastic bags are no longer free at convenience stores. If you need one, you can say “fukuro onegaishimasu” (a bag, please), and it will cost around ¥3 to ¥5 (about $0.02 to $0.03 USD). Better yet, carry a reusable shopping bag with you.
6. Be Polite and Respect Local Customs:
A simple “arigatou gozaimasu” (thank you very much) goes a long way. Japanese convenience store staff are known for their politeness and efficiency, and a smile or small gesture of gratitude is always appreciated.
By following these tips, you can enjoy a seamless shopping experience at Lawson. Whether you’re grabbing a quick snack or picking up daily essentials, Lawson is designed to be easy, efficient, and welcoming—even for first-time visitors.
