While the British often give directions using pubs as landmarks, the Japanese use convenience stores (combini). Most corners in Tokyo have a Lawson, 7-Eleven, Family Mart, Circle-K, or Am-Pm open 24 hours a day.

Combini offer a massive range of items, mostly of the unhealthy, processed variety. Instant food is cheap and easily come by, with options such as sandwiches, onigiri rice balls, instant noodles, oden (vegetables such as radishes, boiled eggs and fish cakes in a soupy broth, popular in winter), fried chicken, Chinese dumplings, bentō lunch boxes, salads, beer snacks, icecream and confectionary. Alcohol such as beer, wine, sake and other spirits is also available. These stores also have ATMs, machines selling tickets to sports events and concerts, postal services, photocopying, faxing and digital photograph printing. You can also pay your bills, pick up a newspaper or magazine, or browse the latest DVD or video game releases. Cosmetics and basic medicines also feature, and many shops have public toilets.

Recently, some combini have started selling fresh fruit and vegetables, and the Natural Lawson chain markets a healthier range of items.