It’s almost a rite of passage for tourists to experience a Japanese konbini (convenience stores) during their stay in the country.
Konbini, such as 7-Eleven, FamilyMart and Lawson, are all the rage, with many people highly recommending the stores for a quick meal or snack. However, if you want to buy unique and quality food, the high-end grocery store chain Seijo Ishii is a must-try.
A curated selection of products fills the walls of Seijo Ishii — a sight you won’t find at a konbini like FamilyMart. From imported cheese and wine to handmade desserts and deli products, the supermarket offers a vast selection of delicious items available at any of its 200 locations.
How did the SJMC Japan team come to learn of the phenomenon that is Seijo Ishii? Our wonderful tour guide, Michio Akutsu, of course!
Akutsu took a group of students to try out the supermarket after a long day in Kyoto. The group stocked up on drinks and snacks per Akutsu’s recommendations. Cat Chan, human development and family science senior, was happily surprised by the snacks she bought.
“I’ve been buying onigiris from random konbinis by our hotel, but these are the best ones I’ve had yet,” Chan said. “They just taste fresher and better.”
Akutsu advised the group that if they wanted quality food, albeit at a quality price, they should shop at Seijo Ishii. He often heeds his own advice:
“If there’s no choice, I [will] go to a convenience store or ordinary supermarket,” Akutsu said. “But if I know that the shop (Seijo Ishii) is available nearby, I [will] choose that shop because I prefer to have a little bit of better quality if available.”
With Akutsu’s words in mind, a question remains: Should tourists ditch the common konbini for Seijo Ishii?
The answer is entirely dependent on the individual and situation!
If you are looking to prepare a Japanese dish at your Airbnb and need quality seasonings or a gourmet bottle of wine, Seijo Ishii is the supermarket for you. On the other hand, if you’re short on time and want a simple and inexpensive snack on the way back to your hotel, a konbini can be found on almost every street corner. It’s also worth noting that a konbini is open 24 hours, whereas Seijo Ishii has varying hours depending on the location.
For many college students, price plays a significant role in the stores they frequent. For instance, Miya Coleman, a journalism senior, noticed the differences between the high-end grocery store chain and a typical konbini.
“I appreciated that everything was clearly labeled, and it was way easier to navigate than a Lawson or FamilyMart,” Coleman said. “I’d probably go to Lawson or FamilyMart first just because it’s cheaper, though.”
Nevertheless, one thing’s for certain: whether you choose a common konbini like 7-Eleven or FamilyMart or a pricey supermarket like Seijo Ishii, you’ll find something tasty and fulfilling during your stay in Japan!
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