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Why Japan’s Combini Eat-In Rules are Confusing
Are tourists unfairly taking the blame for not following the country’s confusing eat-in rules?
By Francesca Annio
Convenience stores in Japan are a hit with foreigners — many are amazed at just how handy they are. The option to enjoy your meal right there in the store is a big bonus too. Yet, what many don’t realize is that these dining areas come with their own set of rules. While some are common sense, others can be tricky for first-timers. Lately, some foreign tourists have been missing the mark — mostly because one of the key rules is confusing, even for Japanese citizens and residents.
Rising discontent
We’ve all noticed it — Japan is overflowing with tourists lately. In June 2024 alone, the Japan National Tourism Organization reported a record-breaking 3,135,600 visitors. This is great news for both local and national economies, but it also brings challenges. Some of these stem from different systems, language barriers, and cultural differences.
We’ve dealt with over-tourism issues before. However, a new concern is cropping up — this time from convenience store clerks.
