Coffee at Japanese convenience stores (Konbini) like 7-Eleven, FamilyMart, and Lawson is fast, convenient, and remarkably high quality. While prices start around ¥140, the self-service system can trip up first-time visitors because the order flow changes depending on whether you choose Hot or Iced.
Here is everything you need to know to order like a local.
Golden Rule: Hot vs. Iced Coffee
| Coffee Type | Where to Get the Cup | How to Pay |
| Hot Coffee (ホット) | Order directly at the cashier | Pay first Get empty paper cup → Head to coffee machine |
| Iced Coffee (アイス) | Grab a plastic cup with ice from the freezer | Take ice cup to counter → Pay → Head to coffee machine |
1.How to Buy Hot Coffee (ホットコーヒー):Order at the counter
- Go directly to the cash register. You won’t find hot cups out on the sales floor.
- Order your size using the counter menu (often available with English text):
- “Hot coffee, Regular size, please.” (“Hotto kohi, Regyura saizu onegaishimasu.”)
- Pay the cashier and receive your empty paper cup.
- Walk over to the coffee machine station.
- Place your cup inside the dispensing door.
- Press the matching button (e.g., “HOT COFFEE – R”). Newer 7-Eleven machines auto-detect the cup size, but FamilyMart and Lawson require you to press the correct button manually.
- Wait for the machine to finish dispensing (listen for the end chime) before removing your cup.
2.How to Buy Iced Coffee (アイスコーヒー):Pick up an ice cup from the freezer first
- Locate the open freezer compartment (usually near the ice cream or frozen items).
- Pick up a plastic cup packed with ice cubes. The foil lid indicates the cup size (R/S/L/M) and beverage type.
- Bring the ice cup to the register and pay the cashier.
- Take your paid ice cup to the coffee machine.
- Peel off the plastic seal completely.
- Place the ice cup inside the dispenser.
- Press the matching ICED coffee button (e.g., “ICE COFFEE – R”).
- Wait until the pouring stops. Grab a plastic lid, straw, or sleeve from the condiment bar beside the machine.
Condiment Station & Add-ons
Adjacent to the machine, you’ll find a free condiment bar:
- Gum Syrup (ガムシロップ): Liquid sugar tailored for cold drinks.
- Sugar (シュガー): Granulated sugar packets for hot drinks.
- Creamer / Milk (ミルク): Portion pods of liquid creamer.
- Lids, Straws, and Stirrers.
Key Phrases for Ordering
- “Hot coffee, please. → “Hotto kohi wo onegaishimasu. (ホットコーヒーをお願いします)
- “Iced coffee, please. → “Aisu kohi wo onegaishimasu. (アイスコーヒーをお願いします)
- “Regular / Small / Large size. → “Regyura / S-saizu / L-saizu. (レギュラー / S / L サイズ)
Chain-Specific Tips
Lawson (Machi Café): At select smaller Lawson branches, staff members brew the coffee behind the counter and hand the finished drink directly to you.
7-Eleven: Equipped with automatic cup detection. Insert your cup and the machine automatically highlights the exact button to press.
FamilyMart: Often features seasonal syrup pumps (caramel, vanilla, etc.) near the station to customize your brew.
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