“24 Hours Open”? The Truth About Lawson & 7-Eleven in Japan

For the majority of travelers, Japan's 7-Eleven and Lawson convenience stores are a godsend. Whether it is a midnight snack, an early breakfast to catch a Shinkansen, or just a spot to use Wi-Fi and get out of the sun, these konbini (convenience stores) are famous for being "open 24 hours.

But is it always true? And what if you turn up at 3AM expecting a warm meal or cash withdrawal? Here's the reality behind Japan's most trusted convenience stores.

1. Most Stores Are Indeed Open 24/7

Yes, the reputation is well-deserved. In large cities like Tokyo, Osaka, Kyoto, and Fukuoka, the majority of Lawson and 7-Eleven stores are indeed open 24 hours a day, 7 days a week.

You can walk in at 2AM and still buy hot food, use the ATMs, print out documents, or top up your IC card. It is part of why the stores are so popular with residents and tourists alike.

2. Rural Areas Are Different

Outside big cities, things can change. Some locations — especially in rural towns or near smaller train stations — now close overnight, usually between 1AM and 5AM. This shift started after labor shortage issues during the pandemic.

So if you’re traveling through the countryside, don’t rely on Lawson or 7-Eleven being open all night.

3. Food Availability Shrinks After Midnight

Even in 24-hour outlets, not everything is available in the dead of night. Fried chicken, bentos, or bakery items that are very popular get sold out by midnight. Hot foods can be removed for cleaning.

You can still have beverages, packaged foods, and instant food, but not the entire range you see in the daytime will be present at 3AM.

4. Fewer Staff, Slower Service

Night shifts usually run a skeleton staff. You might see just one person restocking shelves or sweeping the floor. Service is usually still cheerful and prompt, but everything can take a bit longer, especially if you need help with ATMs or printing services.

5. New Regulations Might Affect Hours in the Future

Japan has been considering labor reforms for years, and some of the convenience store chains have been testing shorter operating hours to help alleviate staff pressure. While Lawson and 7-Eleven are keeping their 24-hour model in busy areas, there's a possibility that more stores could cut hours in the future. 

6. ATMs and Services Are Reliable at Night

One of the best aspects of these stores is that they carry in-store ATMs, which almost always work at night and accept international cards. This has made them a default stop for late-arriving tourists who need yen in cash.

Final Thoughts

Lawson and 7-Eleven in Japan remain some of the most reliable places to find food, drinks, and essential services at any hour — especially in cities. But don’t assume every single branch is always open. If you’re heading to rural areas or traveling late at night, check the location’s hours on Google Maps to avoid surprises.