FamilyMart (FamilyMart) Erperience & Info

History and Market Position

FamilyMart (ファミリーマート) is the second largest convenience store chain in Japan and an essential part of everyday Japanese life. The chain was founded in September 1973 by the Seibu Retailing Group and opened its first store in Sayama, Saitama Prefecture, in 1973 ^[1]. Since 2009, FamilyMart has been a subsidiary of the Japanese trading company ITOCHU Corporation, which has further driven the brand’s expansion and development.

With over 16,200 stores across Japan (as of 2025) ^[2], FamilyMart is the country’s second largest convenience store chain after 7-Eleven, followed by Lawson in third place. The recognizable blue and green stores are omnipresent in urban areas and offer a wide range of products and services 24/7, 365 days a year.

In addition to the Japanese market, FamilyMart has also expanded internationally, operating over 8,400 stores abroad, mainly in Asian countries such as Taiwan, China, Thailand, Vietnam, Indonesia, Malaysia, and the Philippines. This international presence underscores the strength of the brand and its successful business model.

Product Variety and Private Labels

FamilyMart is known for its wide selection of fresh, high-quality foods and beverages. The chain places a special focus on developing its own products that meet the tastes and needs of Japanese consumers.

Famima – FamilyMart’s Own Brand

The in-house "Famima" brand covers a broad range of products, from staples to prepared meals and snacks ^[3]. These products offer excellent value for money and are continuously developed to keep up with changing consumer preferences.

Famichiki – The Signature Product

An absolute highlight in FamilyMart’s range is the famous "Famichiki" (ファミチキ), a crispy, juicy, boneless piece of fried chicken ^[4]. This product has achieved cult status in Japan and is the main reason for many customers to visit FamilyMart. Famichiki is prepared fresh and sold hot at the counter, making it a perfect snack on the go.

FamilyMart sells hundreds of thousands of Famichiki per day and has developed various versions over the years, including spicy varieties, seasonal specialties, and limited editions. The product’s popularity has led other convenience store chains to introduce similar offerings, but for many Japanese and tourists, the original Famichiki remains unparalleled.

Other Popular Hot Foods

In addition to Famichiki, FamilyMart offers a range of other popular hot foods:

• Steamed Buns (Nikuman): Various kinds of filled yeast buns, including classics with pork, curry, and seasonal specialties
• Oden: A traditional Japanese stew with ingredients such as eggs, daikon radish, fish cakes, and konjac jelly
• Karaage: Fried chicken pieces in a variety of flavors
• Corn Dogs: Sausages in batter, often with different toppings

Desserts and Sweets

FamilyMart is especially famous for its high-quality desserts and sweets. The chain collaborates with renowned patisseries to develop exclusive products characterized by their quality and innovative recipes.

A highlight among the desserts is the soufflé pudding – a creamy pudding combined with a fluffy cheese soufflé, valued for its silky texture and balanced flavor ^[5]. Other popular sweets include seasonal cheesecakes, tiramisu, mochi desserts, and a variety of ice cream products.

FamilyMart regularly launches new desserts that often use seasonal ingredients such as sakura (cherry blossom) in spring, tropical fruits in summer, sweet potatoes and chestnuts in autumn, and chocolate and strawberries in winter. These seasonal offerings are very popular with customers and are frequently shared on social media.

Comprehensive Services

Like other Japanese convenience stores, FamilyMart offers an impressive range of services that go beyond just selling food. These services make the stores an essential part of daily life in Japan.

ATMs and Financial Services

Most FamilyMart stores have ATMs accessible 24 hours a day. These machines accept not only Japanese bank cards but also international credit and debit cards, making them particularly valuable for tourists ^[6]. The user interface is available in several languages including English, Chinese, and Korean.

Other Services

• Parcel Shipping and Pickup: Via services like Yamato Transport (Kuroneko) or Japan Post
• Bill Payment: Electricity, gas, water, taxes, and more
• Ticket Sales: Concerts, sports events, theme parks via multi-copy machines
• Copy and Print Services: Print, scan, and copy documents
• Automatic Currency Exchange Machines: In selected stores, tourists can exchange foreign currencies into yen
• Tax-Free Shopping: Many stores offer tax-free shopping for tourists
• Public Toilets: Clean, free toilets (not available in all stores)

These services make FamilyMart an indispensable part of Japanese infrastructure ^[7] and explain why the chain continues to thrive despite increasing online competition.

Digital Innovation

FamilyMart is increasingly integrating digital technologies into the shopping experience. The FamilyMart app not only provides information on special offers and new products, but also enables cashless payments and participation in loyalty programs.

In recent years, FamilyMart has invested more in digital advertising displays and interactive screens in its stores to enhance the shopping experience and present personalized offers ^[8]. Various contactless payment methods are also supported, including credit cards, mobile payment services such as LINE Pay, and electronic wallets.

FamilyMart is also experimenting with new technologies such as cashierless payment systems and automated stores to address labor shortages in Japan and make the shopping experience more efficient.

Sustainability and Social Responsibility

In recent years, FamilyMart has increasingly taken steps to promote sustainability and social responsibility. The chain has set ambitious goals to reduce its environmental footprint and make a positive contribution to society.

Major sustainability initiatives include measures to reduce food waste, the introduction of more environmentally friendly packaging, and transitioning to more energy-efficient stores ^[9]. FamilyMart also works with local communities to support social projects and contribute to addressing social challenges.

A notable example is FamilyMart’s commitment to reducing plastic waste. The chain has started replacing plastic bags with more environmentally friendly alternatives and is working on developing more sustainable packaging solutions for its products.

Personal Experiences and Tips

As a regular visitor to FamilyMart stores in Japan, I have some personal favorites and tips I’d like to share:

My Top Recommendations at FamilyMart Japan

• Famichiki: The original Famichiki is an absolute must—crispy on the outside, juicy on the inside, and perfectly seasoned. It tastes best fresh and hot.
• Soufflé Pudding: This creamy pudding with its airy texture is a perfect dessert for in-between.
• Egg Sandwiches: The Japanese egg sandwiches, with their creamy filling and soft bread, are a classic.
• Seasonal Desserts: Watch for limited-time seasonal sweets, especially during cherry blossom season and autumn.
• FamilyMart Milk: The 500ml bottle of 100% milk is refreshing and the perfect companion to sweet snacks.

Practical Tips for Tourists

For visitors to Japan, FamilyMart is a true goldmine. Here are some tips that can make your stay easier:

• ATMs: The ATMs in FamilyMart stores are one of the easiest ways to withdraw cash using foreign cards.
• Affordable Meals: For about 500–800 yen, you can put together a complete, high-quality meal—ideal for travelers on a budget.
• Tax-Free Shopping: In tourist areas, many FamilyMart stores offer tax-free shopping. Look for the signs and bring your passport.
• Multilingual Services: Many services, like ATMs and copy machines, offer multilingual interfaces, making them easy to use for non-Japanese speakers.
• Emergency Supplies: From medications to umbrellas to charging cables—FamilyMart pretty much has everything you might need in a pinch.

Conclusion: An Indispensable Part of Everyday Life in Japan

FamilyMart is much more than a place to grab something quickly. It’s an institution that shapes daily life in Japan and offers a fascinating insight into Japanese consumer culture. The combination of high-quality products, comprehensive services, and continual innovation has made FamilyMart an essential part of Japan’s infrastructure.

For visitors to Japan, FamilyMart stores are not just convenient stops for daily needs; they are also places to explore local food culture at affordable prices. The quality and variety of products offered demonstrate how convenience and quality can go hand in hand.

Whether you want to try a crispy Famichiki, enjoy a creamy soufflé pudding, or simply explore the fascinating world of Japanese convenience stores—FamilyMart is definitely worth a visit and offers an authentic slice of everyday Japanese culture.