Signs of Gentrification

A wine bottle cooler/refrigerator discarded on a random street corner

A large black SUV with dark tinted windows and custom wheels blaring........harp music

Lazy Man's Guide to Japan: Convenience Stores(Conbini)

In the states, we have our major convenience stores like 7-11 and Am Pm as well as smaller stores.  Japan has their fair share of conbini(convenience stores).  In major cities like Tokyo, they are far more saturated than what you would find here.  They have 7-11 and Am Pm but they also have Lawson, Sunkus, Family Mart, Daily Yamazaki and much more.  They are found at train and subway stations.  This is saying alot since most of the populace commute to work through these means.  Im sure you will have to pass through at least 1 of these stations when you visit.  In denser areas, there can be multiple locations within a 1 block area.

The conbinis dont suffer the same stigma that afflict the same chains in the US.  The prepared foods that they offer are not restaurant quality but are decent enough when you want something quick or inexpensive.  They have the usual sandwiches but bentos and rice balls of various kinds are on offer as well.  Some locations offer oden as well.  Oden is fishcake, vegetables, eggs and other goodies simmered in dashi.  Nice snack on a cold day.  Unlike our domestic chains, the conbinis do not offer soda fountain to dispense drinks.  All sodas are sold in individual containers located in the refrigerated cases.  Oddly enough, one of the few places you will see a drink dispenser is in a family-style restaurant or all you can eat place that offer an all you can drink option.

Some conbinis offer other services like ticket purchases.  If you are going to the Studio Ghibli Museum, you can purchase advace tickets at a Lawson.  Another item that has a loose connection to conbinis are the clear umbrellas that dot a rainy day.  These are sold fairly cheaply at all locations for those who have left their own umbrellas at home or elsewhere.  Alot of times, certain chains or even branches of a chain will work in conjunction with other companies to do special promotions.  Much like the fast food chains partnering with movies to extend their marketting reach through the prizes found in kid's meals.  Especially with anime, shops will offer one of a kind or limited run items to draw people into the store.  These tie-ins can be as rare as being offered at only 1 location due to special connection.

Not all conbinis are open 24 hours but most are.  Those in the stations will close with the station unless there is an external entrace.  Although the location may sell hot and cold drinks in the shop, some will still have a vending machine near the entrance.  This may or may not have to do with the store not being open for 24 hours.

Lazy Man's Guide to Japan: Fly in to Haneda over Narita

I have traveled to Japan, Tokyo specifically, on numerous occasions and decided to share some of the things I have learned as I plan my next trip.  I am big on convenience.  You could say it borders on being lazy, as such, the title of these posts.  I woulkd be willing to pay extra for a bit of convenience.

At this time, I can only comment on United and ANA flights that I have flown on.  Haneda is much closer to Tokyo than Narita.  In comparison, a 15-minute local train ride over a 1-hour express to reach the Yamanote line.  The airport monorail or Keikyu line are available or a taxi should the trains stop running past midnight.  Over the last few years, Haneda has opened up to international flights.  These flights arrive at extreme times, early morning or late evening.  The first flight arrives around 6am and departs from the US around midnight.  For those that can sleep during the flight, it may help to reduce jet lag as you can get a good nights rest and awake upon landing ready to hit the ground running.  That was my thought at least.  Even as late as the departure was, sleep would be elusive and I was awake the whole time except for 1 or 2 15-minute naps.  After landing, I had at least 8 hours before I could check in.   Half-asleep, I busied myself until then.

The other flight departs around midnight to land at 1030pm.  With this, I get my bags, go to the hotel to check in, then fall asleep.  This schedule worked out better for me last year and its the same one that I will follow this year.  Since I am tired by the time I land, it is easy for me to get some sleep so I can be ready to go out the next day.  Departures from Haneda that I have taken, leave shortly after midnight.  This gives you the whole day to do last minute things before you head home.  Time enough to grab a nice dinner in town as well.  Could possibly save you a nights expense at a hotel.

The flights to Narita take off around 11am to land approx 3pm-4pm at Narita.  These are some of the busiest hours of the airport.  Customs lines can be long.  Most times, you will get into Tokyo around dinner time.  If you are up to it, catching some night life.  Flights from Narita depart around 5pm-6pm.  Then you have to factor in the transportation time to the airport and buffer time while at the airport.  This can make for a harried morning trying to get everything packed.  You could probably squeeze in lunch before getting on the train.  Easy access to Narita provided by the Narita Express or the Skyliner.  I have only ever taken the N'ex.