Hi there,
First time to Japan ? Went to a konbini (convinience store) and had no idea what to buy or what the cashier said ? Me too I was in the same situation, here are some of things I have discovered.
Food:
Nikuman and pizaman are cheap and filling.! They are Chinese style buns, they cost about ¥100 to ¥150. Niku means meat and piza well it's pizza. Many other flavors exist but those two are my favourite. If you don't see them in store, you can simply ask the cashier: nikuman arimasuka ? If it seems positive you can say hitotsu for one or futatsu for two.
There are tons of other good food, but you have to discover for yourself or ask around what locals eat.
Payments and vocabulary:
Some place you can pay by Suica or Pasmo card (the same card you use for the train!). If you buy a bento (lunch box), the cashier might ask you: atatamemasuka ? (Do you want to warm up?) They might also ask: ohashi ? (chopsticks?) If you don't need it, you can say daijoubu desu (I am ok) and if you do need it you can reply: onegaishimasu (please). Also in case you don't need a plastic bag, you can say fukuro irimasen. Sometimes they ask you also if you have a point card. You can answer arimasen if you don't have one.
Please note that I am not a native speaker and other ways to answer are also possible.
Differences between Konbinis:
The main companies are 7Eleven, Family Mart, Sunkus and Lawson. Prices and products vary between eachother, but most open 24/7 and have bathrooms and sell alcohol. I think the main distinction is that 7Eleven's ATM take international debit and credit cards.
For the rest is probably a matter of preferences.
There are tons of other good food, but you have to discover for yourself or ask around what locals eat.
Payments and vocabulary:
Some place you can pay by Suica or Pasmo card (the same card you use for the train!). If you buy a bento (lunch box), the cashier might ask you: atatamemasuka ? (Do you want to warm up?) They might also ask: ohashi ? (chopsticks?) If you don't need it, you can say daijoubu desu (I am ok) and if you do need it you can reply: onegaishimasu (please). Also in case you don't need a plastic bag, you can say fukuro irimasen. Sometimes they ask you also if you have a point card. You can answer arimasen if you don't have one.
Please note that I am not a native speaker and other ways to answer are also possible.
Differences between Konbinis:
The main companies are 7Eleven, Family Mart, Sunkus and Lawson. Prices and products vary between eachother, but most open 24/7 and have bathrooms and sell alcohol. I think the main distinction is that 7Eleven's ATM take international debit and credit cards.
For the rest is probably a matter of preferences.
So here you go, if you any suggestions, comments, recommendations, favourite food, please share!
-Ben
YADOYA Guesthouse for Backpackers Tokyo:
http://www.cheap-hostel-tokyo.com/
*Dorm bed only 2300yen/night, Private 3700yen～, cheapest hostel in west Tokyo, Nakano.
ドミトリー２３００円、個室３７００円～、東京・中野の安宿・バックパッカー！
YADOYA Guesthouse Tokyo for long stay:
http://www.cheap-accommodation-tokyo.com/
*Dorm bed only 40,000yen/month(including utilities), private room from 45,000yen/month. It`s nice to live in Nakano, and we support your Tokyo life!
ドミトリー光熱費混み１ヶ月４０，０００円、プライベート４５，０００円～。中野は住むのにいいところですよ。ゲストハウスとしてみなさまの東京生活をサポートします！
-Ben
YADOYA Guesthouse for Backpackers Tokyo:
http://www.cheap-hostel-tokyo.com/
*Dorm bed only 2300yen/night, Private 3700yen～, cheapest hostel in west Tokyo, Nakano.
ドミトリー２３００円、個室３７００円～、東京・中野の安宿・バックパッカー！
YADOYA Guesthouse Tokyo for long stay:
http://www.cheap-accommodation-tokyo.com/
*Dorm bed only 40,000yen/month(including utilities), private room from 45,000yen/month. It`s nice to live in Nakano, and we support your Tokyo life!
ドミトリー光熱費混み１ヶ月４０，０００円、プライベート４５，０００円～。中野は住むのにいいところですよ。ゲストハウスとしてみなさまの東京生活をサポートします！
