Convenience stores in Japan, known locally as conbini, are a treasure trove of everything from food to daily necessities, available 24/7. Even the food selection alone is enough to make you feel like a kid in a candy store—so many tempting choices, it’s hard to know where to start!
To help you make the most of your convenience store finds, the Umami bites editorial team has put together a selection of must-try items, divided by category.
From classic staples to uniquely creative items, we’ll be highlighting plenty of tempting finds you’ll want to pick up on your next conbini visit!
FamilyMart’s classic rice balls
Rice balls (known in Japanese as omusubi or onigiri) are a staple of convenience store offerings in Japan. Despite their low price—typically between 100 and 200 JPY each—they’re made with real care and rival those from specialty rice ball shops.
Let’s start with FamilyMart’s temaki (hand-rolled) rice ball series. These come packaged so that you wrap the nori around the rice yourself just before eating. Fillings include classic favorites like pickled plum, grilled salmon, and tuna mayonnaise.
Because the nori is separated from the rice until you remove the film and wrap it at the last moment, it stays crisp and delivers that satisfying crunch and aromatic burst as you bite in.
Temaki: “Salmon”
The “Salmon” rice ball features flaked pieces of grilled wild salmon, all for under 200 JPY—an incredible bargain. The light saltiness pairs perfectly with the rice, offering that classic “taste of Japan” in every bite.
Temaki: “Tuna Mayonnaise”
FamilyMart’s Temaki “Tuna Mayonnaise,” often abbreviated in Japanese as tsunamayo, is such a popular flavor that it’s no exaggeration to say it was convenience stores that sparked the whole trend. It consistently ranks among the top favorites in rice ball popularity polls and is loved by people of all ages. For this rice ball, the tangy mayo enhances the richness of the tuna, making each bite especially satisfying.
Temaki: “Pickled Plum”
No Japanese rice ball roundup is complete without pickled plum. FamilyMart uses Kishū Nankō plum, a variety known for its excellent aroma and tender flesh. The first bite is bursting with tartness, but as you chew, the gentle sweetness of the Kishu Nanko Ume emerges—this is its true charm. Enjoy this perfect balance of tang and sweetness with each bite!
*Sold in most regions except Okinawa
Temaki: “Seaweed”
This one features simmered kombu (kelp), a flavor that’s beloved by rice ball connoisseurs. Choosing this “Seaweed” variety over popular options like “Salmon” or “Tuna Mayonnaise” shows that you’re a true Japanese rice ball lover.
The kombu filling is simmered slowly in soy sauce, mirin, and sugar, creating a rich, sweet and savory taste. It’s not as flashy as other options, but with every bite, you’ll discover more of its subtle appeal.
FamilyMart’s jikamaki rice balls highlight quality ingredients
FamilyMart’s jikamaki (literally “directly wrapped”) series is another standout. Unlike the temaki rice balls, the rice is pre-wrapped in nori ahead of time, giving it a moist, tender texture instead of a crisp bite.
It’s a subtle difference that really stands out when you compare the two styles side by side.
Jikamaki: “Tuna Mayonnaise”
This “Tuna Mayonnaise” differs from the temaki version by using rice seasoned with soy sauce or dashi, adding an extra layer of savory depth. The generous filling ensures that just one is enough to really satisfy.
Jikamaki: “Salmon”
Maybe it’s the way the white rice blends so seamlessly with the seaweed, but somehow the familiar flavor of “Salmon” takes on a new dimension in the jikamaki version. FamilyMart’s version blends different varieties of rice, creating a sweetness that enhances the flavor of the salmon even more.
The result? The saltiness of the grilled salmon pops, and each bite feels richer and more satisfying.
Jikamaki: “Spicy Cod Roe Mayonnaise”
If you love salty flavors, “Spicy Cod Roe Mayonnaise” is highly recommended. This is essentially the mentaiko (pollock roe flavored with seasonings spiced with chili pepper) version of tuna mayonnaise, blending creamy mayo with mentaiko’s perfect balance of saltiness and mild heat. It’s not actually spicy, though—what stands out more is the tangy richness of the mayo paired with the savory depth of mentaiko.
And with a filling that’s absolutely packed, it’s a small luxury worth savoring.
*Sold in most regions except Okinawa
Jikamaki: “Pork Tuna Mayonnaise”
Next up after the classic fillings are rice balls that stand out for their unique creativity. FamilyMart has released a range of unconventional options over the years, including hamburger steak, cream cheese, and even ones inspired by omurice (omelette rice).
Among these, the “SPAM® Musubi: Tuna Mayonnaise,” made with Hormel Foods’ SPAM®, has remained a favorite for years.
The indulgence begins with the thickness of the SPAM® itself—it’s juicy and filling, hitting that sweet spot for both texture and taste!
There’s also another treat: they tuck tsunamayo between the SPAM® and rice, adding a tangy, rich accent. Thanks to this addition, this rice ball packs a punch and keeps your taste buds excited until the very last bite.
The “SPAM® Musubi: Tuna Mayonnaise” is already delicious as is, but here’s a tip to make it even more satisfying—try warming it up in the microwave! Heat it for about 30 seconds at 500W, 25 seconds at 600W, 20 seconds at 700W, or 10 seconds at 1600W, and the SPAM® will release its flavorful oils, making it even more tender and delicious. Just remember to cut a small slit in the packaging before heating it up.
Creative rice balls like the “SPAM® Musubi: Tuna Mayonnaise” aren’t always available year-round. Given their strong popularity, we’re hoping they’ll stick around and become a regular part of the menu.
*Sold in most regions except Okinawa
Bonus: How to open your rice ball like a pro
For the jikamaki series or the “SPAM® Musubi: Tuna Mayonnaise,” opening the package is as simple as tearing the wrapper. But things can get a bit trickier with the temaki series. Even if you’re used to eating them, it’s not uncommon to end up tearing the nori or struggling a bit when you open them.
To help you enjoy your rice ball even more, here are some handy tips for opening these temaki rice ball! Actually, though, you don’t need any special techniques—just follow the instructions printed on the packaging and you’ll be able to open them neatly every time.
1. Pinch the tab marked “1” at the top front and pull it down toward the bottom.
2. Flip it over to the back and continue pulling until it comes off completely.
3. Pinch the tab marked “2” on the right and pull it to the side in a gentle arc to prevent tearing the nori.
The key is to take your time and not rush when pulling the tabs—this helps prevent tearing the nori. Instead of pulling straight out to the side, try lifting it in a gentle arc; this makes it less likely to tear the seaweed.
4. Finally, pinch the tab marked “3” on the left and pull it out to fully release the nori.
FamilyMart offers a wide variety of rice ball, with different selections depending on the season and the location. If you’re traveling, it’s fun to visit a few different stores to find your personal favorites!
*Product information is accurate as of May 2025 and may differ from actual items.
