Planning a trip to Japan? Forget everything you know about 7-Eleven back home. The Japanese version is a convenience store paradise, and its best-kept secret is the Seven Café line of drinks: premium quality, unbelievable value, and available 24/7!
If you’re looking for a quick, delicious, and budget-friendly caffeine fix during your travels, here is your complete guide to buying and brewing coffee and lattes like a local at any 7-Eleven in Japan.
✨ Why Japanese Seven Café is Truly Special
Travelers are often shocked by the high quality of drinks dispensed from a simple machine at a convenience store.
Quality Shock
The beans are freshly ground for every cup, offering a rich aroma and taste that rivals many dedicated coffee shops. The taste far exceeds what most expect from a convenience store.
Incredible Value
A regular (R) hot coffee or latte is usually around ¥110 – ¥180 JPY—a fraction of the price you’d pay at a typical café. It’s a fantastic deal for high-quality drinks.
Ultimate Convenience
Located on almost every corner and open 24 hours, you can grab a high-quality cup before sightseeing or late at night.
🛍️ Step-by-Step Guide: How to Get Your Seven Café Drink
Getting a Seven Café drink is simple, but it requires two main steps: paying for the cup at the register and then brewing the drink yourself at the machine.
Step 1: The Purchase (Buying the Cup)
1. Order at the Counter:
• If you want Hot Coffee or Hot Latte, simply tell the staff the size (R or L) you want, for example: “Hot Latte R size, please.” The staff will provide you with an empty paper cup.
• If you want Iced Coffee or Iced Latte, head to the freezer section and grab the clear plastic cup that is already filled with ice. Take this cup to the register.
2. Pay: The staff will ring up the drink.
3. Get the Cup: After paying, you will receive your empty cup (for hot drinks) or your ice cup (for iced drinks). Proceed to the self-service Seven Café brewing station, which is typically located near the register counter.
Step 2: The Brewing (Using the Machine)
📌 Option A: Standard Machine (The Center Multi-Function Machine)
The machine is mostly automated. Don’t worry about the Japanese writing; just match your order to the correct button.
1. Set the Cup: Open the door on the coffee machine and place your cup securely on the stand inside. Close the door.
2. Press the Button: Look for the button that matches your purchase. Press the button only once!
• Hot Coffee (R): Press the small button marked R (Hot Coffee Icon).
• Iced Coffee (R): Press the small button marked R (Iced Coffee Icon).
• Hot Latte (R): Press the small button marked R (Hot Latte Icon).
• Iced Latte (R): Press the small button marked R (Iced Latte Icon).
3. Wait for the Magic: The machine will grind the beans, and for lattes, it will automatically add and heat/froth the milk. This process takes about 30–60 seconds, and is worth the wait!
4. Enjoy! Once the brewing stops, take out your cup, secure the lid, and you’re ready to explore Japan with a fantastic drink!
📌 Option B: Advanced Machine (The Black Touch-Screen Machine on the Right)
Some newer stores have machines with a touch screen, offering more customization for Black Coffee (Hot or Iced).
1. Set the Cup: Place your cup securely on the stand, as shown in the picture. The machine will automatically detect the size of your cup (Regular or Large).
2. Select Your Strength: After placing the cup, the screen will show options for brewing strength (as seen in the image):
• LIGHT (軽め)
• NORMAL (普通)
• STRONG (濃いめ)
• Press the desired strength button. For a strong caffeine kick, choose STRONG.
3. Wait for the Magic: The machine will then proceed with brewing the coffee based on your strength selection.
4. Enjoy! Once the brewing stops, take out your cup, secure the lid, and you’re ready to explore Japan with a fantastic drink!
💡 Good to Know: For Lattes
the machine does everything for you! Sugar, stirrers, and sometimes extra milk or creamer are usually provided on the counter next to the machine.
🍦 Hidden Gems: Pro-Tips to Enhance Your Experience
Once you’ve mastered the basics, here are a few ways to level up your Seven Café experience:
The “Affogato”
Hack: Get an Iced Coffee (or use the Espresso button if available). Head to the freezer aisle and buy a small Seven Premium Vanilla Ice Cream cup. Scoop the ice cream into your coffee for an instant, budget-friendly Affogato dessert!
Perfect Pairings
Look for the “Gold Series” (セブンプレミアム ゴールド) items, such as the Gold Bread or Gold Waffle. These premium snacks pair perfectly with your freshly brewed drink.
Souvenir Idea
You can buy Seven Café Drip Bags (ドリップバッグ) near the coffee area. These make excellent, lightweight souvenirs to take home and share the taste of Japanese convenience coffee with friends!
✅ Conclusion: Unlock the Best of Japan’s 7-Eleven
The Seven Café is more than just coffee—it’s a reflection of the high standards of quality and customer service you’ll find throughout Japan.
Don’t spend a fortune at large chain cafés. Master the simple steps above, and enjoy the convenience and amazing taste of Seven Café to power your unforgettable journey!
Have you tried Seven Café yet? What was your favorite part of the experience? Let us know in the comments!
🗣️A Little Chit-Chat
☕ Coffee Culture in Japan: From Vending Machines to Fresh Brews
For Japanese people, coffee is a beloved drink enjoyed both for relaxing during work breaks and for getting a boost of energy from caffeine.
In the past, it was common to buy canned coffee from a vending machine, but now, the number of people drinking freshly brewed coffee at convenience stores has increased.
Why do convenience stores offer freshly brewed coffee?
Originally, convenience stores only stocked coffee in cans and plastic bottles. Back then, convenience stores often had a distinct, noticeable odor. However, when coffee is ground from beans and brewed, it releases a very pleasant aroma.
The fresh coffee machine is not only popular with customers for the drink itself, but it also serves as an aroma for the convenience store interior.
☕️Thank you for your continued support！
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This blog was created from my own desire to “enjoy a local experience” when traveling abroad. It is a guide to Japan’s charm written from the perspective of someone who lives here.
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