7 Must-Buy Travel Essentials You Can Find at FamilyMart Japan
When you’re traveling, there are always moments when you suddenly realize you need something. Maybe it’s a daily essential you forgot to pack, or a quick snack to enjoy on the go. That’s where FamilyMart, one of Japan’s most convenient convenience stores, comes to the rescue.
What Kind of Store Is FamilyMart?
FamilyMart is a major convenience store chain that originated in Japan. With locations near train stations, tourist attractions, and hotels, its familiar blue-and-green sign often catches your eye while you’re out exploring. It’s the kind of place you end up dropping by without even planning to.
Inside, you’ll find a wide variety of items, from seasonal Japanese sweets and trendy snacks to practical daily goods and even travel-friendly cosmetics. Just stepping inside feels like discovering something new. Since most stores are open 24 hours, it’s easy to stop by before heading out in the morning, during sightseeing breaks, or late at night. For travelers, FamilyMart is a reliable and convenient companion throughout the journey.
This time, we’ve selected seven recommended items for travelers, divided into two categories: skincare and light meals & snacks.
Skincare Picks: Stay Fresh and Presentable While Traveling
Traveling often means more sun exposure, dry air, and long days out, which can take a toll on your skin. At FamilyMart, you can easily pick up skincare items whenever you need them. With so many photo opportunities on a trip, having simple skincare essentials on hand gives extra peace of mind.
Skin Aqua Tone-Up UV Essence Lavender
【Product Info】
Skin Aqua Tone-Up UV Essence Lavender is a popular Japanese sunscreen, especially among younger users, thanks to its cute packaging and tone-up effect. It protects your skin from UV rays while enhancing brightness, and can also be used as a makeup base. The lavender color helps bring out a natural, translucent look for both face and body.
The texture spreads smoothly and feels light and refreshing. Even though it’s sunscreen, it helps cover dullness and leaves your skin looking naturally brighter. The lavender shade is a blend of blue for clarity and pink for a healthy glow. It contains moisturizing ingredients like sodium hyaluronate and vitamin C derivatives.
With SPF50+ / PA++++ protection, a soft savon scent, and a formula that washes off easily with soap, it’s also paraben-free, mineral-oil-free, and allergy tested, making it suitable for sensitive skin (official information).
Its lightweight gel texture makes it easy to apply, and the lavender tone enhances your complexion naturally. It’s an essential item for travelers who spend a lot of time outdoors and want their photos to look great.
Melano CC Deep Clear Enzyme Face Wash
【Product Info】
The Melano CC series is known for containing vitamin C, which helps suppress melanin production and prevent acne, dark spots, and freckles. The enzyme face wash gained popularity on Japanese social media and continues to rank highly among facial cleansers in Japan.
Active enzymes target pore concerns by breaking down protein-based impurities, while clay absorbs and removes dirt. Vitamin C helps refine skin texture and maintain moisture. Since enzymes typically lose effectiveness when exposed to water, many enzyme cleansers come in single-use powder form. However, Melano CC uses a proprietary enzyme activation technology that allows this product to be packaged in a convenient tube.It lathers well, cleans thoroughly, and leaves skin feeling soft and hydrated without tightness（Official Information）
The rich foam gently envelops your face, making it comfortable to use even after long, sweaty days of sightseeing. It leaves your skin feeling refreshed and clean.
VT AZ CARE & CICA ONE DAY TRAVEL KIT
【Product Info】
A convenient skincare set, perfect for sudden overnight stays or traveling. Azelaic acid¹ helps control sebum², while CICA*³ helps prevent skin irritation. From cleansing to step-by-step care, this set supports healthy, balanced skin throughout your routine (official information).
*¹ Skin-conditioning ingredient
*² Helps replenish and maintain the skin’s moisture and oil balance
*³ Centella asiatica extract (skin-conditioning)
A convenient all-in-one set that covers your skincare routine while traveling. It includes one cleansing oil and two facial cleansers, so you can comfortably remove makeup after a day out and wash your face the next morning. The set also comes with two toner pads, two serums, and two creams, ensuring your moisturizing care is fully covered during your hotel stay.
Compact and easy to use, this total skincare set is perfect for travelers who want effective care without adding extra bulk to their luggage.
Light Meals & Snacks: Enjoy Japanese Flavors Anytime, Anywhere
Quick meals and snacks are essential travel companions, whether you’re grabbing something on the move or relaxing at the hotel. FamilyMart offers a wide selection of trendy snacks and seasonal sweets that let you enjoy Japanese flavors with ease.
Meiji Essel SuperCup CHO-VANILLA
【Product Info】
A classic vanilla ice cream with a rich flavor and clean finish, enjoyed in a smooth, creamy texture. Meiji Essel Super Cup Super Vanilla is a long-standing favorite in Japan (official information).
From the first bite, you’ll taste the deep vanilla richness, with a satisfying balance of sweetness and smoothness all the way through. It’s indulgent yet easy to finish, which explains why it has remained so popular for years.
Meiji KINOKO-NO-YAMA (Chocolate & Biscuit) 66g
【Product Info】
A delicious combination of chocolate and cracker. Rich cocoa chocolate and creamy milk chocolate sit atop a crispy cracker, creating a perfect balance of textures and flavors (official information).
The crunchy cracker and milk chocolate pairing makes this a beloved Japanese snack. It’s great as a souvenir or a personal treat and enjoyed by people of all ages.
Meiji TAKENOKO-NO-SATO (Chocolate & Cookie) 63g
【Product Info】
A tasty combination of chocolate and cookie. Rich cocoa chocolate and creamy milk chocolate pair with a soft, flavorful cookie base (official information).
This long-selling snack features moist cookie dough coated in chocolate. Many travelers enjoy comparing it with Kinoko no Yama, making it a fun snack duo to try during your trip.
Nagatanien Cup Ochazuke Nori
【Product Info】
A soup-style rice dish that captures the essence of Japan. The soup is based on matcha and kombu dashi, allowing you to enjoy fragrant green tea, Japanese rice, seaweed, and rice crackers simply by adding hot water.
Perfect for a relaxing moment in your hotel room or as a light late-night meal. The packaging, inspired by traditional kabuki theater curtains, adds a distinctly Japanese touch, making it great both as a meal and a souvenir.
Nagatanien Cup Salmon Ochazuke
【Product Info】
Another popular soup rice option alongside Ochazuke Nori, easily recognized by its orange label. It also uses a matcha-based soup, combined with savory salmon flakes for a comforting flavor.
After a long day of sightseeing, enjoying a warm cup in your hotel room can be incredibly soothing. The gentle matcha aroma and salmon flavor help melt away travel fatigue. Trying both varieties is highly recommended.
Just add hot water and it’s ready. Simple, warm, and comforting. A perfect late-night or light hotel meal that delivers authentic Japanese flavor.
Find Your Perfect Travel Companion at FamilyMart
So, what did you think?
At FamilyMart, you’ll find plenty of items that make your trip more comfortable, along with uniquely Japanese snacks you won’t want to miss. Even a quick stop for small purchases can add an extra layer of enjoyment to your journey. If something catches your eye, make it your travel companion and enjoy your trip just a little more.