Discover Tokyo's coolest hidden gem: a Lawson convenience store bar in Shinjuku. Pick your favorite snacks, have them cooked fresh, and enjoy a unique night out with local drinks. An unforgettable experience!
When you visit Japan, of course, you'll be spoiled for choice with amazing restaurants and eateries. But for many seasoned travelers, a 'convenience store haul' is just as essential! Typically, we grab our goodies on the way back to the hotel to enjoy in the comfort of our room. But what if you're not quite ready to call it a night, or you want to savor those unique Japanese convenience store finds in a more social, relaxed setting?
That's where the ingenious convenience store bar comes in! I recently checked out one such spot at a Lawson, and it's an absolute game-changer. While FamilyMart and 7-Eleven are familiar brands in many countries, I often lean towards Lawson in Japan for that extra authentic local feel.
Tokyo's Hidden Gem: A Convenience Store Bar
The vibe here is surprisingly cool and cozy. You can see the actual convenience store just behind the bar area. The concept is simple yet brilliant: you pick out your favorite snacks and treats from the Lawson store, then bring them over to the bar to order your drinks. They can even prepare your chosen snacks for you right there!
Just head into the main store and browse to your heart's content. It's quite a large Lawson, so you'll have plenty of options!
Freshly Cooked On The Spot
For my visit, I chose some bacon and karaage (Japanese fried chicken). Normally, you'd just grab these and eat them as is, or maybe microwave them if you're close to home. But here, you hand them over, grab a beer, and wait for the magic to happen...
After a little preparation...
...these amazing bar snacks are born! It's incredible how a simple convenience store item can be transformed into something so visually appealing and delicious. What a glow-up!
Smoking services for items cost ~$1, but getting your items torch-grilled comes at no extra charge. I found that a bit surprising; you'd think the torch-grilling, being a more 'active' preparation, would cost more than just smoking. But hey, I'm not complaining about free deliciousness! This unique and surprisingly high-quality experience makes it a definite must-visit spot in Tokyo.
Find This Unique Spot Here
📍 Lawson Shinjuku Washington Hotel 3 Chome-2-9 Nishishinjuku, Shinjuku City, Tokyo 160-0023 Japan
You'll find this fantastic Lawson convenience store bar in the basement (B1F) of the Shinjuku Washington Hotel. It's just a short walk from Shinjuku Station. Be aware that there's also a FamilyMart on the first floor and a MiniStop on the same basement level, so make sure you're heading for the Lawson!
There's no separate cover charge to enter the bar, and they offer a great selection of drinks including whiskey, wine, beer, and cocktails. The operating hours are from 3:00 PM to 11:00 PM, with the last order at 10:30 PM. If you're staying nearby, this is the perfect Tokyo spot to unwind after a day of exploring, grab a unique bite, and cap off your evening. It’s an experience you won't find in many other countries, and a testament to the incredible variety and quality of Japanese convenience store offerings!
Frequently Asked Questions
How much does it cost to cook snacks at the Lawson Shinjuku Washington Hotel convenience store bar?
When cooking snacks chosen from the convenience store, the smoking method costs 150 JPY. The torch-grilling method is available for free without any additional charge.
Where is the Lawson Shinjuku Washington Hotel convenience store bar located in Tokyo, Japan, and are there other convenience stores nearby?
This convenience store bar is located on the B1 (basement first) floor of the Shinjuku Washington Hotel. There is a FamilyMart on the 1st floor and a Ministop on the same B1 floor, so you'll need to look specifically for Lawson.
What are the operating hours and last order time for the Lawson Shinjuku Washington Hotel convenience store bar?
The Lawson Shinjuku Washington Hotel convenience store bar operates from 3 PM to 11 PM. The last order for drinks is at 10:30 PM.