10+ Must-Try Japanese Convenience Store Foods at NewDays: A Train Station Snack Guide
Japanese convenience stores, also known as conbini or konbini, are world-renowned for their affordable, high-quality food and drinks, and NewDays is one of the most unique among the country’s major chains. Operated by JR East Cross Station, NewDays convenience stores are found primarily inside and around JR train stations, making them a reliable stop for travelers crisscrossing Japan by rail. Whether you’re catching an early train or need a quick snack between sightseeing spots, we’ve pulled together a list of 15 must-try items at NewDays, from savory bentos to cute desserts.
Onigiri & Bento
① Natto Temaki Sushi
Fermented soybeans, or natto, are a divisive yet iconic Japanese food. NewDays offers a beginner-friendly option with their Natto Temaki Sushi, featuring Hokkaido soybeans and just a touch of that distinct natto aroma and sticky texture. A compact, protein-rich choice for adventurous eaters.
② Kishu Nanko-Ume Plum Onigiri
*Ingredients may be subject to change without prior notice.
Made with premium pickled plums from Wakayama (the Kishu region), this onigiri delivers a punch of sweet, sour, and salty flavor wrapped in soft white rice. A traditional, refreshing snack that captures the essence of Japanese home cooking.
③ Irodori Yasai no Nigiwai Chicken, Egg, and Vegetable Bento
This colorful bento features simmered vegetables like lotus root, pumpkin, and mushrooms, served with juicy chicken and rice. It’s a wholesome option for those craving a light, nutritious meal on the go.
④ Nishoku Soboro (Chicken/Egg) & Chicken Teriyaki Bento
Packed with protein and flavor, this bento includes sweet-savory ground chicken (soboro), scrambled egg, and teriyaki chicken, all over a warm bed of rice. Ask staff to heat it up for the full experience!
Desserts
⑤ Suica Penguin Marumocchi (Custard Cream Bun)
Inspired by the Tokyo train system’s mascot, this imagawa-yaki treat is stuffed with Hokkaido custard cream and stamped with the adorable Suica penguin. Perfect for enjoying before you hop back on the train with your Suica card!
⑥ Chocolate Banana Crepe
Creamy chocolate paired with ripe banana, wrapped in a soft crepe — this classic Harajuku-style dessert is now conveniently available at NewDays.
⑦ No-Bake Cheese Blueberry Crepe
For a more sophisticated sweet, try this crepe filled with cheesecake cream and tart blueberries. Great for fans of fruity, creamy desserts.
Heated Snacks
*Please refrain from taking photos inside NewDays; these photos were taken with special permission.
⑧ Spicy NewChiki Fried Chicken
This juicy, crispy fried chicken comes with a kick. Found in the warmers near the register, NewChiki is one of the most popular hot items at NewDays, and it’s a satisfying snack any time of day.
⑨ Tsukune Chicken Meatball Skewers
Seasoned with soy sauce and speckled with crunchy cartilage (nankotsu), these skewers replicate the izakaya yakitori experience, perfect for bringing back to the hotel and enjoying with a drink.
Drinks
⑩ EKI na CAFE Royal Milk Tea
A rich, creamy blend made from Assam tea and Toyotomi cream, this milk tea is a popular choice for a quick caffeine and sugar boost between train rides.
⑪ Hot Cafe Latte
NewDays offers lattes from their self-serve coffee machines, often praised as a solid, affordable espresso drink to keep you energized on the go.
Seafood Snacks
⑫ Squid Cartilage
A chewy, crunchy Japanese bar snack often paired with beer, this squid cartilage snack is full of salty umami flavor. A must-try for adventurous snackers.
⑬ Cheese-Tara
Two thin layers of dried cod sandwiching a center of creamy cheese: this sweet-salty combo is a conbini classic thanks to the addictively savory flavor that goes well with drinks.
Baked Goods
⑭ SakuFuwa Melon Bread
Melon bread (melonpan) is a sweet roll with a crispy exterior and soft interior, and no actual melon. The NewDays version of this Japanese favorite is made with domestic wheat to offer a sweet, fluffy treat perfect for breakfast or a snack.
⑮ Saucy Yakisoba Bread
A uniquely Japanese snack, this soft roll is stuffed with sauce-covered fried noodles. It’s beloved among children in Japan, and thanks to frequent references in high school manga and anime, it’s a go-to for otaku visiting Japan!
Grab These Station Snacks on Your Next Train Ride
Whether you’re hopping on a shinkansen, planning a scenic rail journey, or just need a quick bite at the station, NewDays delivers quality and convenience. And the self-checkout machines make it especially traveler-friendly, offering English, Chinese, and Korean language options. With the help of this curated selection of snacks, bentos, sweets, and drinks, you should now be ready to experience the best of Japanese convenience store culture, one product at a time.
Find out more about Japanese convenience stores here, or check out the full NewDays lineup before you shop at the official NewDays website.
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ⒸChiharu Sakazaki/JR東日本/DENTSU
*The information in this article regarding NewDays products, prices, and ingredients is accurate as of February 2025, but may be subject to change.
