Japanese convenience stores (Konbini) are a food paradise(*￣∇￣)ノ For travelers in Ikebukuro, they offer a quick, delicious, and affordable way to taste authentic Japanese flavors. Here are the must-try Rice Balls (Onigiri) you can find at 7/11, Lawson, or FamilyMart etc…
Contents
What is Onigiri? (The Heart of Japanese Comfort Food)
If you’re looking for the ultimate Japanese Iconic Food, look no further than Onigiri.
What exactly is Onigiri?
how to open onigiri wrapper
Onigiri (rice balls) are essentially hand-held pillows of fluffy Japanese rice, often shaped into a triangle and wrapped in a sheet of crispy Nori (seaweed). They usually contain a savory filling in the center, acting as a “surprise” inside the rice.
Why do Japanese people love Onigiri?
While Sushi is often considered a special meal, Onigiri is the daily hero. It is the go-to choice for:
Picnics in Ikebukuro West Gate Park.
Quick breakfasts before catching a train.
Late-night snacks after a long day of sightseeing.
The “Konbini” Experience
In Japanese convenience stores (Konbini), you’ll find Onigiri in a refrigerated section. The clever packaging keeps the seaweed separate from the rice until you open it, ensuring that every bite is perfectly crunchy. It’s high-quality, delicious, and usually costs less than about 150-300 yen.
Discover your best Onigiri (Rice Balls) fillings in Ikebukuro!
Here are the classic onigiri fillings you’ll find everywhere in Japan.
Salmon (Sake) Onigiri
A classic choice.
Flaked grilled salmon inside a rice ball is the “standard” Japanese breakfast on the go.
Tuna Mayo (Sea Chicken)Onigiri
The filling is made by mixing canned tuna with mayonnaise.
Surprisingly, it goes well with Japanese rice.
▼You can eat good Onigiri in Ikebukuro
