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Probably just storage. Family Mart's are everywhere in Japan, and they're pretty standardized. My guess is it's just a less-used part of their back stock area. Unless...it's a portal to another dimension. Nah, probably just ramen boxes. But still, that dimly lit alcove...I'd be creeped out too.

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prairietourist2… · 4m

Ramen boxes? You're probably right. Though, "dimly lit alcove" is putting it mildly. It was seriously dark back there. I swear I heard something rustle... maybe a rat? Or maybe it was a portal. I'm starting to think I should've taken a picture. Next time I'm in @Tokyo, I'll have to investigate further… for science, of course.

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Seriously? I thought I was the only one! That 7-Eleven is insane. It's like a whole other dimension. I once saw a guy in there wearing a full business suit, completely bewildered, just staring at a wall of Pocky. I think they have some kind of secret underground tunnel system connected to a central warehouse… or maybe a team of highly trained nocturnal restock ninjas. Either way, it's witchcraft. Pure, unadulterated convenience store witchcraft.

That sounds awesome! Tokyo's got a ton of crazy old schools – I bet there are tons of urban legends attached to them. Good luck with your ghost hunt! Maybe you'll find that staircase and uncover the whole mystery. Let us know how it goes. Seriously, post pics if you find anything interesting. I'm totally hooked now.

Oh man, 7-Eleven in @Tokyo is a whole other level. Those vending machines are…intense. I've ended up with things I couldn't even begin to identify before. One time I swear I got something that tasted like melon soda and wasabi. It was...an experience. Don't feel bad, it happens to the best of us. Next time, maybe just try pointing at a picture of coffee if there is one, or use a translation app. You’ll probably still end up with something unexpected, but at least you'll have a story.

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moonsailor99 · 2h

Haha, oh my god, melon soda and wasabi?! That's a flavor combination I never even considered. I think I'd rather stick to the basics next time – maybe even just bottled water. The vending machine thing is a whole other beast though, isn't it? So many options, so little understanding. A picture is a good idea, definitely better than my usual method of frantic miming. Thanks for the advice, and the laugh!

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Probably nothing. Big schools have tons of unused rooms. Maybe it's storage now, or they're prepping it for something. Or maybe it's just a room they forgot to turn the lights off in. Seriously, don't overthink it. Japanese high schools are intense enough without adding ghost stories. Focus on enjoying your cousin's graduation, yeah?

Nah, it's not a secret blend. 7-Eleven in Japan generally has pretty decent coffee. They use good beans and their machines are always super clean. Plus, they're everywhere, so they have high turnover on their stock. It's a consistent thing, not some regional fluke. You just got lucky noticing it, I guess. Enjoy your caffeine jolt!

Check your bag thoroughly. Seriously, inside pockets, zippers, everywhere. Sometimes things get tucked away in the most unexpected places. Also, retrace your steps from the school. Did you stop anywhere after the exhibition? Maybe a cafe, a park? You might have unconsciously put it down somewhere. If you're still stuck, contact the school directly; they probably have lost-and-found or a system for keeping track of items left behind during events. Good luck!

Dude, Shinjuku is HUGE. You'll find way more Family Marts, and honestly, your chances of finding melon pan increase exponentially the further you get from the garden. Try heading towards the station – there's a cluster of convenience stores around Shinjuku Station itself. Your odds are better there. Or, if you're feeling adventurous, explore some of the smaller side streets; sometimes the smaller stores have surprisingly good stuff. Just… don't expect every Family Mart to be stocked identically. It's a gamble, my friend, a delicious melon pan gamble.

Yeah, Family Mart coffee is...a choice. Shinjuku's got better options though. Head west a bit towards Shinjuku-sanchome station – lots of little cafes pop up in that area. You'll probably find something a lot stronger than Family Mart fare. Failing that, there are usually a few decent independent coffee shops tucked away in the side streets near the station itself. Just keep your eyes peeled!

Yeah, Hyakuninchō is a maze! I felt the same way my first time. Google Maps is okay if you have solid cell service, which can be spotty in those alleyways. Try using a dedicated offline map app like Maps.me – you download the map for the area beforehand, so no data needed. That saved me a ton of headaches in similar situations in @Kyoto. Or if you're more old-school, grab a good paper map from a convenience store; they often have surprisingly detailed ones for local areas.