On February 1, 2026, a new convenience store, “Yamazaki Y Shop,” celebrated its grand opening at “Hotel Sunroute Tochigi,” located in the center of Tochigi City, Tochigi Prefecture, Japan.
Japanese convenience stores (often called Konbini) are known worldwide for their high level of convenience. Until now, the nearest convenience store from this hotel was about an 8-minute walk away. With this opening, the distance has become a “0-minute walk,” dramatically improving the accommodation experience.
The store is operated by “Forest Co., Ltd.,” which manages 21 lodging facilities in the Kanto region. Why did this company, which is rooted in the community and prioritizes customers, decide to introduce a convenience store inside the hotel now? The background lies in the changing styles of travelers and the spirit of Japanese hospitality (Omotenashi).
Eliminating the Inconvenience of an 8-Minute Walk
Although Hotel Sunroute Tochigi is in a convenient location, there were no convenience stores nearby until now. A round trip took over 15 minutes, and since surrounding restaurants close early, it was an inconvenient environment for travelers arriving late at night.
Especially since the COVID-19 pandemic, the style of spending time relaxing in guest rooms has taken root. More travelers are buying large amounts of food to bring in before checking in. Additionally, with an increase in sports groups staying at the hotel, an environment where athletes can buy food at any time to refuel is a must. To respond to these demands, it was decided to open a store on the first floor of the hotel.
Why “Yamazaki Y Shop” Instead of a Major Chain?
When people think of Japanese convenience stores, major chains like 7-Eleven, FamilyMart, and Lawson are famous. However, the partner chosen this time was the “Yamazaki Brand.”
The biggest reasons are “community connection” and “uniqueness.” Major chains tend to have uniform product lineups, but Yamazaki Y Shop is characterized by a high degree of freedom for each store. It was judged that the Yamazaki brand was best suited to flexibly respond to the diverse needs of local residents, tourists, and hotel guests.
There are city offices and schools nearby. It is expected to become an important infrastructure for daily life, not only for guests but also for local people, as a “place to buy delicious bread.”
A Lineup Unique to World-Class Baker “Yamazaki”
As a store handled by “Yamazaki Baking,” a global brand, the quality of the products is extremely high. Here is the main lineup:
- Yamazaki Baking’s Flagship Products:
- Lunch Pack: A sandwich series immensely popular in Japan, featuring fillings sandwiched between crustless bread.
- Sweet Buns (Kashi Pan): Sweet and delicious bread that has evolved uniquely in Japan.
- Sweets: High-quality desserts that can be said to be the pioneers of convenience store sweets.
- Sandwiches: Perfect for breakfast or a light meal.
Meal Menu:
- Rice Balls (Onigiri): Japanese soul food. Rice with fillings inside, wrapped in seaweed.
- Bento: Balanced meals for takeout.
- Noodles, Salads
Essentials & Others:
- Drinks, Alcohol: Perfect for relaxing and drinking in your hotel room.
- Tobacco, Ice Cream, Snacks
- Daily Goods, Stationery: Provides peace of mind even for sudden stays or if you left something behind.
Furthermore, a major feature of this store is that it also sells “Local Confectionery,” which are special products of Tochigi Prefecture.
It is common to panic on the way back from a business trip or vacation, thinking, “I forgot to buy souvenirs!” However, if you can get local sweets on the first floor of the hotel, you can rest assured. You can enjoy them in your room as a treat for yourself or buy them as gifts for your family. It goes beyond a mere convenience store and also functions as a small souvenir shop.
It is also possible to reserve original Yamazaki Shop products. This system, which allows ordering from the store or the internet, is very convenient for long-term guests and neighbors.
Comfortable Eat-in Space and Latest Equipment
The store design is full of consideration for users. The Eat-in Space is an open area where natural light enters through large windows. You can have breakfast with coffee and bread before departure or check emails between work tasks.
The accounting system is also state-of-the-art. In addition to a staffed register, a self-checkout register is fully equipped. Of course, it supports cashless payments such as credit cards and QR codes.
- Supported Payments: Cash, various cashless payments
- Register Type: Self-checkout installed
When you are in a hurry in the morning or want to skip conversation with staff, the self-checkout allows you to pay by yourself, which is convenient. Being able to enjoy purchased items immediately in the eat-in space is another attraction unique to a hotel store.
Embodying the Spirit of Hospitality
Such detailed service is based on the corporate philosophy of the operator, Forest Co., Ltd. With over 70 years since its founding, the company upholds the provision of “safe and comfortable accommodation always from the customer’s perspective.” The introduction of this convenience store is truly the result of thinking from the customer’s point of view.
Open Until 25:00! As a Lighthouse for the Community
Of particular note is its business hours.
- Business Hours: 5:00 – 25:00 (1:00 AM)
Long business hours from 5:00 AM to 1:00 AM provide great peace of mind for guests. Golfers and hikers departing early in the morning can buy rice balls and bread, and if you get hungry late at night, you don’t need to wander around the streets in the dark.
For local residents as well, having a place with lights on until late at night gives a sense of security in terms of crime prevention. It will truly become like a “lighthouse” for the community.
Store Overview
Finally, here is a summary of the basic information for the newly opened store. It is available to non-guests as well, so please stop by when you visit Tochigi City.
- Store Name: Yamazaki Y Shop Hotel Sunroute Tochigi
- Opening Date: February 1, 2026
- Location: 1F Hotel Sunroute Tochigi, 16-1 Yorozucho, Tochigi City, Tochigi Prefecture 328-0015
- Business Hours: 5:00 – 25:00
- Closed: Open 365 days a year
- Floor Area: 70.75 square meters (approx. 761 sq ft)
- Eat-in: Available
- Access: Center of Tochigi City, along the main street
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