Surprising Fact: There Are More Hair Salons Than Convenience Stores in Japan!

When you walk through the streets of Tokyo, you might feel like there is a convenience store (Konbini) on every single corner. With over 55,000 stores across the country, they are indeed everywhere. However, there is another type of shop that vastly outnumbers them: Hair Salons.

Believe it or not, there are over 250,000 beauty salons in Japan. That is more than four times the number of convenience stores! In fact, it is often said that there are more hair salons in Japan than there are traffic signals. Why so many? It reflects the Japanese cultural obsession with grooming and cleanliness. Appearance is highly valued in society, and many people visit salons not just for a cut, but for head spas, treatments, and relaxation.

Japanese hair salons are famous for their “Omotenashi” (hospitality). Even at a standard salon, you will likely receive a shoulder massage, a choice of drinks, and incredibly polite service—all included in the price. So, if you can’t find a 7-Eleven, just look for a pair of scissors on a sign. You will definitely find a salon first.

JapanUp! magazine

Surprising Fact: There Are More Hair Salons Than Convenience Stores in Japan!

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