How to Print at Japanese Convenience Stores with 7-Eleven and Lawson

Whether you need to print a paper flight boarding pass, international driver’s license copy, theme park voucher, or passport backup, convenience stores in Japan offer fast, inexpensive printing. Nearly every 7-Eleven, FamilyMart, and Lawson branch operates an industrial multi-function digital copier (Multi-Copy Machine - マルチコピー機) equipped with English touchscreen controls.

These machines accept files uploaded through guest websites from your phone, direct transfers over store Wi-Fi, and standard USB memory drives without requiring local accounts.

1. Convenience Store Printer Networks and Capabilities

Japanese convenience store printers belong to two major hardware and cloud ecosystems:

2. Printing via Guest Web Upload Without an App

The easiest method for travelers: upload your PDF or image to the web portal using your hotel Wi-Fi or eSIM, receive a short numeric code, walk into the store, and print.

Printing at 7-Eleven via “Kantan Netprint” (Web):

1. On your smartphone or laptop browser, visit the official 7-Eleven Kantan Netprint English portal (netprint.co.jp).
2. Tap “Upload File Now” (No user registration required).
3. Select your file (PDF, JPEG, or PNG) and choose paper size (default A4).
4. Tap Submit. The system instantly displays an 8-Digit Print Reservation Number (e.g., 83749201).
5. Note: Guest reservation codes are valid until 23:59 the following day.

Printing at FamilyMart & Lawson via “Network Print” (Web):

1. Visit the Network Print Service guest portal (networkprint.ne.jp).
2. Choose “Select File” and upload your document.
3. The site generates a User Code (ユーザー番号).
4. Keep this code handy on your screen when approaching the copier.

3. Operating the Multi-Copy Machine Touchscreen

Once inside the convenience store, locate the massive commercial printer located near the ATM or magazine rack.

Onscreen Walkthrough:

1. Tap the English icon in the upper right corner of the display: Tap the “English” icon in the upper right corner of the main display screen.
2. Choose Print Service on the touch screen and select Network Print or Netprint: Tap “Print Service”, then select “Network Print / Netprint”.
3. Enter your 8-digit or 10-character reservation code using the keypad: Type your 8-digit reservation number using the numerical keypad.
4. Confirm your print options:
   • Color Mode — Choose Black & White (白黒) to save money, or Full Color (カラー).
   • Paper Size: Standard letter documents fit onto A4.
   • Single-sided (Katamens) vs Double-sided (Ryomen).
5. Insert coins into the cash terminal or tap your transit IC card:
   • Slide 10-yen or 100-yen coins into the coin slot on the attached payment terminal, OR
   • Tap “Electronic Money / Transportation IC” and place your physical Suica, Pasmo, or Icoca card against the reader.
6. Press the Start button to run the print job and collect your sheets: Touch the glowing green or blue “Start” button. Collect your printed sheets from the lower paper tray and take your change!

4. Printing Directly from USB Flash Drives or SD Cards

If you have documents saved on a flash drive, you do not need internet access:

1. On the English screen, tap “Media Print” (メディア印刷).
2. Select your storage media: USB Flash Drive, SD Card, or microSD.
3. A motorized slot door will light up and open on the front console. Insert your drive.
4. Browse the file directory, select your PDF or photo, configure print options, and pay.
5. The screen will alert you to retrieve your drive before releasing your change. Never walk away leaving your thumb drive in the terminal.

5. Printing Costs, Color Modes, and Paper Sizes

Japanese convenience store printers deliver commercial-grade laser resolution at very modest pricing:

6. Practical Tips for Smooth Printing in Japan

• Always convert .docx, .xlsx, or Apple .pages documents into standard .pdf before uploading. If you upload proprietary text files, Japanese printers will frequently substitute system fonts or misalign margins.
• Need an urgent paper photocopy of your passport or tourist visa stamp? Select “Photocopy” (コピー), lay your passport face-down on the glass platen, insert ¥10, and hit Start.
• The coin unit accepts ¥1,000 bills and gives coins back automatically; you do not need to buy chewing gum at the front register just to break change.

With thousands of konbini locations open 24 hours a day across Japan, paper printing is effortless, rapid, and stress-free.

7. Helpful Convenience Store Travel Guides

For other convenience store services during your travels, see our walkthrough on withdrawing cash at 7-Eleven and Lawson ATMs and our tutorial on ordering fresh smoothies and coffee at 7-Eleven. If your transit card runs out of funds, review our guide on recharging Apple Wallet Suica at convenience stores.