【Did you know!?】I went for a drive to the local convenience store in Gunma called "Sakuramigura Convenience Store"

While traveling through Gunma Prefecture, I discovered an unfamiliar convenience store. Although I passed by it at the time, I was curious later and researched it, discovering that it is a convenience store chain "Sakuramigura Convenience Store" operated by Zensho HD, known for "Sukiya" and "Hama Sushi"! I went to investigate whether they have any unique products while I was out driving.

I looked into the convenience store chain "Sakuramikura Convenience Store"

I found out that "Sakuramikura Convenience Store" is a convenience store chain of the major dining company "Zensho HD," and as of February 2026, it has 9 stores in the southeastern part of Gunma and 1 store in Hiratsuka, Kanagawa.

The feature of this convenience store is the service called "Mikura Shokudo," where you can enjoy warm bento menus cooked inside the store. They have standard cafe menus, hot snacks, and daily necessities, with product offerings comparable to major convenience stores, but they surely have their own unique charm! To verify that, I decided to drive over.

I decided to go to the "Sakuramikura Convenience Store Isezaki Sakaikami Buchina Store"

Heading north on National Route 17 from Tokyo, I deviated onto Prefectural Route 291, and after a while, I arrived at the "Sakuramikura Convenience Store Isezaki Sakaikami Buchina Store." It should be easy to stop by when heading towards Mount Akagi or Nikko via National Route 122. There are also several other "Sakuramikura Convenience Stores" nearby, so it seems convenient to stop by according to your driving route.

What stands out is the terrace seating in front of the store. This service may be a significant differentiating factor from other convenience store chains. I think I will eat the freshly made menu available at the Mikura Shokudo inside the store here.

Sakura Mikura Convenience Store Isesaki Sakai Kamibuchina
Location: 〒370-0102 Gunma Prefecture Isesaki City Sakai Kamibuchina 1359-15

In-store cooking orders at "Mikura Shokudo" are done via a touch panel

Source: Sakura Mikura Convenience Store.

The in-store cooking menu at Mikura Shokudo can be selected using a touch panel, and customers receive a receipt and make payment at the register to place their order. The touch panel system gives it a restaurant-like feel. This time, I purchased the seemingly unique "Rice Balls and Sandwiches" and "Motsuni," along with the Gunma specialty "Jango Secret Pasta Sauce."

I decided to enjoy the freshly made "Motsuni (Regular)" (518 yen) at the terrace seating. The Motsuni has a sweet and rich flavor, and the chewy offal is authentic. Having Motsuni available at a convenience store really feels like a true Gunma specialty, with an impressively high quality that one wouldn't expect in a convenience store.

The menu items in plastic containers can be enjoyed as takeout

The other purchased items are these three. Let's try them one by one.

"Tuna Mayonnaise" is packed with rich ingredients inside

The "Tuna Mayonnaise" (150 yen) had a popular POP posted in the onigiri corner. What caught my eye was that all the onigiri were wrapped in plastic containers. I had the perception that onigiri are typically packaged in plastic wrap, so there was a local feel (?).

The important flavor was also great, with fluffy rice and rich ingredients packed tightly inside. The deliciousness that makes it the most popular is completely understandable.

"Strawberry Chocolate Whipped Sand" is packed full of luxury

The new product "Strawberry Chocolate Whipped Sand" (453 yen) is filled with strawberries and cream. In the first place, fruit sandwiches give the impression of enjoying the handmade feel of Mikura Shokudo. This one is also convenient as it comes in a plastic container that is hard to crumble and easy to take home. There are cut strawberries inside the cream as well, resulting in a luxurious finish that is very satisfying, just like onigiri.

The taste of a famous store in Gunma: "Jango Secret Pasta Sauce"

Finally, there's the "Jango Secret Pasta Sauce" (559 yen). I often see this pasta sauce at roadside stations. While it’s not unique to Sakura Mikura, I bought it to confirm the taste of a popular store known for its pasta in Gunma. The sauce is sweet, with a unique spice flavor. The image on the package had meat cutlet on top, so the flavor might be intended for that kind of pairing. I savored the taste of a popular store and finished the bought products.

Encountering such local shops is one of the joys of traveling. Have you all been there yet?

Interview and text by Kazuma Tanaka

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