When setting up shop around famous landmarks, it never hurts to blend in. Especially in Japan, where tourism accounts for roughly five percent of the GDP. You wouldn’t want to destroy the tourist attraction by ruining the ambiance, right?

On the other hand, there’s not really very much that’s “traditional” about Family Mart convenience stores, so we had to wonder what kind of disguise would get slapped on their store near Ise Grand Shrine…

It turns out, something like this.

https://x.com/RYU_Tatsujin/status/362389814902943745

As far as convenience store costumes go, that’s pretty good! We especially like the kawara (tiled) roof and excessive use of wood in keeping with the local aesthetic.

The picture above was snapped by a Twitter user named RYU, who wondered if his eyes did deceive him. According to Ryu, the convenience store is open 24 hours a day–perfect for when sun goddess Amaterasu is really craving some late-night karaage chicken!

Japanese Internet users had this to say about the sneaky store:

It’s kind of hard to spot, isn’t it?

I happened to be there the other day! Despite all the effort they put into the exterior, the interior was disappointingly normal…

It’s kind of like Kyoto [where there are strict rule to maintain the classic architecture].

I like this store. It reminds me of my childhood.

If you happen to be visiting Ise Grand Shrine this summer, be sure to stop by this Family Mart and let us know how it is!

Source: Hachimachi kikou, Twitter