ある isn't 'to exist' — it's 'to sit there'

Where the picture shows up in ある

1. 1

   a thing sits there

   駅の前にコンビニがあります。

   eki no mae ni konbini ga arimasu

   There's a convenience store in front of the station.

2. 2

   a plan sits on the calendar

   明日、会議があります。

   ashita, kaigi ga arimasu

   I have a meeting tomorrow.

3. 3

   words waiting to be said

   ちょっとお話があるんですが。

   chotto o-hanashi ga aru n desu ga

   Could I have a quick word?

   A set opener before raising something; learn it whole.

4. 4

   an experience left behind

   日本に行ったことがあります。

   nihon ni itta koto ga arimasu

   I've been to Japan before.

5. 5

   nothing in your hands

   今、お金がありません。

   ima, okane ga arimasen

   I don't have any money right now.

   People and animals take いる; things and events take ある.