The budget travel guide to Japan's convenience stores because they are genuinely extraordinary and critical to any budget trip.

7-Eleven, Lawson, and FamilyMart in Japan are different from their counterparts anywhere else. The food quality, freshness, and variety make them a complete food source for budget travelers.

The food inventory: fresh onigiri (rice balls with various fillings, ¥100-160 each), sandwiches with high-quality ingredients, noodle cups (pour hot water at the in-store dispenser), hot food at the counter (karaage chicken, steamed buns, oden fish cakes in winter), fresh fruit cups, high-quality salads, and an extraordinary selection of drinks.

The hot counter items: available from the counter or hot case, items like nikuman (steamed pork bun, ¥130-180), chicken karaage (¥200 for a pack), and corn dogs are legitimately good and incredibly cheap.

The onigiri strategy for budget meals: two onigiri plus a miso soup cup plus a bottle of green tea = a filling meal for ¥500 ($3.30). This is the Japanese convenience store budget breakfast. It's also a reasonable lunch. Three times a day is austere but functional at approximately $10/day in food costs.

The ATM function: 7-Eleven Japan ATMs accept foreign cards with excellent exchange rates and low fees. This is the recommended cash withdrawal method for foreigners.

The purchase receipts: keep receipts for tax refund eligibility on purchases over ¥5,000 at participating stores.