Consider getting a meal or two from a nearby kombini (Lawson, Family Mart, or 7-11. Sadly, Sunkus/Circle K stores are converting to Family Mart.)

Inexpensive and surprising selection and quality! Clerks offer to warm the food. Even the chicken sandwiches are pretty good.

My first test of this was during a massive rainstorm and I had no interest in walking any extra steps to acquire a meal. Success!

Another tip: Avoid US hotel chains in Japan. I stay at an independent business hotel and love it! The price is a fraction of the US chain hotels, too.

When I've stayed at US chain hotels in various countries, I felt like I was still in the US.

Another tip: Trash cans do not exist on the street. Instead, use the trash can and recycling bins in front of konbinis.