Any other destination, a vending machine is just that, a vending machine. If you travel to a place like North America, a vending machine is just a large bulky box that sells a few name brand items. You’ll see the same drinks and snacks in every other vending machine no matter where you are. But Japan’s Vending Machines are a thing of the future.
Want a hot coffee? Or how about an ice cold tea? Not in the mood for a beverage, then perhaps a bowl of ramen or full pizza would cure that craving? That’s right, many vending machines in Japan carry other unique items. Many times, I walk by vending machines here scratching my head wondering how it even works or what the food and drinks even taste like. Let’s talk about Japan’s vending machines and some of the more unique ones I’ve came across while traveling around Japan.
Japan has over 5 million vending machines and they are everywhere. You can find vending machines at convenience stores, shopping areas, in front of restaurants, near attractions, basically everywhere. Vending machines are even found in the middle of nowhere whether it be along a road on a dense mountain forest or near an agricultural field on a tropical island. Because of the high density of vending machines in Japan you don’t have to worry to much about running low on water or other beverages, simply bring some extra change with and the chances of finding a vending machine are extremely high!
The majority of the vending machines in Japan will offer both hot and cold beverages. Usually this option is available for the coffee and tea, but I’ve also seen hot chocolate and even soup that comes out pipping hot.
Most drinks inside the vending machines are between ¥100 and ¥200. I am seeing more and more vending machines, especially in Okinawa selling all drinks for ¥100. Vending machines in Japan generally accept the small coins ¥10 to ¥500, they also accept bills and some newer ones even accept IC cards like Icoca mentioned in my Japan Travel Recommendations post.
Food Vending Machines
Vending machines selling food products are gaining in popularity throughout Japan. I read that restaurants are trying this because it limits the interaction with the customers. As a customer, it’s a nice option to be able to grab a great and unique meal any time.
Although not as popular as the drink vending machines, the food vending machines are making their way into the public eye. It’s not uncommon to find a vending machine selling food products in the middle of the city or outskirts of town. We’ve found ramen vending machines at truck stops and even found a pizza vending machine in the middle of Hiroshima City. We’ve walked by vending machines selling meats and others in front of farms with fresh eggs for sale. Honestly, the eggs were some of the best I’ve ever had!
Unique Vending Machines We've Seen and Tried
We know that Japan’s vending machines are found all throughout the country in almost any location. For the most part, the vending machines sell popular brands like Suntory or Asahi and you can grab a quick coffee or juice on the go. Vending machines here are very convenient, their products are delicious, and some vending machines are very unique. Here are some of the more unique vending machines along with their locations we’ve found all throughout Japan.
Pizza Vending Machine in Hiroshima City, (34.3912204,132.4602782)
Ramen Vending Machine in Iwakuni, (34.1531255,132.1732481)
Egg Vending Machines in Okinawa, (26.4536939,127.9368284 and 26.3249655,127.7807745)
Sriracha Vending Machine in Nagoya
Crepes Vending Machine in Kagoshima, (31.590445,130.5540909)
Dashi Vending Machine in Hiroshima City (Dashi is a stock used in various Japanese dishes)
Cup Noodle Vending Machine, (Ferry to Matsuyama from Yanai)
Salad Dressing Vending Machine in Nagoya
Meat Vending Machine in Naha, (26.2130575,127.6902044)
Dessert Vending Machine in Okinawa City, (26.3064684,127.813098,74)
Traveling to Japan? Keep an Eye Out for Their Unique Vending Machines!
With over 5 million vending machines, that is about 1 vending machine for every 23 people here in Japan. You are guaranteed to see them wherever you are. Keep an eye out for the unique ones, although to any traveler who’s never been to Japan, they are all unique. I am still amazed by the vending machines here and love that you can get hot and cold drink options. I can’t recall a time where I’ve bought something from a vending machine in any other country. But in Japan, it’s almost a daily occurrence for me. Whether I am on a long bike ride and need an extra water or I forgot my coffee for a morning ride to the beach, I know I can rely on Japan’s vending machines for my favorite drinks.
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Comments (2)
Hi I would like to get the phone number of the company to communicate with you further regarding the funding machines
Good evening,
Thanks for reading my post. Did you have a question about vending machines in Japan? I might be able to answer or help.