You might have heard that there are all these weird and interesting things that can be seen in Japan and that includes their wonderful vending machines! If you are visiting Japan, the vending machines will be your best friend, it has everything you could possibly need! Hot drinks or a bag of chips? that is just basic!

In Japan you find wonderful things like fresh food, popcorn, curry or even fresh slices of apple from their vending machines. Some of you might have seen or heard about vending machines that sell underwear. Of course, in Japan anything can be found in the vending machine and when we say anything, we really mean ANYTHING!

So, let’s explore these 13 interesting vending machines in Japan that will quite literally will blow you mind!

 

 

1. Popcorn

 

Photo: twitter/kirisaki_29

 

You can get popcorn right out of this vending machine on the Nishi-Koya Highway in Wakayama prefecture. The price is reasonable at 100 yen with three flavor options available: curry, butter and lightly salted. The smell of the fresh popcorn right after you press the button is simply the best.

 

 

2. Japanese Sake

 

Photo: Flickr

 

Sake is a traditional Japanese brewed sake. There are many kinds and brands from all over the country. At these vending machines, you can try all different kinds of sake and compare the taste of them. Much like wine tasting.

One of the most famous Japanese Sake vending machine is located at the tourist establishment "Ponshukan" at JR Ecigo Yuzawa and Niigata Station in Niigata prefecture. This particular vending machines offer over 90 different types of local brewed Japanese Sake from within the prefecture.

 

3. Crepe

 

Photo: nico_music966

Photo: hukuokabg

 

A vending machine for crepes is a rare sight even amongst Japanese which is the reason why many Japanese people also take photos of this particular vending machine that can be found in Kagoshima and post them on social media and share their reviews.

This refrigerated vending machine offers a variety of flavours including mixed fruit, chocolate banana, plain chocolate sauce and caramel pudding. One crepe costs 200 Japan Yen which is around $2 US. The people have been

 

 

 

 

 

4. Fresh Banana In a Bag

 

 Photo: commons.wikipedia

 

That is right, a vending machine that sells packs of fresh bananas. Ever feel the need to replenish your energy? Just come to this vending machine by Dole and grab a healthy snack for your stomach. You have options from a pack of 1 piece of banana to a pack of 4 bananas. This machine can be found on the underground floor of Shibuya station and in many other places.

 

 

5. Curry Vending Machine

 

Photo: commons.wikipedia

 

Ever get hungry in the middle of the night and crave some curry? A curry vending machine next to a retort curry specialty store “Curry Land” in Asakusa. There are 15 types of retort curry from each local region in Japan.

One is Imo curry (Potato curry) from Ibaraki prefecture and the others are Mushroom curry from Kumamoto prefecture and scallop curry from Hokkaido. If you are a curry lover, this place will be like a heaven for you.

 

 

6. Japanese Pantry Stable, Dashi

 

 

Dashi is stock that used in a variety of dishes in Japanese food such as miso soup and simmered fish dishes. This vending machine is from Dashi Douraku, which is a soy sauce based on boiled barb fish.

It is characterised by its elegant and light sweetness and umami taste. This will go very well with hot pot dishes. Feel free to stock up when you run out of your dashi.

 

 

7. Japanese Hot Food, Takoyaki, Onigiri and Yakisoba

 

Photo: Flickr

 

This vending machine can be found in places like ski resorts or onsen.  This machine particularly serves hot food to any exhausted passerby. It offers a wide range of hot food ready to be eaten from fried potato, Takoyaki, Onigiri, Hot Dog to Yakisoba. It is also advertised for its 24-hour available anytime of the day.

 

 

8. The Cheapest Mystery Vending Machine Random Drink At 10 Yen

 

Photo: edmm

You will not know what will come out of it and that is the fun of it. This vending machine can be found in Fukushima, Osaka. Why don’t you come and try your luck at this mystery vending machine. According to buyers, carbonated drinks are the ones of the top drinks that come out while juice drinks do come out sometimes.

 

 

9. Bottled Milk Ready to Drink

 

Photo: commons.wikipedia 

 

It is quite a tradition for Japanese People when they go to an Onsen after they finish taking a bath, drinking a bottled milk is just the perfect way to freshen up your body right after a nice bath. Many miss this nostalgic feeling. Don’t worry as they can now go to get bottled milk from this vending machine to bring the memory back again.

 

 

10. Fresh Sliced Apples

 

 Photo: commons.wikipedia 1 2

 

Since we already have vending machines for bananas, why not have one for apples as well? These apples are produced by a special method in order to prevent discoloration by using Vitamin C. Moreover, the expiration date is 11 days.

Each bag contains 4 bite-sized pieces of apples available in 2 types, peeled and unpeeled. Talking about convenience and having apples readily peeled for you.

 

 

 

11. Udon

 

Photo: withnews

 

Back in the days, Udon vending machines can be found in many places. However, nowadays they are quite a rare sight. One can be found in Takawashi, Haibkino city. This hot Udon is available in 25 seconds at 300 Japan Yen. The thick noodles are firm and giving the taste a nostalgic feel.

 

 

12. Hanko Vending Machine

 

 Photo: wikipedia

 

Basically, Hanko is a stamp that is used as a signature for Japanese people. You need it for official documents like opening a bank account or signing a rental contract. Each Hanko is unique to each individual. These vending machines allow you to make such stamps in a very convenient way.

Just follow the instructions and you will be able to put your name and make a unique stamp. English alphabets are also compatible. This vending machine is available at the famous discount store “Don Quijote” at 500 Japanese Yen.

 

 

13. Goldfish

 

Photo: rocketnews 

 

A goldfish vending machine is placed near the Koriyama Goldfish Museum in Nara prefecture and all the goldfish is being put in a bag filled with water every morning. However, please be aware that you should be prepared for a storage box in order to carry the gold fish home.

 

 

 

Resources

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