🏪 Vending Machines in Japan: A Complete Guide
Japan is famous for its vending machines (Jidōhanbaiki – 自動販売機), which are found on almost every corner, offering everything from hot, cold drinks, and snacks to unusual items like eggs, umbrellas, and even live lobsters!
If you’re traveling through Japan, you’ll definitely come across these machines. Here’s everything you need to know!
🥤 1. Drink Vending Machines – The Most Common
These machines are everywhere – on streets, at train stations, temples, shopping malls, and even in the middle of nowhere.
What do they sell?
✅ Green tea (お茶 – Ocha) – Hot (red label) or cold (blue label)
✅ Coffee (コーヒー – Kōhī) – From black to coffee with milk
✅ Sodas – Coca-Cola, Fanta, Pepsi, and more
✅ Sports drinks – Pocari Sweat, Aquarius, etc.
✅ Energy drinks – Açaí Motion, Red Bull, Monster, Oronamin C, and others
✅ Water – Regular or flavored
💡 Tip:
🔵 Blue labels = cold drinks
🔴 Red labels = hot drinks (in winter)
🍜 2. Food Vending Machines – Quick and Convenient Snacks
In addition to drinks, you can find machines that sell hot, ready-to-eat food.
What do they sell?
🍜 Instant ramen – Some even add hot water right on the spot!
🍙 Onigiri (rice balls) – Filled with salmon, tuna, umeboshi (pickled plum)
🍞 Bread and sandwiches – With cream, chocolate, or cheese
🍕 Pizza and hamburgers – Yes, some machines even make hot pizza!
🍩 Sweets and desserts – Like dorayaki (Japanese pancake) and mochi
🎟️ 3. Restaurant Ordering Machines
Many restaurants in Japan use vending machines for ordering. You choose your dish, pay, and receive a ticket to give to the staff.
Where will you find these machines?
🍜 Ramen restaurants – Like Ichiran and Ippudo
🍛 Curry restaurants – Like CoCo Ichibanya
🍱 Gyudon restaurants (beef and rice bowls) – Like Sukiya and Yoshinoya
💡 Tip:
📸 If the menu is only in Japanese, use Google Translate’s camera to translate it!
🛍️ 4. Miscellaneous Vending Machines – Unusual Items!
In addition to food and drinks, Japan has vending machines selling unexpected items:
🧦 Clothes and socks – Handy if you need something in an emergency!
🎭 Masks and umbrellas – Perfect for rainy days
🥚 Eggs and rice – Straight from local farms
🐟 Live lobsters! – Yes, there are machines selling fresh seafood
💄 Cosmetics – Lipsticks, wipes, and basic makeup
🎰 5. “Gacha Gacha” Vending Machines – Surprise Toys
These are the famous capsule machines where you put in a coin, turn the lever, and get a random toy.
Popular characters:
🎮 Pokémon, One Piece, Dragon Ball, Evangelion
🐱 Cute mascots: Cats, pandas, random animals
🛍️ Collectible items: Miniatures, keychains, accessories
💰 Price: ¥100 to ¥500 per capsule
💰 6. How to Pay in Vending Machines?
Most machines accept:
💴 Cash – ¥10, ¥50, ¥100, and ¥500 coins
💳 IC Cards (Suica, Pasmo, Icoca) – Just tap the reader
📱 QR Code and digital payment – Some accept PayPay, Line Pay
📌 Conclusion: Is It Worth Using Vending Machines in Japan?
✅ Yes! They’re convenient, accessible 24/7, and offer a wide variety of products.
✅ Great for emergencies, whether you need a quick snack or an unexpected rain poncho.
✅ Part of Japanese culture, so it’s worth the experience!
If you’re traveling to Japan, try exploring these vending machines and discover the surprises they have to offer! 🚀🇯🇵
🏪 Fun Fact About Vending Machines in Japan
One of the most interesting facts about vending machines in Japan is that the country has over 5 million vending machines spread across the nation! This means there is one vending machine for every 23 people in Japan, making the country one of the world leaders in vending machine density.
These machines are practically everywhere: streets, train stations, schools, hospitals, temples, and even remote areas. In addition to drinks and snacks, they also offer unusual items like fresh seafood, personal hygiene products, and even flowers! 🌸
So, when traveling through Japan, don’t be surprised if you find a vending machine even in the most remote areas – you never know what might be available!
