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How to use vending machines in Japan and examples of products - also includes interesting vending machines!

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A foreign man is puzzled because he doesn't know how to use a vending machine.

Foreigners seem to find the abundance of vending machines in Japan very interesting. The fact that vending machines can be found all over the city, allowing people to buy drinks and food 24 hours a day, is a sight that can only be found in Japan.

In addition, drinks are not the only products available in Japanese vending machines. There are also many vending machines that sell unique products such as food and daily necessities.

This article provides a detailed explanation of how to use vending machines in Japan and the types of products available for foreigners. Although the use of vending machines is simple, there are some rules unique to Japan that are useful to have a clear understanding of.

We will show you the charm of vending machines unique to Japan!

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Why are there so many vending machines in Japan?

Japan is known for having a very large number of vending machines compared to other countries. This has to do with several circumstances unique to Japan.

Security is good, so it is hard to be stolen.

Japan is one of the safest countries in the world. As a result, there is a low risk of vending machines being stolen, even in areas with few pedestrians or at night. Many vending machines are equipped with security cameras, but they may not be as necessary as a crime deterrent. Japan's good public safety is a major factor behind the large number of vending machines.

Fits the busy Japanese lifestyle.

The Japanese are known worldwide for their diligence, and their work style is said to be unique compared to other countries. Many people work from early in the morning until late at night, and it is not unusual for them to spend most of their time traveling back and forth between work and home. For this reason, vending machines that sell drinks and snacks that can be easily purchased and consumed immediately match the lifestyle of the Japanese people.

Anyone can get a job installing vending machines.

Generally speaking, installing vending machines may seem difficult, but there is a system in Japan that allows anyone to be involved in the installation process. All they have to do is find a location where they want to install a vending machine and contact a vending machine sales company, and they can be paid tens or even hundreds of thousands of yen. Because individuals can freely install vending machines, they will often find vending machines in unexpected locations.

How to use vending machines

Using a vending machine is basically simple, but Japanese vending machines have some unique rules. Here we explain in detail how to use vending machines. The more you know, the smoother your purchase should be.

1. put in money

When inserting money into a vending machine, coins are generally used. Note that only four types of coins are accepted: 10 yen coins, 50 yen coins, 100 yen coins, and 500 yen coins; 1 yen coins and 5 yen coins are not accepted. Although more and more vending machines are accepting bills these days, basically only 1,000-yen bills are accepted, not 5,000- or 10,000-yen bills. When inserting bills, be sure to put them straight in with the face of the bill facing up.

Sometimes you can buy them with a card or a smart phone.

Non-cash payment methods are also increasing. For example, some vending machines accept Suica and other transportation system IC cards, which can be conveniently used for payment simply by holding the card over the reader of the vending machine.

Some vending machines also accept credit cards and smartphone payment apps; many of these machines are designed to scan QR codes to pay, evidence of the growing trend toward cashless shopping.

2. select a product and press the button

Select the item you want to buy from the products displayed on the vending machine. The price of the item is written under the name of the item, so put in the amount of money you want to spend or more. When you insert coins, the button for the item you can buy will light up, and when you press the button, the item will fall into the lower outlet. If the button is not glowing, the item may be out of money or sold out, so check carefully.

How to distinguish between hot and cold

Japanese vending machines often offer hot and cold options for the same product. For example, canned coffee is usually available in two types: warm and cold. It is easy to tell the difference: hot products are labeled "warm" in red and cold products are labeled "cold" in blue. To avoid buying the wrong kind, make sure to check carefully before pressing the button.

3. take the product from the outlet

The product purchased falls into the take-out slot at the bottom of the vending machine. Since most vending machines have an open door, the product is taken out of the machine after it is pulled toward you. Note that in rare cases, older vending machines may have a narrow slot that makes it difficult to remove the product.

4. receive change

After making a purchase, receive change, if any. The change return slot is often located next to the take-out slot. Most vending machines give change in coins, but if you insert a 1,000 yen or 5,000 yen bill, some machines give change in bills. Be sure to accept change. It is said that there are endless cases of people forgetting to take change from vending machines.

If the amount of money you have put into the vending machine remains, you can continue to select and purchase any item you like. If the remaining amount is not enough, just insert additional coins and you will be able to purchase without any problem. When you are finished, pull down the change return lever and the remaining amount will be returned as change.

What can I buy from a vending machine in Japan?

Japanese vending machines offer a wide variety of products. Especially popular are drinks, ranging from standard teas, coffees, and juices to unique carbonated drinks.

In addition to beverages, light meals such as cup noodles and cup soups, and desserts such as ice cream and sweets are also popular. Among them, finding a uniquely Japanese menu item such as oshiruko (sweet red-bean soup) or corn soup is one of the most enjoyable experiences for foreign tourists.

There are also vending machines that sell daily necessities such as towels, tissues, and umbrellas. It is convenient to be able to buy them 24 hours a day, 7 days a week, when you suddenly need them.

Not all products are available in one vending machine, but you are sure to find your favorite product.

Introduces interesting vending machines in Japan!

Vending machines that sell unique products are one of the attractions of Japan. Here we introduce some interesting vending machines that may be of interest to foreigners. If you find one, please give it a try.

1. bread vending machine

A typical example of an unusual vending machine is the bread vending machine. Various types of bread, from sandwiches, baguettes, and other prepared breads to sweet breads, are available. Among them, vending machines offering "freshly baked bread," which is baked on the spot, are especially popular because of the delicious aroma wafting through the air. It is lucky if you find one, as they are often out of stock.

2. vending machine for baked sweet potatoes

Yaki-imo is something that people miss during the cold winter months. Yaki-imo is a whole baked sweet potato, characterized by its hokuhokucho texture and sweetness. Yaki-imo vending machines are located mainly in sweet potato producing areas such as the Kansai region and Kagoshima Prefecture. Warm and sweet yaki-imo is the best winter delicacy that warms the body from the core.

3. vending machine where you never know what you will get

It is also interesting to see a "vending machine where you don't know what you will get" that provides a sense of excitement. The product name is marked with a "? mark or a picture of the product is hidden, so it is a fun way to see what kind of product will come out.

When 500 or 1,000 yen is put in, one of drinks, sweets, or sundries will appear at random. The game is popular among both children and adults because it offers a bit of a gambling experience. The lineup of items changes daily, so you will want to try again and again.

This vending machine, in which you never know what you will get, is similar to gacha-gacha. Gacha-gacha is a vending machine that sells capsule toys, which are often seen in Japan. The thrill of not knowing what will come out is fun, and the attraction is that you can get cute character goods. To learn more about gacha-gacha, check out the following article.

GACHA GACHA: Japanese miniature entertainment that even foreigners are crazy about

4. instant ramen vending machine

Instant noodle vending machines can be found in some places, such as on board ferries. It is surprising that cup ramen and bagged noodles can be purchased from vending machines. Moreover, many of them can be eaten simply by pouring hot water into the machine, so you can enjoy hot ramen on the spot.

It is a great way to satisfy hunger on a long-distance trip, and it is also an easy way to taste the deliciousness of Japanese instant ramen. The price is a little high, but it will be an interesting experience that will give you a sense of the extraordinary.

5. frozen food vending machine

Recently, more and more vending machines are selling frozen foods. Frozen foods that can be easily prepared at home, such as pasta, gratin, fried food, and dumplings, are popular. They are useful for people who are too busy to prepare meals or who live alone.

The inside of the vending machine is cooled like a freezer, so the products are always fresh. All you have to do is go home and heat up the food in the microwave, making it easy and convenient to prepare a meal.

6. vending machine for yakiniku sauce

Some unusual vending machines exist that sell only yakiniku sauce. One particularly famous vending machine is that of Hiranuma Shoten in Kobe City, Hyogo Prefecture. Their signature dish, "Onion Salt Sauce," is a very popular product, selling over 3,000 bottles in one year.

It is popular among tourists because the taste of a famous local restaurant can be easily enjoyed at home. If you like yakiniku, this is one product you should definitely get as a souvenir. There are several yakiniku sauce vending machines throughout Japan, so if you find one in your travel destination, why not give it a try?

7. vending machine for entomophagy

One of the most unusual foods in Japan is entomophagy. A vending machine selling such entomophagy is located in the Ameyoko Center Building in Ueno, Tokyo. Snacks made from crickets, turtles, gengorou, and other insects are lined up, and are popular as unusual souvenirs.

Entomophagy is an ingredient that is gaining attention in Europe and the United States, but it is only in Japan that it is readily available. Some people may not be comfortable with the unique flavor of insects, but if you are interested, please give it a try. You may be surprised at how addictive the taste is.

8. Buddhist statue vending machine

At Uzumasa Koryuji Station in Kyoto, there is a vending machine where miniature Buddha statues can be purchased. About 40 kinds of cute Buddha images in the shape of monks are available, priced from 500 yen to 1,000 yen.

Near the station is the Toei Movie Village, a tourist attraction based on the theme of a movie village. It is a great place to stroll around, as the streets are recreated in the style often seen in period dramas, and there are historic temples as well. While sightseeing, it would be an interesting experience to buy a Buddhist statue for good luck.

History of Vending Machines in Japan

The first vending machine in Japan is said to have been a stamp vending machine installed in 1888. This was followed by vending machines for gum and chocolate in the early 1900s, and from the 1950s onward, soft drink vending machines spread rapidly.

In the beginning, vending machines had many mechanical failures and frequent problems with money being taken from them, but gradually technology improved and the machines became easier to use.

In the 1970s, canned coffee vending machines became an explosive hit. They were so popular that they became a social phenomenon and led the vending machine culture in Japan. Since then, new types of vending machines have been developed one after another, including hot drink vending machines and cup vending machines.

It is said that there are currently more than 5 million vending machines in Japan. This accounts for about one-third of the world's vending machines. Japan is also known as a vending machine superpower, and more and more advances in vending machines are expected in the future.

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summary

Japanese vending machines are loved not only by foreign tourists but also by Japanese residents because of their extensive product lineup and high level of convenience. Basic usage is simple, but there are some rules unique to Japan, such as how to distinguish hot from cold, so it is a good idea to be able to explain them to your foreign friends and acquaintances.

Japan is also home to many unusual vending machines. From the thrill of not knowing what will be served to those where you can buy local delicacies, there is a rich variety in the lineup. Although we usually use vending machines without much thought, it will be an interesting experience to find unusual vending machines in different parts of Japan.

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