Guide to the Fascinating Realm of Japanese Vending Machines

While in America, vending machines typically have sweet and salty snacks and drinks, Japanese vending machines are quite the opposite. Sure, some vending machines offer typical Japanese snacks. However, most provide the unique opportunity to indulge in various items, from clothing to smartphones and even gold bars.

Though some unique vending machines exist worldwide, such as a live bait vending machine for anglers in the US and Canada or mini champagne bottles from a vending machine in a Selfridges Department Store in the UK, Japan remains at the top for fun, funky, unusual vending machines.

Whether you're in the mood for a snack, need an essential item, or enjoy collecting specific toys or figurines, you'll find your ideal match among the Japanese vending machines available.

What Makes Japan's Vending Machines Unique?

Quite a few characteristics set Japanese vending machines apart from those in other countries. The sheer quantity of Japanese vending machine options tops other countries. Japan has just under four million vending machines, equating to about one machine per 31 people (the highest ratio worldwide). Additionally, these vending machines are known for providing a large array of items ranging from edible to wearable and everything in between, whereas most other countries simply offer items that are edible or drinkable.

Vending machines in Japan are also innovative and unusual, as there are options that make sounds, like the machine in Kyoto Prefecture which is programmed to sing and talk in the character of Mitsuhide Akechi, a warlord in Sengoku military. Other vending machines are also interactive, like the machine in Tokyo which uses AI to recommend cosmetics products to customers.

Exploring the History of Japanese Vending Machines

Vending machines are not new to Japan; they were first invented in 1888 by Takashichi Tawaraya. This initial Japanese vending machine did not sell food. In fact, the machine was stocked with tobacco and used a simple mechanism to take payment and distribute the product offerings. After the invention of this initial machine, Tawaraya crafted machines for other products, including stamps and postcards, sake, and other items.

In the 1920s, Japanese vending machines shifted to confections. Though, it took another 30 years for vending machines to gain popularity across the country. From there, additional items were sold in vending machines, including dispensible beverages and alcohol. Because of these new items available, there was a boom in the number of machines in the 1960s, which ended with the first million vending machines in Japan. Since then, the number has increased further to just about four million.

Japanese Vending Machines: What's inside?

So, what are inside these magical vending machines in Japan? Nearly anything you can find in a grocery shop with items from local business owners or a convenience store. From hot beverages like ginger tea to international cuisine and bowls of noodles ready to eat, you'll find a wide array of options sold at Japanese vending machines.

Products you may find in these machines include toys (like in the gachapon machines), freshly squeezed juice, snacks made from bugs, frozen meals, hamburgers, mystery boxes, clothes, toiletries, and more.

Convenience at Japanese Restaurants: Ordering Without Staff

In Japan, vending machines are used not only to purchase products, snacks, and beverages but also to order food in certain restaurants. While some vending machines offer warm food available at the push of a button, these particular restaurants provide the opportunity to get a meal without interacting with other people - the ultimate introvert's dream.

In the case of a vending machine restaurant, customers will select an item to purchase from the vending machine (hold or cold), and the machine crafts the food for the customer. Usually, these restaurants have no employees, only those who clean the premises. At some eateries, a vending machine will provide a food ticket instead of a meal. This offers a quicker, more convenient way to order your food, ultimately prepared by an actual chef instead of a machine.

Top 10 Unique Vending Machines in Japan

Here are 10 of Japan's most unique vending machines, from food to unbelievable products that you won't believe!

Pizza Vending Machine

Yes, you can purchase a freshly cooked pizza from a vending machine in Japan. In Hiroshima, a pizza vending machine produces hot pies 24 hours a day, ensuring you can satisfy late-night cravings. Situated outside of a movie rental shop, this pizza vending machine is the ultimate solution to an at-home entertainment night. Two flavors are available - margherita and four cheese. Once you've selected your flavor, it takes about five minutes to create and package the pizza so it's ready to take home. It even comes in a box and with a pizza roller to cut slices!

"Chabaco" Vending Machine

Not to be confused with tobacco, chabaco is a product entirely on its own. Inside each chabaco box are powdered tea sticks, which can be turned into delicious drinks. It comes in a package that looks similar to a cigarette box but features fun, limited-edition packaging designs. This is another offering found at a Don Quixote store, particularly the Shibuya-ku, Tokyo shop.

Cake in a Can Vending Machine

One of the most popular Japanese vending machines is the option that sells cake in a can. These machines provide various flavors of cake, including tiramisu and strawberry cake. What makes them appealing is the portability of the cans, so you can enjoy the cake on the go. However, it is proper etiquette to avoid walking while snacking, so it's best to find a spot to sit and eat or stand out of the way while indulging in these yummy cakes. You'll find this cake machine in Saitama Prefecture.

Ice Cream Machine

On a hot day in Japan, you can easily cool off with an ice cream vending machine. These are a common type of vending machine in Japan, so you'll see them in various locations throughout the country, including amusement parks, train stations, and even along the street. Depending on the ice cream machine you find, you can expect various flavors and types, such as push pops or ice cream in a cone.

Customized Hanko Seals

One of the most unique vending machine offerings in Japan is one that creates hanko, aka a seal that is used in place of a signature on certain documents. Those with extra time will head to their local seal maker, which can take around 30 minutes to produce a special seal. If you're in a rush, you can hunt down one of Japan's hanko seal vending machines, which produces a customized item in around 10 minutes. It's common to see these machines in Tokyo, and they're found in multiple Don Quixote discount convenience stores.

10 Yen Machine

You'll find a real treat in Osaka Prefecture - a few 10 yen drink machines. This is quite a rare offering, as most beverages are around 100-150 yen in Japanese vending machines (about $0.66-$1 USD). The 10 yen machines make it easy and affordable for those of all ages to enjoy a beverage at a cheap price. Supposedly, the drinks inside the machines are close to their expiration dates, which is why they can be sold at such low prices. This also means you never know what kind of drink you may receive from the machines, as it varies based on availability. So, be prepared to be surprised with a beverage from this machine, as the drink packaging is typically covered with stickers.

Instant Ramen Vending Machine

As mentioned, many Japanese vending machines curate hot and cold food items for customers, making it easy to grab food whenever you like. However, if you want to stock up on snacks/food for later, you'll also find plentiful options. In this case, there's a machine that has a wide selection of instant ramen for purchase. This Tokyo machine has 20 varieties available, ensuring you find a ramen flavor that meets your preferences.

Bourbon Sweets Vending Machine

In various train station locations, including in Tokyo, you'll likely spot a vending machine selling sweets and snacks. It's particularly common to see machines filled with Bourbon sweets, a popular Japanese confectionary company. Snacks in these machines may include cookies, wafers, mini cakes, and other similar treats.

Gold Bar-Selling Machine

Perhaps one of Japan's most unique vending machines is one that sells gold bars. There is only one in the country, and it's located in Tokyo. At this vending machine, you can purchase gold coins or gold bullion of up to seven grams. It's worth noting that the cost of gold changes daily based on the current price issued by the stock markets. If you feel like investing your money in gold, you can do so easily with this machine.

Japanese Sando Vending Machine

Japanese sando, also known as Japanese sandwiches, are delicious snacks/meals that are crafted with simple ingredients and incredibly fluffy bread. In Chiyoda City, Tokyo, you'll find a vending machine that offers five Japanese sando options that include pork or pork and beef cutlets. While most vending machines only offer one type of goodie, this option has an additional food item - a Japanese fish cake stew that you can eat directly from the can in which it comes.

Experience the Most Unusual Vending Machines with the Vending Machine Crate

Experience the world of Japanese vending machines from afar with Japan Crate's 2024 April-May offering - the Vending Machine Crate. This crate includes 15-17 exciting vending machine-worthy snacks directly from Japan, a collectible vending machine-related item, and a fun way to win additional Japanese prizes. 

With a Japan Crate subscription, you can expect a monthly delivery of various sweet and savory goodies from Japan. From "junk food", including Japanese chips with unique flavors, to delicious seasonal treats, Japan Crate will help satisfy your snacking needs each month.

Subscribe to Japan Crate now to learn more about Japan's vending machine offerings and enjoy tasty treats at the same time!