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Unique Japanese Vending Machines
While vending machines in most countries are dedicated to sodas, water, packets of crisps, and candy, Japan has taken the concept to a different level. According to Japan’s tourism board, there are more than five million vending machines across the islands and the Japanese have definitely embraced them as part of their culture.
Not only can you buy all of your regular snacks and drinks in vending machines, but also a selection of Japanese delicacies, emergency supplies, and a few distinctly unexpected items. So if you’re looking for a unique vending machine encounter, keep your eyes peeled for these weird and wonderful selections.
Inago
Inago (grasshopper) has long served as a source of protein in Japan’s mountainous regions where fish wasn’t available, but now you can buy it 24/7 at a vending machine in Tokyo’s Inokashira Park.
In addition to grasshoppers in cans, it also sells hachinoko (or bee larvae) to satisfy all your insect cravings!
Origami
This ancient art is often associated with Japanese culture and now you can pick up an origami creation any time of the day at a vending machine in Ehime prefecture (1555-3, Hiraoka, Uchiko-cho, Kita-gun, Ehime Prefecture). From basic (10JPY) to more elaborate art works (50JPY), there is a selection of different origami designs to choose from which have already been folded by an origami master. It makes for an ideal last-minute gift on the way to visit friends.
Oden
Oden is a simple, one-pot dish traditionally favored during winter and features daikon and konjac potato jelly in a soy-flavored dashi broth. But now you can pick it up year-round at vending machines in Akihabara, Tokyo with the choice of either gyusuji (beef tendon) or tsumire (fish balls). It’s served piping hot in a can and is the perfect snack on the run while soaking up the sights of Akihabara.
Umbrellas
We’ve all been caught in a downpour with no jacket or umbrella to keep us dry. But in Osaka you can get a free rent-an-umbrella from vending machines if you’ve forgotten your own. Users are requested to return the umbrella to the same vending machine after use, with the idea working on an honesty system, and no contact or credit card details are taken down. What’s in it for the company you might ask? A big corporate brand label on the umbrella and free advertising as they help citizens out!
Hamburgers
Japan’s vending machines are not only dedicated to local cuisine, but you can grab a quintessential American hamburger at a moment’s notice too in Gunma Prefecture’s Isesaki City. It’s attached to an actual fast food restaurant, Jihanki Shokudo, where the supplies are cooked and re-stocked by real people, but with the added novelty of being able to insert your coins and grab your lunch or dinner with no human contact.
Bananas
While vending machines have long been associated with processed sodas and snacks, there’s nothing to say you can’t have something completely natural on sale too. They say that bananas are the ultimate energy food to fuel you whilst on the go, so it makes sense that they are available in a vending machine at Tokyo’s Shibuya Station.
Not only can you buy a single banana, but also bunches of bananas, banana chips, and dried mangos.
Disaster Response Supplies
Due to Japan’s susceptibility to natural disasters such as earthquakes and typhoons, local municipalities together with big corporations have stockpiled emergency supplies in vending machines. The idea is that in the event of a disaster, they can take advantage of remote control functions to make drinks and snacks available for free to victims. It’s a way for big brands to improve their image by serving a good cause, as well as providing an efficient means for people to access supplies in emergency situations.
Want to learn more about Japan’s unique vending machines? Then be sure to check out our article here.