Some interesting items can also be purchased from Japanese vending machines.
1. Rice
Rice vending machines are often large. In many cases you buy unpolished rice and then pay separately to have it polished by the machine.
2. Sake
Many of the oldest vending machines in the country serve sake. This machine also has strawberry milk.
3. Umbrellas
In Japan, it's embarrassing to be caught in the rain without an umbrella.
4. Corn Soup
Corn soup in a can is commonly found in beverage vending machines in Japan.
5. Batteries
Many of the country's battery vending machines are showing their age. These days many electronics have internal rechargeable batteries.
6. Electricity
Mobile device chargers give you a small locker where your phone can be charged. They feature a wide variety of adapters.
7. Beer
Beer vending machines are extremely common in Japan.
8. Cups
This vending machine sells nothing but cups (for 10 yen). These are common in offices where workers are asked to bring their own cups to reduce waste. The cups can be used in a nearby beverage vending machine.
9. Vegetables
Vegetable vending machines are often operated by local farmers. They are automated farmer's markets (of sorts). Vegetables in these machines are often surprisingly high quality.
(yes, technically tomatoes are fruit)
10. Hot Meals
These machines essentially heat up frozen dinners. They've been around for 30 years in Japan. Such machines are often found in highway rest areas. They're not as bad as they look.
11. Fortunes
Some temples and shrines in Japan have vending machines that dispense lucky charms or fortunes. Many feel that such machines have no place on the grounds of an ancient temple.
12. Toilet Paper
If you don't have a coin you're in trouble.
13. T-shirts
Vending machines that sell t-shirts, electronics and other trendy items are increasingly common.
14. Ice Cream
Ice cream vending machines are very common in Japan. These machines look lonely in the winter months.
15. Health Items
Anything that people are embarrassed to buy in a shop shows up in a vending machine.
16. Flowers
Flowers are another item some men are embarrassed to purchase. Many Japanese men aren't comfortable with their romantic side.
17. Ties
Salary men who stay out all night buy a tie to hide the fact they didn't change clothing. These machines are also useful if you spill something on your tie at lunch.
18. Toys
Toy vending machines are still rare in Japan.
19. Masks
In Japan, it's rude not to wear a mask when you're sick.
20. Snacks
Snack vending machines aren't easy to find in Japan. Many tourists comment that there are too many drink machines. It's common to find 6 machines in a row serving drinks. Why no snacks?
21. Bananas
These machines are popping up everywhere recently.
22. Costumes
Another item people might be shy to purchase from a shop.
23. Instant Cup Ramen
Everyone's favorite snack. Usually located near a source of hot water.
24. Eggs
Most egg vending machines are owned by farmers. They're commonly found in the countryside.
Japanese vending machines are one of the many things that make Japan a unique country.
| Tweet |
|
|
| Follow @japantalkjohn |
