Japan Vending Machines — The Guide (all you need to know)
Amazing trains, delicious foods, epic scenery and welcoming people — Japan is known for so many great things. I guess it’s why I live there part-time.
But there’s another standout quirk you’ll likely notice while visiting. The amount of vending machines in Japan is insane!
Well, technically, the U.S. has more, but considering Japan much smaller size, it feels like they have a lot more. And truly, they’re literally everywhere (especially in city centers).
It’s something that makes this country even more convenient (as if it wasn’t hospitable enough).
So if you’re ready to learn more about the different types of vending machines and how to use them, then you’re in the right place! This is my ultimate guide.
Now let’s do this!
Table of Contents Show
Japanese Vending Machines (facts + stats)
Here’s the main thing to know about vending machines in Japan — there are a lot of them. In fact, Japan has 1 vending machine for every 23 people.
And honestly, you’ll find one around nearly every street corner (unless you’re on the outskirts of the city, then less so).
So to kick off this guide, here are a few more interesting facts about Japanese vending machines:
Vending machines contribute considerably to the economy, generating over $54 billion in annual revenue
Many vending machines have an attached bin to throw away your cans or bottles (*bins are hard to find, so keep your trash on you)
There are 5.5 million vending machines in Japan
Japan has the highest density of vending machines, given its land size
You can buy hot drinks from vending machines, but only in the winter
You can buy much more than drinks at vending machine in Japan — like food, electronics, beer and more
Most vending machines in Japan are beverage machines
Newer touchscreen vending machines are starting to pop up in some areas
Explore more:
➤ My Top Tokyo Travel Tips
Types of Vending Machines in Japan
Your “Standard” Vending Machines
These are the most common Japanese vending machines you’ll see — beverage vending machines.
They have your most basic drinks and can be found on nearly every street corner, at every train station and inside of most shopping centers.
They sell all the standard stuff, like water, tea, coffee, soda and juice. And I use them almost every time I go out.
Japanese Beer Vending Machines
Yep, you can buy beer from a vending machine in Japan. Although, these are less common so you may need to do some scouting to find one (or just buy a beer at the konbini, which is probably easier).
Miscellaneous / “Weird” Vending Machines in Japan
You may come across random — even weird — vending machines in Japan. From capsule toys and electronics to bananas and clothing, I’m rarely surprised at what I stumble upon anymore (especially in random alleyways).
So keep an eye out for some of the unique stuff!
Explore more:
➤ Unique Things to Do In Tokyo
Food Vending Machines
Did you know you can get food at vending machines in Japan? Yep, you totally can! Burgers, pizza, ramen — these are just a few examples of hot foods and snacks you can find at vending machines in Japan.
You may need to do some Google searching or ask around to find a food vending machine, but if you keep an eye, you’ll likely stumble upon one at some point. As far as food quality goes, I can’t speak for that (I’d rather buy konbini food at that point).
But still, it’s worth a try — if for nothing more than the experience!
Fresh Juice Vending Machines
As you trek around the city, you may come across vending machines offering freshly-squeezed juice (like the orange juice vending machine in the slideshow above). It’s another nice drink option as you wander around Tokyo.
Themed Japanese Vending Machines
Whether it’s a standard drink machine or something more special, some Japanese vending machines have themed graphics and artistry to them (like the Pokémon vending machine in the slideshow above, from Inokashira park in Kichijoji).
Other Large-Box Novelties in Japan
While not technically vending machines, there are a few more novelties worth checking out (that look pretty similar to vending machines):
UFO catcher machines. These are more like games than vending machines, but they’re a novelty nonetheless. Check out game centers like Taito Station if you’re keen to play and win some stuffed animals or random trinkets.
Purikura photo booths. Purikura (shortened “print club”) are photo booths in Japan and encapsulate youth and kawaii culture. Check out Harajuku if you’re interested in these.
Restaurant ticket machines. Many restaurants — especially smaller noodle shops — will have a small ticket vending machine by the entrance. This is where you order your food. Simply choose what you’d like, pay and hand your ticket to the cook or staff (hint: use Google Translate on your phone if the buttons are all in Japanese).
My Favorite Vending Machine Drinks in Japan
Best Vending Machine Coffee in Japan
Okay, so this is subjective, but my vote for the best vending machine coffee in Japan goes to either BOSS or Georgia brands (I drink black coffee). But some other popular brands you’ll see are Wonda, Fire by Kirin and Mt Rainier Caffé Latte.
How about you? What’s your go-to vending machine coffee brand in Japan?
Coffee Tip:
Need a little more than a simple vending machine coffee? Japan has tons of cafes, including many Starbucks (which is a great place to rest and use wifi if you didn’t buy a Japanese SIM card). And if you want something cheaper, go to 711. It’s decent coffee and a good sized cup for less than 200 yen.
Summer vs. Winter (the drinks are slightly different)
Japanese vending machines offer slightly different drinks, depending on the season. Namely, in the colder months, you can buy hot drinks from the vending machines.
Honestly, nothing is more nostalgic than a hot can of coffee and an early-morning train ride! The quality is mid, but it’s like a rite of passage for traveling in Japan. Just remember to stay polite with food and drinks on trains (especially if they’re busy)!
Explore more:
➤ Tokyo in the Fall (what to do)
The Vending Machine vs. the Konbini (which is better?)
Konbinis (Japanese convenience stores) are ubiquitous. They’re affordable, easy to find and, well, super convenient. So when you’re in a thirsty pinch, who’s better?
Konbinis usually get the win for price (except maybe for vending machines that are far away from busy areas). The drinks are generally cheaper.
But sometimes, konbinis are busy and take longer to find what you need, stand in line and pay. So it’s a tradeoff depending on your time and preferences. But honestly, the price difference isn’t worth worrying about (it’s usually less than 100 yen for most simple drinks).
Where to Find Vending Machines in Japan
You don’t need to go too far or look too hard to find a vending machine in Japan — they are literally everywhere (broken record, I know).
But that doesn’t mean you won’t find pockets with no vending machines in sight (especially as you move outside of busier areas). So if you can’t immediately see any nearby, here are some typical places I always find them:
At train stations (often both inside and outside the gates)
Outside or nearby convenience stores
Inside shopping centers
Outside or nearby apartment complexes
Nearby businesses or commercial areas
In parks, on street corners and sprinkled along sidewalks
How to Use Japanese Vending Machines
Japanese vending machines are simple to use. They pretty much work like any other vending machine you’ve used:
Choose what you want
Pay for the goods
But there are a few things worth knowing. Namely, how to pay at a Japanese vending machine.
How to Pay at a Vending Machine in Japan
You can always pay cash (at least, I’ve never found one you couldn’t yet). But if they’re close to a train station and you have an IC card (like a Welcome Suica or other train cards), you can use that to pay for your drink.
This is one of the many benefits of getting a Welcome Suica card for your trip. You can use it at vending machines, konbinis, shops and stores and even many restaurants or cafes. It works like a reloadable debit card, which is super convenient.
Some Japanese vending machines will accept credit cards, but the majority of them are either cash-only or cash + IC cards. So remember to always carry some cash with you!
Alright, that’s all I’ve got for you here! So happy travels — now go try some vending machines!
Later ✌️
FAQs
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There are around 5.5 million vending machines in Japan, which works out to about 1 vending machine for every 23 people. And considering Japan’s land size, that’s a lot!
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Some newer machines (especially in airport and busy or niche areas) may accept credit cards. But most only take cash or IC card (like the Welcome Suica card).
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While most people just buy basic beverages like coffee, water and tea, you can find vending machines for all sorts of things in Japan. For example, electronics, anime toys, beer and even food.
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This is pretty subjective, but personally, I prefer BOSS coffee or Georgia brands. But try them for yourself to see what you like best!
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