Heavy snowfall in Japan turns drink vending machine into gacha capsule toy machine
One of the charms, as well as most frustrating aspects of the many gacha capsule toy vending machines that are popular in Japan is that…
Vending Machines
Japanese Twitter user chronicles 3 week quest to conquer inaccessible vending machine
While Japan has an absolute abundance of vending machines, Twitter user 606 (@bumWings) is dead set on reaching one that their access to has been…
Drinkable Ippudo tonkotsu pork ramen broth released in Japanese vending machines
JR East Cross Station Water Business Company’s Acure made brand digital vending machines can go a bit beyond providing a simple beverage, offering subscription services…
Vending machine in Kyoto serves high quality French cuisine at affordable prices
The seemingly ubiquitous presence of vending machines in Japan can be a bit surprising for first time visitors, but even more surprising is probably just…
New vending machine in Japan serves up frozen rice noodle meals
Vending machines in Japan are often talked about for some of their surprising contents, such as canned curry, pizza, and even high quality dashi. Lately,…
Japanese superhero wins internet’s hearts responding to child’s SOS letter posted to vending machine
Many prefectures and towns throughout Japan are represented by a mascot character that is seen as somewhat of a local ambassador. These characters typically become…
JR East debuts AI-powered unstaffed food stands in train station
Unstaffed food and drink stands are usually a more common sight in the Japanese countryside, as local farmers rely on them to provide fresh and…
Chabacco, Japan’s cigarette packaged green tea unveils vending machines in Kagoshima
A few years ago, Japanese company Showtime Inc. introduced their flagship product Chabacco, which cleverly delivers packaged sticks of high quality powdered Japanese tea in…
American Struggles to Live Solely Off Tokyo’s Vending Machines for 24 Hours
By now you probably know that Japan is the land of vending machines. If you thought that convenience stores like 7-11 and Lawson are the…
Japanese vending machines now carrying masks and antibacterial wipes
It’s easy to focus on some of the more niche and adventurous items found in Japanese vending machines, such as edible bugs, high quality dashi,…
New Japanese vending machine displays only nutritional information and back label for drinks
There are very few contents a Japanese vending machine could be stocked with that would surprise anyone. Over the years, we’ve seen vending machines for…
Japan’s edible insect vending machines dish out luxury bug bits
Eating insects is far from a booming trend in Japan, but recently the country has seen an uptick in insect food products, such as ramen…
Six of the Strangest Vending Machines in Japan
Japan loves its vending machines. Take a stroll through a metropolitan center or just walk the long way to work. You’ll encounter countless machines full…
Bugs for Snacks: Entomophagy Vending Machine in Famous Location is Tokyo’s Latest Weird Addition
While many remain squeamish at the very thought, consuming bugs as a source of nutrition is an idea gaining traction as way to relieve the…
New Subscription Service Lets You Have Any One Drink Per Day at Smart Vending Machines
Monthly subscription services have been making inroads in the food and dining industry in Japan lately. For example, Yaro Ramen offers a monthly plan for…