The Most Unique Vending Machines in Japan

Vending machines in Japan are much more diverse than in other countries! While most of them do serve drinks like water, soda or hot coffee, hidden gems can be found across Japan. Following their traces feels like a scavenger hunt: here's an assortment of our favorites and of those locals love the most.

10 Yen Mystery Bottle Vending Machine in Osaka

Have you ever wondered what to do with your spare change in Japan? We have found the perfect solution for your 10 yen (0,06 USD) coins: a vending machine that sells you a drink without you knowing what you'll get! Water, soda, canned coffee and more are up for grabs, what exactly is a mystery until you push a button of your choice. Only one thing is for certain; they are all non-alcoholic.

This machine known as Osaka Jiran or Catboy Milk Machine is named after the company running the grocery store next door. It runs about 500 vending machines in Osaka and Kobe, most of which have drinks for 30 yen or 50 yen on sale, but the original in Tamagawa, Osaka is the only one featuring the 10 yen option.

The owners use it as a way to sell drinks that are approaching their expiration date in a month or two. Meanwhile, locals and tourists alike enjoy the low price, especially in the hot summer months. And the thrill of not knowing what drink you'll get. Even if you press a different button, you might get the same drink. A fun way to support sustainability and stay hydrated!

Where to find it?

Name: Osaka Jiran (大阪地卵)

Address: 553-0004 Osaka, Fukushima Ward, Tamagawa, 3-1-16 (or look up Catboy Milk Machine!)

© Yahoo! JAPAN

The Udon & Soba Vending Machine in Kobe

Located in the harbor area in the city of Kobe, this vending machine lets you order fresh udon or soba on demand. Both the udon - thick, but soft noodles of similar length as spaghetti - and the soba - thin buckwheat noodles - are served in a warm broth and a topping of tempura. Locals often stop by after a night out or on their way back home from work to refill their batteries.

One bowl costs between 230 and 300 yen (2 USD), which is slightly more expensive than a portion of regular instant noodles. In a store next door, you can buy additional toppings like fresh eggs, if you visit during the day. 

The machine called "Ishida Keiran" has been running for more than 50 years and its owners have ensured that it keeps functioning ever since. You can use it 24/7, as long as the display is showing a number bigger than zero (it tells you the remaining portions). Bowls and one-use chopsticks are provided.

Where to find it?

Name: Ishida Keiran

Address: 658-0023 Kobe, Higashinada Ward, Fukaehamamachi, 110-2 (or simply look up 石田鶏卵 - the name of the vending machine!)

© Natsukashi Jihan-ki / 懐かし自販機

DIY Wedding Bands Vending Machine in Tokyo

Why spend hours and hundreds of dollars in a jewelry store, when one can simply make their own wedding bands with this DIY kit from a vending machine? We aren't kidding - it includes a wooden hammer, simple rings in different sizes and a manual on how to shape said rings with said hammer completely on your own at home. What an experience!

The machine belongs to the jewelry store next to it and can be used every day, all day. While it's expensive compared to other vending machines, the rings are reasonably priced and of high quality. One DIY kit costs about 11.000 yen (70 USD). Of course, the rings can be used as friendship rings or as normal jewelry as well!

You are looking for a unique souvenir that you can wear on the daily? This might be perfect for you!

Where to find it?

Name: JAM HOME MADE Tokyo

Address: 151-0051 Tokyo, Shibuya Ward, Sendagaya, 2-38-2

© Urban Life Tokyo / アーバンライフ東京

CHABACCO - Instant Green Tea Vending Machines

Tea as addicting as cigarettes because they taste so good - in packages inspired by old cigarette packages. This is CHABACCO. Each box contains ten sachets of green tea, which can be mixed with water of any temperature. Make your own hot matcha at home or simply add it to your water bottle and give it a good mix, done!

While the tea is sold in regular stores as well, vending machines can be found all over Japan additionally. The original one is located at a truck stop in Shizuoka prefecture, right next to one of Japan's biggest high ways. Easier access to the goods is also available, for example at vending machines that are located at train stations in Tokyo, Osaka, Hiroshima, Fukuoka and many other cities.

Depending on the location, there's green tea, herbal teas like barley tea, and other Japanese specialty teas on offer. The prize ranges from 600 yen (3,30 USD) to 1000 yen (5,50 USD) a box.

Where to find them?

An official map with all stores and vending machines can be found here: CHABACCO Website (Japanese only)

Shizuoka Truck Stop:

436-0004 Shizuoka, Kakegawa, Yasaka, 882-1 (道の駅掛川 Michi no Eki Kakegawa)

© CHABACCO / ちゃばこ

Vending Machines for Japanese Dashi Broth

An absolute staple of Japanese cuisine is dashi, a broth made from fish that is used for countless dishes at any Japanese household. It can be made from scratch, but that takes a while and ingredients, both of which tourists usually don't have. Or you are in the middle of cooking a meal you've been looking forward to, only to realize that you are missing dashi. 

What to do? The answer is a vending machine.

Installed all over Japan, Dashi Douraku sells bottles of dashi in their own vending machines. There's 25 of them in Tokyo alone. And to be honest, the bottles look like tea if you can't read Japanese - a bit of caution is required, if you are thirsty, but not in the mood for fish broth!

One bottle contains 500ml and costs between 550 yen (3,50 USD) and 750 yen (4,80 USD), depending on the type and flavor. You can cook with them straight away!

Where to find them?

The company has a list of all vending machines on their official website: Dashi Douraku Website

© Dashi Douraku / だし道楽

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