The World of Japanese Vending Machines

There are more than 3 million machines installed in Japan. In fact Japan holds the highest ratio of machines per person for any country with one machine for every twenty-three people, let that sink in.

An inseparable part of daily life, vending machines in Japan are found on nearly every city street corner, train station, quiet rural towns, and even remote hiking trails. They exist to cater to Japan’s value of quick, self-service solutions.

Unlike in many other countries where vending machines are limited to snacks and drinks, Japan takes it to another level, offering everything from hot meals and fresh produce to mystery toys and even luxury items. But what makes them so special? Why does Japan embrace vending machines so deeply?

In this article, we explore into the fascinating world of Japanese vending machine culture, exploring their history, unique offerings, and the reasons behind their continued popularity.

The Evolution of Vending Machines

Ancient Origins

The concept of vending machines goes back to the first century CE. Greek engineer and mathematician Hero of Alexandria created a machine that dispensed holy water for a coin. When a coin was inserted it fell onto a pan attached to a lever, opening a valve that released water. When the coin fell off the lever went back to its original position and stopped the flow.

The Birth of the Vending Machine

The modern era of vending machines started in the early 1880s in England. Inventor Percival Everitt introduced coin operated machines that dispensed postcards, notepaper and envelopes in post offices and railway stations. In 1887 the Sweetmeat Automatic Delivery Company became the first company to specialise in vending machine operations and offered a range of products.

20th Century Expansion

Vending machines progressed rapidly in the early 1900s, from basic products to snacks, drinks and cigarettes. In 1902 Philadelphia introduced the first automat, a coin operated restaurant that served meals through vending machines.

By the mid century refrigeration allowed for cold drinks and fresh food, coin changers and bill acceptors made it more convenient. These innovations streamlined the transaction and expanded vending in public spaces.

As technology continued to advanced vending machines became smarter and more versatile, with touchscreens, cashless payments and remote monitoring they became a part of our daily lives.

The Birth of Vending Machines in Japan

In 1888, Takashichi Tawaraya invented Japan’s first vending machine which was a simple but clever device that dispensed tobacco. That same year he filed a patent and that’s when Japan’s automated retail journey began.

Tawaraya later created in 1904 what is now Japan’s oldest existing vending machine a postage stamp and postcard dispenser. Made of wood his machines were quite advanced for that time and could dispense change and display item prices. Talk about early innovation in vending technology.

Tawaraya’s early creations paved the way for what would become a global leader in vending machine technology and that’s why Japan has such a strong culture of automation and convenience.

The Golden Age of Japanese Vending Machines

By 1920s vending machines had moved beyond tobacco and postage to include candy. In the late 50s and 60s juice vending machines became super popular and automation was the name of the game .

Japan had the most vending machines in the world by 2000 with an estimated 5.6 million across the country.

But digital advancements and market competition led to a decline in vending machines in Japan. Not to mention in 2024, with the introduction of newly designed banknotes featuring advanced anti-counterfeiting measures and updated portraits, this inadvertently caused issues with the country’s extensive existing network of vending machines. Many machines, especially older models, were unable to recognise the new currency, leading to operational disruptions.

Despite this, vending machines in Japan, are still pretty popular today and a big part of modern Japanese culture. And with a market value of 1.9 Billion by 2033, it’s safe to say that vending machines in Japan and part of Japanese culture is here to stay.

A Vending Machine Theme Park

Image credit: Keisuke Tanigawa

Only in Japan can you find a literal retro vending machine theme park – Sagamihara Vending Machine Park. It has over 100 retro machines that are fully functional and stocked, dispensing goods ranging from food (ramen, etc.) and drinks to toys and fortune slips. The machines are restocked daily, with hot food for some of the machines cooked on site and others prepared by vendors.

Why Vending Machines Thrive in Japan

Japan loves vending machines for several reasons.

High Population Density & Space Efficiency

• In Tokyo and Osaka, there’s no space for stores.
• Vending machines save space and provide 24/7 access without a store or staff.

Convenience & 24/7 Access

• The Japanese work culture is long hours so people need quick and convenient food and drink.

Low Crime Rate = Machines Stay Safe

• Unlike many countries where vending machines get vandalised, Japan’s low crime rate means machines can be placed anywhere, even in the countryside.
• This security means high value products (like premium coffee, sake and electronics) can be sold in vending machines.

Ease of Use

• Japan is the leader in automation and vending machines have touchscreens, AI cameras and contactless payment.
• Many machines now accept IC cards (Suica, Pasmo), QR codes and even facial recognition.

The Many Vending Machines of Japan

Food

One of the most common types of Japanese vending machines is dedicated to food and beverages. From bottled teas and coffees to  sodas and even ice cream, these machines ensure that refreshments are always within reach.

Some even dispense hot soup, including the famous ramen vending machines, which serve steaming bowls of delicious noodles at the press of a button. These machines often include toppings like green onions, soft-boiled eggs, and pork slices, replicating the experience of dining at a ramen shop.

Hot food vending machines offer warm meals like rice dishes, fried chicken, and even gourmet burgers.

Bento Box Vending Machine

For an authentic Japanese experience, try a Bento Box from a vending machine—fresh, convenient, and perfectly crafted for a quick yet delicious meal.

Pizza Vending Machines

In recent years, machines selling pizzas that are baked on the spot and piping-hot gyoza (dumplings) have become increasingly popular.

Yakitori Vending Machine

Additionally, vending machines featuring vending machine food such as onigiri (rice balls), sushi rolls, and even tonkatsu pork cutlet sandwiches have become a staple for busy office workers and travellers in a hurry.

Drinks

There’s an endless list of drinks you can actually try from Japanese vending machines, including celebrity-endorsed options like Tommy Lee Jones’ Boss Coffee.

You’ll also find UCC canned coffees, Calpis water, Lipovitan, Dekavita, Pocari Sweat, Evian water, and a whole lot more of fruit sodas, juices, carbonated drinks, and alcoholic beverages such as beers and sake.

Sparkling waters, sports, and energy drinks are also available, offering almost anything you can think of.

Restaurant Ticket Vending Machines

These vending machines are idiosyncratic to Japan, they provide a unique dining experience by offering a no-staff, minimal human interaction model (very Japanese). These machines allow customers to enjoy a meal without the traditional restaurant setup.

Here’s how these vending machine restaurants operate – customers place their order and make the payment directly through the vending machine, which then dispenses a ticket. This ticket is handed over to a staff member at the counter, who provides the meal. Alternatively, some systems involve the cook pre-stocking the vending machine with a selection of meals. Customers can choose their preferred meal, pay for it, and the

Bizarre & Novelty Items

Image Credit: Sora News 24

Japan is famous for its unique vending machines, and some cater to the most unusual cravings and interests–from fresh bananas and edible insects to canned bread and even umbrellas.

Weird Japanese vending machines take things a step further, with some offering mystery items, fortune-telling cards, or even rare Japanese snacks.

Other unique finds include vending machines selling secondhand books, mini Buddhist altars, and even fresh eggs straight from the farm. Some machines even provide instant business cards for those in need of a quick networking solution.

Egg Vending Machine in the Northern Hyogo Prefecture. Image credit: Sora News 24

Gachapon & Toys

Image credit: Ned Snowman via Shutterstock

Toy vending machines, or Gachapon, are a staple of Japanese pop culture. These capsule machines dispense collectible figurines, keychains, and anime-themed merchandise. The Japanese toy vending machine scene is particularly vibrant, with limited-edition collectibles drawing enthusiasts from around the world. Many toy vending machines feature themed sets from popular franchises, making them a must-visit for anime and gaming fans.

These machines are typically found in arcades, shopping centres, and dedicated Gachapon specialty stores, where rows upon rows of machines tempt collectors with their colourful displays. Unlike traditional vending machines, Gachapon machines require inserting a few hundred yen and turning a crank, releasing a random item from the collection. The excitement of not knowing exactly which figure or trinket you’ll receive makes Gachapon incredibly popular, especially among tourists and hobbyists.

Age-Restricted Products

Image credit: James Willamor

For those over the legal age, Japanese alcohol vending machines provide a quick and easy way to purchase beer, sake, and even whiskey. However, these machines are subject to strict regulations.

Image credit: wairyhang

Many require an age-verification card, called a “TASPO” card, which is linked to a government database to prevent underage sales. This card is also used for purchasing cigarettes from vending machines, ensuring compliance with Japan’s legal smoking age of 20.

While vending machines for alcohol were once widely available, their numbers have decreased due to concerns over underage drinking. However, they can still be found in certain locations, such as private hotels, designated smoking areas, and some remote areas where convenience stores are scarce. Some machines even offer regional varieties of sake, providing a convenient way to sample Japan’s diverse alcoholic beverages.

Japanese Panty Vending Machines: Real or Urban Myth?

Image credit: Trendhunter

In 1993, Japan witnessed the rise of vending machines stocked with used underwear, supposedly worn by Japanese schoolgirls. This strange occurrence quickly became infamous, with police initially unable to act due to a loophole in the Japanese antiques law. The law classified used underwear as a “third-party” vendible, requiring a license to sell. Since no license could be obtained, authorities soon shut down these machines, turning them into urban legends. However, rumours persist of underground used-pantie vending machines for those “in the know.”

In Akihabara’s back alleys, used panty machines existed about 10 to 15 years ago when laws were laxer, allowing shops to sell used panties, though not exclusively via vending machines. Police later intervened, urging shops to stop underage students from selling items. While no arrests were made, the police cautioned shops due to fake ID incidents, leading to stricter regulations and the disappearance of these machines.

These days, when foreigners claim to find a used panty vending machine, they often mean a gachapon machine. Despite some advertising as used, anyone who can read Japanese knows this isn’t true.

Luxury & High-Tech

Wagyu Vending Machine

Japan is also home to gourmet vending machines, offering premium items like high-end cuts of Wagyu beef, fresh caviar, and even gold-leaf-covered chocolates. These high-tech machines often come with touch-screen interfaces and support cashless payments through IC cards, mobile apps, or QR codes.

In major cities like Tokyo and Osaka, luxury vending machines have started appearing in high-end shopping districts and airports. Some even sell high-quality sushi, fresh seafood, and artisanal pastries. The demand for high-end products in vending machines reflects Japan’s culture of convenience without compromising quality.

Some luxury vending machines also feature high-end skincare products, designer accessories, and limited-edition snacks that cater to a more exclusive clientele. Certain machines in Shibuya and Ginza are stocked with premium watches, perfumes, and electronic gadgets.

Other Types of Vending Machines in Japan

We couldn’t resist rounding things off by highlighting a handful of our favourite weird but undeniably cool examples. These unique ones offer an “only in Japan” experience.

Photo Booth Vending Machine (Purikura)

Purikura, short for “Print Club,” are photo booth vending machines that have become a cultural phenomenon in Japan. These machines allow users to take fun and quirky photos with customisable backgrounds, stamps, and writing. Popular among teenagers and young adults, Purikura offers a unique way to capture memories with friends. After taking photos, users can edit their pictures with various effects and decorations before printing them out as stickers. These booths are prevalent in entertainment districts and shopping centres across Japan, providing a fun and creative outlet for self-expression and social interaction.

Flower Vending Machine

Image credit: Japan Today

For those in need of a last-minute gift or simply wanting to brighten their day, flower vending machines offer a convenient solution. These machines, like the one located in Shinjuku Station, dispense beautifully arranged bouquets of fresh flowers. The concept combines the convenience of vending machines with the elegance of floral arrangements, allowing customers to purchase flowers at any time. These machines are strategically placed in busy areas, making it easy for commuters and travelers to pick up a bouquet on the go.

Live Goldfish Vending Machine

In a truly unique twist, some vending machines in Japan dispense live goldfish. These machines, often found in more rural areas or at festivals, provide an unusual and interactive experience for customers. The concept is reminiscent of traditional Japanese festival games where participants scoop goldfish from a tank. While not as common as other vending machines, the live goldfish machines showcase the creativity and novelty that Japanese vending culture is known for.

Dashi Broth Vending Machine

Dashi, a staple in Japanese cuisine, is now available at the push of a button thanks to dashi broth vending machines. These machines dispense bottles of high-quality dashi, allowing customers to enjoy the rich, umami flavour of this essential broth at home. The vending machines are stocked with various types of dashi, including options made from kelp, bonito flakes, and other traditional ingredients. This innovation highlights the Japanese appreciation for culinary convenience and quality, making it easy for anyone to incorporate authentic flavours