20 unique vending machines
※updated on June 18 2025
One of the surprising things you’ll notice while exploring Japan is the vending machines. From their sheer number to the wide variety of items they sell, everything about them feels amazing—especially for first-time visitors. Here, we introduce a few of Japan’s unique and diverse vending machines.
1) Nature-Inspired Vending Machine Using Surrounding Walls
About 70% of Japan's land is mountainous, making outdoor activities like trekking especially popular. This vending machine features a high-design aesthetic that evokes the richness of Japan’s natural environment.
2) Devilish Hot Sauce – Sriracha
SRIRACHA is a hot sauce known for its garlicky flavor and mild tang. Widely loved as a versatile condiment, it pairs well with everything from hamburg steaks to pasta. Just looking at the bottle is enough to make your mouth tingle—it’s the kind of heat that can get addictive.
3) Playful Design Vending Machine
This vending machine is full of playful charm, featuring a blue base accented with pops of yellow and orange. Located in Shibuya, it’s eye-catching enough that people often stop to snap a photo in front of it.
4) Beef Tongue… from a Vending Machine?!
In 2020, due to the spread of COVID-19, a beef tongue restaurant gave up on expanding nationwide. However, determined to share their product with people across Japan, they turned to vending machines. Who would expect to get beef tongue from a machine?
5) A Treasure Trove of Japanese Sweets
This vending machine is packed with Japanese sweets, ranging from just 160 yen to as much as 3,340 yen. It’s run by Odafuji, a shop known for its Western-style confections. Their cream puffs are especially popular among locals.
6) Pokémon Card Game
Located in Akihabara, this vending machine is a perfect reflection of the area’s vibrant pop culture. You can buy Pokémon trading cards here—but what kind of cards will you get? That’s part of the fun!
7) Super Cheap Vending Machine
Since vending machines don’t require staff and only need inventory management, some offer surprisingly low prices. At this location, you can get apple juice for just $0.55!
(*Based on an exchange rate of 145 yen to the dollar.)
8) Cake Vending Machine by a Beloved Japanese Brand
This vending machine sells cakes made by Fujiya, a well-known confectionery brand that has been loved in Japan for generations—especially for its candies. No need for cashier interaction—just grab a cake and go. It’s incredibly convenient!
9) A Vending Machine Watched Over by Godzilla
This vending machine is located in Shinjuku and features a design that captures the spirit of the city. In addition to the iconic Kabukicho Ichiban-gai sign, Godzilla himself appears to be staring right at you. It’s truly one of the most "deep" and memorable vending machines you’ll find.
10) Not Cola—It’s Salad Dressing!
At first glance, you might think this vending machine sells cola—but it actually offers bottles of dressing! Operated by iL-CHIANTI, a popular Italian restaurant chain, this machine is a blessing for fans who want to grab their favorite dressing any time, 24/7.
11) Are you Hungry? Grab a Hamburger Steak!
Yes, this vending machine sells hamburger steaks! In Japan, people often say you can buy just about anything from a vending machine—but even so, being able to get a hamburger steak is still a surprise.
12) A Very Japanese “Maiko” Vending Machine
This vending machine features a design inspired by maiko, the apprentice geisha who represent traditional Japanese culture. Its charming appearance might just make you stop and take a closer look.
13) A Ninja Ready to Strike!
This vending machine features a design of a ninja who looks like he might leap into action at any moment. Ninjas once existed in Japan and are believed to have played key roles in intelligence gathering and covert missions.
14) MAX Coffee = MAX Energy!
What stands out about this vending machine is its bold, eye-catching design. It sells only one item—MAX Coffee—and the machine itself is nearly entirely yellow. Why not grab a can and recharge your energy, too?
15) Adorable Animals Welcome You!
At the top of this vending machine, a cute dog is there to greet you. With its charming and soothing design, this machine is sure to be a hit with animal lovers.
16) It Feels Like a Restaurant!
This vending machine feels just like a mini restaurant. You can buy a wide variety of high-quality meals, including sausage, pasta, wild boar, pork belly cartilage, and chicken. Grab your food here and enjoy a restaurant-style dinner right in your hotel room.
17) Freshly Squeezed Orange Juice
Operated by IJOOZ, this vending machine is part of a global network and can be found in various parts of Japan. It’s stocked with fresh oranges, and when you make a purchase, it squeezes juice from four whole oranges—right on the spot!
18) A Black Godzilla Coming Your Way?
Tamagawa Sengen Shrine, located in Denenchofu, Ota Ward, Tokyo, famously survived the destruction depicted in the film Shin Godzilla. Because it was untouched while the city around it crumbled, it has gained popularity as a “disaster-protecting” shrine.
19) Taste Shizuoka’s Sweet Potatoes… in Tokyo!
Although Hamamatsu City in Shizuoka Prefecture is over 200 km from Tokyo, you can enjoy its famous sweet potatoes right from a vending machine in the capital. The machine features a local mascot inspired by eels, and sells treats like roasted sweet potatoes and Mitarashi dango.
20) Want Yakult? This Is the Spot!
This vending machine features the mascot of the professional baseball team, the Yakult Swallows. Alongside regular drinks, it also offers—you guessed it—Yakult! A fun and fitting tribute to the team and the brand.
Tokyo is home to a wide variety of unique vending machines—and what we've shown here is just a small sample. As you explore the city, keep an eye out for creatively designed vending machines. You might discover something surprising along the way!
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