Can't resist spending money? A collection of Japan's 5 most extraordinary vending machines

Text & Photos /MATCHA

Japan is truly a vending machine superpower—walk just a few steps down the street and you'll find one, sometimes even clusters of four or five. Their density is so high that you'll spot them even on rural paths, at mountaintop shrines, or on seaside beaches. Vending machines have become an indispensable part of Japanese life, leading the Japanese to continuously evolve these machines to the point where they sell absolutely anything without raising eyebrows. Today, let’s take a look at some of Japan’s quirkiest and most impressive vending machines with the Matcha editors!

Freshly Ground & Brewed Hot Coffee Vending Machine

Think convenience store self-serve coffee machines are impressive? Wait until you see this coffee vending machine!

What makes this machine amazing is that once you select your preferred type, it starts by grinding the beans, and you can watch the entire process—from grinding to brewing—clearly displayed on the screen above the machine. You get to witness your coffee being born right before your eyes.

Unlike pre-brewed coffee from convenience stores where you add sugar and cream afterward, this vending machine lets you choose your desired sweetness level from the start, and even decide whether or not you want cream!

After brewing, the coffee is automatically poured into a cup, tightly sealed with a lid, and topped with a handy stopper to prevent spills—even when you’re on the go!

Japan’s Only Curry Packet Vending Machine

Curry is one of Japan’s national dishes and a beloved quick and easy meal for many families. Unlike spicy Indian curry, Japanese curry is characterized by its addition of fruits and vegetables, with each region adding local ingredients to create unique flavors.

Located in Asakusa’s Kappabashi Dori (Kitchen Town), this curry packet vending machine offers a variety of regional curries from all over Japan. No need to spend time simmering vegetables or melting curry blocks—just heat it in the microwave or with hot water for a quick and delicious curry experience. Super convenient!

Drink the Best Water from All Over Japan – Regional Premium Water Vending Machine

While traveling across Japan, you’ll often see proud signs advertising the area’s excellent water quality and delicious taste. Vegetables grown with premium water or sake brewed with it are said to be of high quality. Now, you don’t have to travel all over Japan to taste these regional waters—you can get them from a vending machine in Tokyo!

Inside the “Ginza Itchome” Station on Tokyo Metro’s Yurakucho Line, there’s a vending machine offering premium water from all over Japan. It clearly indicates the water source location and even provides QR codes to learn more about each bottle’s origin, making it hard to decide which one to buy.

Otaku Paradise Akihabara – Oden Vending Machine

Akihabara, which turns into a pedestrian paradise on weekends, is not only a haven for otakus but also an electronics paradise. Whether you’re here to shop for gadgets or hunt for anime collectibles, when your feet are sore and your stomach is growling, Akihabara offers plenty of food options to soothe both. The ubiquitous vending machines can quench your thirst, but have you ever noticed the mysterious oden vending machine here?

It’s said this oden vending machine has been around for over 10 years, offering two flavors: fish balls and beef. The machine keeps the oden at room temperature, so you can eat it right away or even take it home as a souvenir!

Hidden in Inokashira Park – Canned Bees & Grasshoppers Vending Machine

Inokashira Park, bustling with visitors, is located in Kichijoji—a district that has topped Japan’s “most desirable place to live” list for several years. Nearby is the Ghibli Museum in Mitaka, loved by both adults and children, along with Kichijoji’s lively shopping streets and a wealth of quirky stores, making it a perennial tourist hotspot.

Tucked away in a corner of Inokashira Park is a uniquely distinctive vending machine. At first glance, it seems to sell bread—which is interesting enough—but take a closer look and you’ll spot two cans of bees and grasshoppers in sweet-simmered sauce. It’s said that older generations of Japanese used to catch and cook grasshoppers themselves, though it’s rare nowadays. This machine is still regularly restocked, suggesting there’s still a market. Interested? Give it a try!

Conclusion
Aren’t Japan’s vending machines amazing? But amid the vast sea of vending machines, there are still many fascinating ones the editor hasn’t introduced. Next time you visit Japan, why not keep an eye out for any interesting vending machines nearby?

Author: MATCHA
Blog　Facebook Page