Hello, I’m Hirossy.
Some people who have visited Japan, or watched videos about Japan, may wonder:
“Why are there so many vending machines in Japan?”
You can see vending machines near stations, in residential areas, at sightseeing spots, near schools, and even on quiet roads in the countryside.
For Japanese people like me, vending machines are a normal part of daily life.
But when I think about it again, I understand why people from other countries may feel surprised.
In this article, I would like to explain Japanese vending machines in a simple and friendly way, from the viewpoint of an ordinary Japanese dad.
Conclusion
There are many vending machines in Japan because they are very convenient in daily life.
Especially drink vending machines are useful because:
- you can buy a drink quickly
- they are in many places
- they are helpful on hot days
- you can use them without going into a store
Of course, buying drinks at a supermarket or drugstore is often cheaper.
But when you think, “I want something to drink right now,” or “I want to buy something nearby,” vending machines are very useful.
So in Japan, vending machines are not something special.
They are a natural and convenient part of everyday life.
Background and Reasons
1. They are quick and easy to use
In Japan, many people like things that are quick and convenient in daily life.
With a vending machine, you do not need to go inside a store.
You also do not need to wait in line at a register.
When you want a drink, you can buy one quickly.
For example, vending machines are useful:
- on the way to work or school
- during a work break
- when walking in a park or sightseeing area
- when going out with children
I think this kind of convenience is one reason why vending machines have become a normal part of life in Japan.
2. There are many times when people want drinks
Japan has big differences between the seasons.
Especially in summer, it can be very hot and humid.
Because of this, it is important to drink water often.
When you are outside, vending machines are very helpful because you can buy a drink quickly.
There are many kinds of drinks, such as water, tea, sports drinks, juice, and coffee.
In winter, many vending machines also sell hot drinks.
You can buy hot canned coffee or hot tea.
This may be one interesting part of Japanese vending machines.
3. There are many choices
Japanese vending machines often have many different drinks.
For example, you can find:
- water
- green tea
- barley tea
- coffee
- black tea
- sports drinks
- soda
- seasonal drinks
In Japan, new drinks and seasonal drinks often appear.
So just looking at a vending machine can be a little fun.
For travelers, it may be a small chance to discover something new, like, “Oh, Japan has this kind of drink!”
4. Cashless payment is becoming more common
Recently, more vending machines in Japan support cashless payment.
For example, some vending machines accept:
- electronic money
- transportation IC cards
- smartphone payment
In the past, vending machines were a little inconvenient if you did not have coins.
But now, in many places, you can buy drinks with your phone or card.
Of course, it depends on the machine and the area.
But overall, vending machines are becoming easier to use.
5. They are relatively easy to place in towns
This is just one extra point, but Japan may be a country where vending machines are relatively easy to place in towns.
For example, vending machines are often placed beside roads or in front of buildings.
Many people see them as a normal part of the town.
Of course, every country and every area is different.
And even in Japan, this does not mean there are never any problems.
But in Japan, vending machines are easy to use in daily life, and this may also be one reason why there are so many of them.
Examples from Daily Life
I often use vending machines during work breaks or when I am out with my children.
During work breaks, I sometimes buy sweet coffee.
I can get caffeine, and the sweet taste helps me feel a little better when I am tired.
On hot days, I sometimes buy sports drinks.
In summer, I worry about heatstroke, so it is very helpful to be able to buy a drink quickly.
Vending machines are also convenient when I go out with my children.
It is often cheaper to buy bottled drinks at a supermarket.
But when we are already outside, it is very useful to buy drinks easily.
For example, when we are at a park or sightseeing spot and someone says, “I’m thirsty,” I feel relieved if there is a vending machine nearby.
I also like Seventeen Ice.
Seventeen Ice is an ice cream brand sold mainly through vending machines.
I really like the vanilla cone ice cream.
Vending machines in Japan are not only for drinks.
Some of them are also a little fun, like this ice cream vending machine.
If you travel in Japan, you will probably see vending machines in many places, such as:
- train platforms
- near hotels
- on the way to sightseeing spots
- in residential areas
- near parks
For visitors to Japan, it may feel surprising to see how many vending machines there are.
Friendly Advice for Visitors
If you come to Japan and use vending machines, these points may help you.
1. Try cashless payment if possible
Some vending machines accept transportation IC cards or smartphone payment.
If the machine supports it, you may be able to buy a drink even without cash.
2. Use them for hydration in summer
Japanese summer can be very hot.
If you walk a lot while traveling, you may get tired more easily than you expect.
Vending machines are often easy to find, so they can help you stay hydrated.
3. Look for hot drinks in winter
In cold seasons, some vending machines sell hot canned coffee and hot tea.
This may feel a little unusual for people from other countries.
4. Trash bins are not always nearby
In the past, many vending machines had trash bins next to them.
But now, some places have fewer trash bins.
So sometimes, you may not be able to throw away your bottle or can right away.
In that case, it is better to keep it with you and throw it away later in the proper place.
Summary
There are many vending machines in Japan because they are very useful in daily life.
If you only think about price, supermarkets are often cheaper.
But vending machines are very convenient because you can buy a drink right away, even when you are outside.
Like me, many people in Japan buy sweet coffee during work breaks, or buy drinks when they are out with their children.
In that way, vending machines show a small part of Japanese daily life.
If you visit Japan, I hope you will not see vending machines only as machines.
Instead, you may enjoy them as a small part of everyday Japan.
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