4 of the Most Convenient Vending Machine Items in Japan

Submitted by vivienne on Sun, 06/08/2014 - 02:17

Japan is known as the country of vending machines. For decades, it has been possible to get some of the most unusual things from a vending machine, but the things that really surprise many visitors are the convenient products that are readily available 24 hours a day, 7 days a week.

Food and Drinks

Food and drinks are pretty much available in vending machines all over the world, but Japan tops them all by going the extra mile to provide a huge menu of hot or cold food and drinks. On hot summer days, you can get a cold juice, soda, tea, coffee and alcohol for the adults. For cold winter days out, grab a hot tea, coffee, ramen, or soup in a can.

Fresh Flower Bouquets

You can buy a wide range of beautiful fresh flower bouquets for those times you want to spruce up the house, or for those other times you need a last-minute gift. The flowers in vending machines will vary in price, and most of the machines will accept cash, credit cards and even SUICA cards for your convenience. For those who don't know, SUICA is the card used to prepay for train rides so you don't have to buy a ticket every time. These days, it can be used at many vending machines like a debit card.

Umbrellas

Japan is one of the best places to get an umbrella, no matter where you happen to be. While most Japanese will check the weather to avoid getting caught out in the rain, there is really little worry because many places around the country will have either an umbrella stand or vending machine. Standard clear umbrellas can cost as little as ¥200 ($2USD), but if you’re looking for something a little more fancy, you can also find some designer umbrellas for ¥20,000 ($200USD). Because it rains so often in some parts of Japan, these really come in handy. You might not find them in Tokyo though because there's literally a convenient store on every block where you can just run in and grab one.

Fresh Produce

Common household staples like eggs, bread, fruits and vegetables sometimes run out in the least convenient times, like when the shops are closed. A vending machine that’s available 24/7 and packed with these staples is perhaps one of the most convenient things you can find in Japan.

The next time you walk around the streets of Japan, take a moment to check out the different vending machines. You would be surprised at the interesting things you can find.

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