Japanese Vending Machines (Jidohanbaiki)

Japanese vending machines are invariably a source of fascination for visitors to Japan. It's not so much the machines themselves but the variety of things sold in them. Beverage varieties by the hundreds it seems. Beer. Hot tea and coffee. Corn soup. And yes, even panties and porn. Discover the fascinating world of vending machines in Japan.

Cool Vending Machines in Japan

So what's so cool about Japan's vending machines (called "ji-dou-han-bai-ki" in Japanese)? Mostly it's the astounding variety of items sold in them. Japanese soft drink vending machines, for example, sell an unbelievable variety of beverages.

There are entire machines devoted to a myriad of juices, colas, and sports drinks:

Then there are the famous vending machines that dispense an amazing variety of hot and cold canned coffee and tea beverages.

You can also of course find vending machines in Japan selling Japanese snacks:

Hot snacks like takoyaki, yakionigiri, and yakisoba:

Hot soba and udon noodles:

Canned ramen noodles:

And even toast!

Many Foreign visitors to Japan are surprised to discover vending machines that sell beer, but sure enough, here they are!

Here's a vending machine in rural Japan that sells fresh eggs!

And yes, the rumors are true. You can indeed find vending machines that dispense various erotica:

Many vending machines in Japan now have a function that enables users to pay using an IC smart cards like Pasmo or Suica prepaid train cards, or even using a cell phone!

As you can see from the sheer variety of vending machines in Japan, it's no wonder that gaijin go gaga over Japanese vending machines.