Vending Machines 自動販売機
5 Things to Know
Where?
Absolutely everywhere! At all stations, of course, and in the street, at the foot of steps to shrines and temples and some hiking trails. This is one thing that you will certainly see in Japan. And there's something for everyone: tea, coffee, beer, soda, energy drinks, vegetable juices...
Hot or Cold?
Since hot and cold drinks are usually offered from the same machine, be sure to check the label shown below on each product: the tsumetai (つめたい) blue background for cold and the atatakai (あたたかい) red background for hot.
Cash and travel cards
All machines take cash, but some also accept travel cards such as Suica or Pasmo. In this case, the logo of the cards accepted will be printed on the machine, so simply swipe your card and you've paid. The average price of a drink is usually 130 yen.
Unusual
Sometimes the drinks available are a little out of the ordinary, such as corn or miso soup, hot strawberry milk, fruit juice or milk with jelly chunks, energy drinks and other brightly coloured vegetables blends. Behind the glass of some machines, cans boast a big question mark: a surprise drink (a random choice by the vending machine), for the more adventurous.
Recycle
Most vending machines have two bins next to them, one for recycling plastic bottles, one for cans.
