Travel Japan: Vending Machines
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Getting a drink anywhere
Japanese vending machines have become such a staple in my visits to Japan that I decided to dedicate my post on these magical machines. Sure we have vending machines in the States and other parts of the world, but there's something to be said about the convenience and selection behind these bad boys.
For one, it's been well established that these vending machines are filled with variety. We covered a couple times just how varied these machines really are, but to recap:
- You can get the following (just off the top of my head)
- Fruit's and Veggie's (not juices. The whole fruit/vegetable)
- Soup Stock
- Clothing
- Cigarettes
- Drinks (duh?)
So there's a lot of variety. Heck, you can even pay for your purchases via smart phone. So yes, these machines are pretty darn nifty. But why do I love them so much? Well in short, I've outlined my personal reasons below why these machines are worth stopping for on your next visit to Japan.
Reasons They Rock!
- They're super convenient. Seriously there are so many on each street, train stations, airports, really they're everywhere.
- Nice Variety. It doesn't hurt that with around three rows of drink options per machine, and with two or three usually next to each other, you have a good selection of beverages.
- No interaction. Don't get me wrong, one of the perks of travelling is meeting awesome people, but a break from socializing doesn't hurt.
- Believe it or not, I save money by grabing just one drink from a machine than going into a Convenience store and shelling out a thousand yen on drinks, snacks, and "Lawson's" karage.
- Lastly, the novelty of these machines draw me in. Even when there's a convenience store in the lobby of my hotel, I'll still head outside to spend a couple hundred yen and get me a drink from these machines.
Also, when they have 100 yen specials like the one below, why would I not go?!