How to Differentiate and Use Vending Machines with Various Functions?
Created At: 8/15/2025Updated At: 8/17/2025
Answer (1)
Alright, no problem! Come on, sit down and let me chat. Dealing with these metal contraptions on Japanese streets is actually super simple. Once you get used to them, you'll fall in love with them.
Navigating Tokyo: Mastering the Variety of Vending Machines! A Super Practical Guide
New to Tokyo and feeling awed yet slightly overwhelmed by the vending machines everywhere (called "Jihanki" in Japan)? Don't worry, these things are a lazy person's dream β incredibly convenient. I spent ages figuring them out when I first arrived too. Now I could practically buy stuff blindfolded. Based on experience, I'll break them down into categories for you and teach you how to use them. Guaranteed, you'll get it in no time.
Step 1: Identify What Kind of Machine You're Facing
Want to buy something? First, find the right machine. The key is seeing what it's "selling" inside its belly.
1. The Most Common: Beverage Vending Machines
- How to spot them: This is the most widespread model. The front is transparent glass, showing rows of neatly stacked bottles and cans. Everything from cola, tea, and coffee to juice and mineral water... it's all here.
- Special Feature: Hot and Cold Options Available! This is what makes Japanese vending machines amazing. Pay attention to the price tags; they usually have two color indicators:
- Blue background/icon = Cold Drinks (Tsumetai - γ€γγγ)
- Red background/icon = Hot Drinks (Atatakai - γγγγγ)
- Getting a hot corn soup or coffee in winter is an absolute lifesaver.
2. Refueling Station: Food & Ice Cream Vending Machines
- How to spot them: These usually appear near train stations, rest areas, or office buildings. They sell a wide range of items, like:
- Ice cream: Cones or cups from brands like Glico, Haagen-Dazs, etc.
- Snacks & Bread: Potato chips, chocolate, small bread rolls β perfect for a light bite.
- Hot Food: Some fancier machines even sell hot items like rice balls (onigiri), fried chicken, french fries, or takoyaki. These usually don't display the actual product, just a picture button.
3. For Adults Only: Cigarette & Alcohol Vending Machines
- How to spot them: Cigarette machines have large γγγ°γγ(Tabako) characters. Liquor machines have γι γ(Sake) or γγ’γ«γ³γΌγ«γ(Alcohol) displayed.
- Important Note: Visitors basically CAN'T use these! Buying these items requires a special adult identification IC card called TASPO (γΏγΉγ). It's designed to prevent underage purchases. So, as a tourist, just look and move on β don't waste your time trying them.
4. "Selling Practically Everything" Machines (The Fun Ones!)
- How to spot them: This is part of the fun of traveling! You might stumble upon machines selling all sorts of surprising things:
- Dashi Stock: Yes, that delicious soup base used in Japanese cooking, sold in bottles.
- Umbrellas & Tights: Sudden rain? Snagged tights? These are your emergency fix.
- Souvenirs/Local Specialties: At some tourist spots, machines sell small local trinkets.
- Gachapon (γ¬γγ£γγ³): Technically also a type of vending machine. Insert coins, twist the knob, and a surprise capsule drops out. Fun for kids and adults alike.
Step 2: Operating Them is a Breeze! Three Simple Steps
No matter what the machine looks like, the basic process is almost always the same and super easy.
Universal Purchase Steps:
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Insert Money (Or Card)
- Cash: Most machines accept Β₯10, Β₯50, Β₯100, Β₯500 coins and Β₯1000 bills.
- Note: Β₯1 and Β₯5 coins, and Β₯2000, Β₯5000, Β₯10,000 bills are usually not accepted. Don't insert them.
- IC Travel Cards (Highly Recommended!): In Tokyo, your Suica (Pasmo also works everywhere in Tokyo!) card is practically magic! If the machine has an IC card reader (a glowing flat panel), just tap (beep!) your card. No need to fuss with change β fast and easy!
- Cash: Most machines accept Β₯10, Β₯50, Β₯100, Β₯500 coins and Β₯1000 bills.
-
Select Your Item & Press the Button!
- After inserting money or tapping your card, the buttons for available products will light up.
- Find what you want and press the corresponding button below the product display.
- If a button is dark or shows γε£²γεγγ(Urikire) in red, that means "Sold Out." Pick something else.
-
Retrieve Your Stuff & Grand Your Change
- With a satisfying thump, your item drops into the retrieval slot below. Just bend down and open the flap to grab it.
- If you used cash, don't forget your change! It usually comes out in a small tray or drawer below (the change return slot). Sometimes you might need to push a lever (γγ€γγ¬γγΌ, otsuri rebaa - change lever).
Simple, right?
Pro-tips from Experience
- IC Card is King: Can't stress this enough. Get a Suica card. Use it for trains, convenience stores, and MOST vending machines. Avoid the coin hassle.
- Don't Litter - Dispose Properly: Public trash cans are rare in Japan, but nearly every vending machine has a dedicated recycling bin for bottles and cans next to it. Remember to dispose of your empties here correctly.
- Try Your Luck: Some machines have a "lottery" feature (γ«γΌγ¬γγζ©θ½, ruuretto kinou). After buying a drink, a random mini-game might start on the screen. If you win... "Thump!" Congratulations, you get a free drink! Pure luck β enjoy it as a little surprise if it happens.
- Disaster Relief Machines: Importantly, many modern Japanese drink vending machines are "disaster response" types. In the event of a major earthquake or other disaster, they can be remotely or manually switched to free mode, providing emergency drinking water to the public. This is part of their role as city infrastructure.
Alright, now you're practically a vending machine expert! Next time you're thirsty or peckish wandering the streets of Tokyo, confidently approach that shiny metal box and enjoy a uniquely Japanese convenience. Have fun!
Created At: 08-15 05:53:06Updated At: 08-15 10:21:27