LIVE IN JAPAN

When you live in Japan, the first thing most people recognize is there are vending machines everywhere. From practically every platform of any train station that you will find at least one, to all supermarket and shopping mall.

Fun fact: According to Business Insider, there are over 5 MILLION vending machine in Japan.

Why are there so many vending machines in Japan?

  1. Some said that because living in Japan is safe, no one will break a vending machine. It might be true that vending machines in public parks are various and appear undamaged.
  2. Way too convenient, a machine would be faster with just a few clicks. Japan famous for its long hours of work and mid-break time is short and rarely happened. The result is that people are way too busy to go to shops, a machine within a few steps away would be preferred.

Still, how can just it appear way too many?

  • Anyone can own a vending machine if you have a place to set it up. Yes, anyone can apply to have their vending machine delivered to their front door. Event foreigners, as long as you are living in Japan with a license for setup business or permanent resident status.

And not just selling drink, vending machines in Japan sell more kinds of stuff than we know. Some are really out of the place like a popcorn vending machine, or an idol autograph vending machine. Check a small corner of Harajuku, Shibuya, Shinjuku, those machines will not let you down. Like:

Image: Kisa Toyoshima from timeout.com

Living in Japan you can find some weird things, even vending machines

  • Japan’s popular idol bands Nogizaka46 and Keyakizaka46 have their vending machine set up on a side street which is next to Animate Akihabara Honkan (at 4-3-2 Sotokanda, Chiyoda)
  • Popcorn machine at 2-19-7 Kanda-Sudacho, Chiyoda
  • Treasure hunt vending machine gave you the random price in a mystery box at 1-4-11 Soto-Kanda, Chiyoda
  • In need of an umbrella? JR Suidobashi Station has one on its platform.
  • We are not promoting for Dole but there is a vending machine selling Banana at exit 3 at Shibuya Station (Anyone?)
  • Or some natto? (fermented beans) Another random vending machine at Kejiri-Ohashi Station (west exit).

Do you know the best part is that you can go out and hunt them with one of our local hosts?

At Homii Homestay, you can make new friends, have a 2nd family, experience the hidden part of Japanese culture. Hang out with the family and find where you belong. Talk with us now, today!

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