8 Unique Japanese Vending Machines in Tokyo

Even before setting foot in Japan, many visitors have heard about its incredible vending machine culture, and nowhere is it more impressive than in Tokyo. In this city of constant motion and bright lights, you’re never far from your next vending machine, often just a few steps away on any street corner or station platform.

But Tokyo’s vending machines are far from ordinary. Sure, you’ll find the familiar ones offering ice-cold drinks on a humid summer day or steaming cans of coffee in winter. Yet others surprise and delight in true Tokyo fashion, serving up full meals, selling collectible idol photo cards, or even giving you the thrill of winning a random mystery prize. And that’s just scratching the surface.

Japan’s vending machines are legendary — and for good reason. From the neon streets of Tokyo to remote mountain paths and snow-dusted villages, these machines are everywhere. From the brightly lit streets of all major cities to the lesser-traveled paths of remote mountains and snow-covered villages, it’s rare to ever find yourself too far from the convenience of the Japanese vending machine.

Even better, their offerings change with the seasons and trends. You’ll find refreshing cold drinks in the humid summer months, comforting hot coffees and soups in winter, and limited-edition flavors inspired by Japan’s latest fads.

Japan’s vending machines can definitely quench your thirst or satisfy your craving for a quick snack. But Tokyo takes things to another level. Here are some of the city’s most unique and downright quirky vending machines — experiences you won’t find anywhere else.

From insects to canned bread, explore more of Tokyo's unique vending machines with Stephanie!

Wandering the streets of Tokyo and craving a tonkatsu pork cutlet sandwich? We’ve all been there, but not everyone has been to the Niku no Mansei Vending Machine, located in Chiyoda, where you can grab a fully made sandwich and be on your way.

According to our expert host Shizuka, it’s a little dry — as you might expect from a sandwich served from a vending machine — though it might save you from feeling “hangry” if you’re exploring the city on an empty stomach.

Over in the “creepy vending machine corner,” a run-down part of Akihabara seemingly destined to collect Tokyo’s strangest vending machines, you can sample the tinned delights of yakitori in a can.

Don’t get your hopes up too high, though. Described as “very gooey,” “okay,” and “not as bad as I expected,” it’s more of a quirky experience than a culinary highlight. Still, it’s a story not everyone can say they’ve lived — just make sure to grab a drink from a nearby vending machine afterward.

Next to the yakitori vending machine in this slightly downtrodden hideaway is another must-try oddity: oden in a can. Reviews for this tinned creation say it’s “fine… if you can get past the fact that it’s room temperature.” How could you resist after an endorsement like that?

For a closer look at the mysteries of the “creepy vending machine corner,” check out this video with Shizuka!

Located on a much less creepy, brightly lit street next to Akihabara Station, the Seven’s Crepe vending machine serves Japan’s famous frozen “ice crepes.” Choose from flavors like banana and chocolate, almond and chocolate, or strawberry.

According to the machine, you’ll want to wait 15 minutes before biting in, allowing your crepe to defrost just enough to stay cool while gaining a soft texture.

Right next door to the crepe machine is the King’s Treasure vending machine, a game of chance that’s also the perfect way to pass time while your frozen crepe thaws. 

For just ¥1,000, you could win anything from trading cards and accessories to big-ticket items like a Nintendo Switch and PlayStation 5. Warning: Shizuka won an unwanted Hello Kitty face guard, so your ¥1,000 might not be money well spent. But isn’t that part of the fun?

Have you ever heard of a hanko? In Japan, a hanko is a stamp used in place of a signature. Official versions are required for documents, but casual ones make great omiyage souvenirs.

This hanko stamp seal vending machine lets you design your own hanko in just 10 minutes for ¥1,000. Simply enter your name, choose a design, and you’ll have a personalized stamp in no time.

Japan’s idol culture is thriving, and one of its most famous groups — and certainly the largest — is AKB48, a girl group that began in Akihabara with 48  original members. 

At this idol card vending machine, you can buy collectible photo cards featuring each member. Prices vary based on the idol’s popularity and the card’s rarity, but you can also splurge on a full set of 100 cards for ¥1,000.

If you and a friend are arguing over which idol cards you want more, take the battle to the nearby retro Street Fighter arcade machine in the same area. Ready, set… Fight!

After all that excitement, you’ll probably be thirsty. Head over to the Pom orange juice vending machine, stocked with citrus drinks from all over Japan, including some orange jelly varieties. Try a few to discover your favorite oranges.

For a unique way to see the city, join this Tokyo bike tour that starts and ends in the trendy neighborhood of Meguro. Along the way, you’ll visit a few must-see spots, including the quirky Meguro Parasitological Museum! 

From there, cycle through a local park and keep your eyes peeled for an unusual vending machine. We won’t be telling you what it sells, but since you’re already hunting down Tokyo’s weirdest vending machines, don’t you want to find out?

Book your spot on this Tokyo bike tour!

If you haven’t had your fill of Japan’s unique vending machine culture yet, there’s one more vending machine video you won’t want to miss!