Only in Japan: 10 Vending Machines That’ll Leave You Completely Confused
I’ve been to Japan three times now, and every single time, I find myself standing in front of a vending machine, scratching my head like… is this real life?
I mean, the first time, I bought a hot can of corn soup. From a vending machine. At midnight.
It came out steaming — and honestly, it was delicious.
That’s when I realized: Japan doesn’t just use vending machines for snacks and drinks.
They use them for everything.
Things you’d never expect. Things you probably wouldn’t even want from a machine — but somehow, Japan makes it work.
I wrote this article because it’s such a wild part of Japanese daily life that most travelers miss.
These aren’t one-off gimmicks. They’re scattered across cities and train stations and tucked into alleyways.
Some are just practical. Others? Straight-up bizarre.
Here are 10 vending machines in Japan that’ll have you laughing, cringing, and maybe even swiping your yen card just to say you did it.
1. Underwear Vending Machines (Yep, Really)
Let’s start with the most infamous one.
You’ll find vending machines in Akihabara selling men’s and women’s underwear.
Some are basic. Others are… not.
They’re marketed toward “emergency” needs, but let’s be real, that’s not why most people are buying.
2. Hot Corn Soup in a Can
It sounds like a prank, but it’s not.
You pop a few coins in, press the button, and out comes a piping hot can of sweet corn soup.
It’s weirdly satisfying — thick, creamy, and perfect on cold nights.
Bonus: There’s real corn in there. You drink it, then chew.
3. Full-Size Umbrellas
Raining and forgot your umbrella?
Japan’s got you.
You’ll find machines offering brand-new umbrellas for about 500 yen.
Clear plastic or patterned — your choice. Instant dry.
4. Fresh Pizza Vending Machine
This one blew my mind.
A vending machine in Hiroshima actually bakes a full-size pizza while you wait.
It spins, heats, and delivers a hot, crispy margherita in under five minutes.
No human contact. No cold slices. Just a machine that really gets you.
5. Bugs for Snacks
No joke — you can buy crickets, beetles, and silkworm larvae in vending machines.
Some are chocolate-covered. Others are just… crunchy.
Would I eat it again? Let’s just say once was enough.
6. Sake Vending Machines
Want to try different regional sakes without committing to a whole bottle?
At select places — especially in Niigata — you can insert coins and taste local sake straight from a vending machine.
Clean cups, dozens of flavors, and no bartender in sight.
7. Farm-Fresh Eggs
On the edge of rural towns, you’ll see vending machines stocked with fresh eggs from nearby farms.
You pay, open a little cubby, and out comes a tray.
It’s like a roadside stand, but robotic.
8. Bananas — Sold Solo
In Tokyo, you can actually buy a single banana from a vending machine.
Not a bunch. Just one. Perfectly ripe.
It comes in a little wrapper, too. Because… Japan.
9. T-Shirts and Ties
Need a fresh outfit before a meeting?
Yep — vending machines in business districts sell crisp white shirts, ties, and even socks.
Slide in your size, grab and go. No mall required.
10. Mystery Boxes (aka Gachapon for Adults)
Put in 1,000 yen, and you get a sealed mystery box with anything from electronics to random toys.
It’s vending machine gambling at its finest.
I once got a knockoff GoPro and a packet of instant curry. Not mad.
Final Thoughts
Japan’s vending machines are more than just machines — they’re a peek into how clever, quirky, and wildly efficient Japanese culture is.
Sure, you’ll find regular soda and snacks too. But the real fun starts when you walk up to one, blink twice, and say out loud: Wait, is that corn soup?
So if you ever find yourself in Tokyo or Osaka, skip the convenience store. Wander the streets instead and hunt down the weirdest vending machine you can find.
Then do what I do — take a picture, press the button, and live to tell the tale.
