Japan is famous for many things, and included in the list of notorious and curious items is the Japanese vending machine. There are all types of vending machines on almost every street corner. Unlike the United States, vending machines don’t just offer toiletries and food. They can dispense anything from clothing to intimate items. If you can fit it in the machine, Japan has likely offered it to the public through their vending machines.
Most of the vending machines are eye-catching and have ornate lights and displays to catch the attention of passing individuals. Tourists can’t seem to get enough of these wonders of Japanese modern culture. If anything, they definitely create an interesting conversation with your friends.
The Japanese vending machine has been around much longer than most people think. In fact, the first vending machine was built by Tawaraya Koshichi. The machine was built in 1888 and dispensed tobacco. The oldest existing vending machine in Japan was built by Koshichi. Today, some of the most interesting and common items found in Japanese vending machines include bread, manga, underwear, character sodas, and Buddist amulets.
If you haven’t been to Japan before and plan to make travel plans, you must include some vending machine sightseeing into your adventures as you travel through the cities along your path. No doubt you will be shocked, intrigued, and amused by all of the variety of items you can find in these modern conveniences. A word of caution, however – just make sure you know what you are buying before you spend money on these items. You may wind up with something unexpected.
