The Most Popular Vending Machine in Japan, Ranked
Voting rules: Choose the vending machine you think is the most popular!
Updated on May 1, 2024 06:53
In the bustling streets and tranquil corners of cities across Japan, the humble vending machine is more than just a convenience; it's a cultural icon. Visitors and locals alike are often intrigued by the sheer diversity and the unique items available. Knowing which ones are considered the best can enhance one's experience, saving time and ensuring delightful discoveries.
This curated list reflects real-time preferences and opinions from a broad audience. By participating in the voting, you contribute to a collective insight that helps guide others in making informed choices. Whether a seasoned traveler or a curious local, your votes help highlight the top vending experiences across Japan.
What Is the Most Popular Vending Machine in Japan?
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168votesThese are the most common and popular vending machines in Japan, serving a variety of beverages such as soft drinks, coffee, tea, and energy drinks. They are found at almost every corner of the streets, train stations, and public spaces, and offer convenience to travelers and locals alike.Drinks vending machines are a ubiquitous sight in Japan, found in almost every street corner, train station, and office building. These machines are designed to dispense a wide variety of beverages, including both hot and cold options.
- Number of selections: Usually between 10 to 30 different beverage options.
- Temperature control: Capable of dispensing both hot and cold drinks, with adjustable temperature settings.
- Cash and/or electronic payment: Supports various payment methods, including coins, bills, and electronic payments like IC cards or mobile wallets.
- Availability: Accessible 24/7, providing drinks round the clock.
- Compact size: Compact footprint allows for installation in tight spaces and convenience.
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227votesThese machines are becoming increasingly popular in Japan, offering a quick and easy way to get a hot bowl of ramen. They are especially popular in busy areas where people don't have time to sit down for a meal.Ramen vending machines are a type of vending machine commonly found in Japan that dispense hot bowls of ramen noodles. They are designed to provide customers with a quick and convenient way to enjoy a hot and delicious meal on the go.
- Size: Approximately 2 meters in height
- Capacity: Typically holds 300-500 bowls of ramen
- Customization: Available with multiple flavor options and toppings
- Cooking Time: Around 2-3 minutes per bowl
- Payment Options: Accepts cash, credit cards, and IC cards
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316votes
Asanagi · CC0Ice cream vending machines
Multiple manufacturersThese are a popular choice for people looking for a sweet treat on a hot day. They offer a range of flavors and are available in most public spaces.Ice cream vending machines are a popular type of vending machine in Japan that dispenses a variety of frozen treats. These machines offer convenience and accessibility to customers, allowing them to quickly satisfy their ice cream cravings on the go.- Machine Type: Stand-alone vending machine
- Size: Average height around 170cm
- Variety: Offers a wide range of ice cream flavors and brands
- Payment Options: Accepts coins, bills, contactless payment (e.g., Suica or IC cards)
- Temperature Control: Maintains the ideal freezing temperature for ice cream
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419votesDespite the declining smoking rate in Japan, cigarette vending machines are still widely available. They require a special age verification card to use and are usually found in bars and restaurants.Cigarette vending machines are automated machines that dispense cigarettes to customers after the insertion of payment. They are commonly found in Japan and have been a popular way to purchase cigarettes since their introduction.
- Size: Most cigarette vending machines are approximately 140cm (height) x 50cm (width) x 40cm (depth).
- Capacity: Typically, cigarette vending machines can hold around 200-300 packs of cigarettes depending on the model.
- Payment Options: Cigarette vending machines accept both cash and prepaid electronic payment cards like IC cards.
- Age Verification: These vending machines are equipped with age verification systems using IC cards or a system to confirm the buyer's age.
- Brands: Cigarette vending machines offer a wide range of popular cigarette brands, including both local and international options.
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515votes
Umbrella vending machines
Unika Co., Ltd.These machines are a lifesaver for people caught in unexpected rain showers. They are found in many train stations and other public areas.Umbrella vending machines in Japan are automated machines that dispense umbrellas for customers to purchase. These machines are primarily found in areas where it frequently rains, such as train stations and shopping districts. They provide convenient access to umbrellas for people caught in unexpected rain showers.- Size: Approximately 2 meters in height
- Capacity: Can hold around 50-100 umbrellas
- Variety of umbrellas: Offers different types and colors of umbrellas
- Payment options: Accepts both cash and electronic payment methods
- Automatic door: Equipped with a sensor-based door system for easy access
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610votes
Instant noodle vending machines
Nissin Foods HoldingsThese machines offer a variety of instant noodles and are popular with college students and busy professionals who want a quick and easy meal.The Instant noodle vending machine is a type of vending machine commonly found in Japan that dispenses instant noodles. It is a popular machine for quick and convenient access to hot and delicious noodle meals.- Availability: 24/7
- Variety: Offers a wide range of noodle flavors and brands
- Customization: Allows customers to choose from various soup bases and toppings
- Cooking time: Quick cooking process, typically ready in 3 minutes
- Payment options: Accepts both cash and electronic payments
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76votes
Fruit vending machines
Fujitaka Co., LtdThese machines offer a selection of fresh fruits and are a healthy option for people on the go. They are found in many train stations and other public areas.Fruit vending machines in Japan are a unique type of vending machine that provides a variety of fresh fruits to customers. These machines offer a convenient way for people to purchase fruits whenever they desire, regardless of the time or location. With Japan's emphasis on quality and freshness, the fruit vending machines are designed to provide top-notch fruits to consumers.- Size: Approximately 190 cm (H) x 70 cm (W) x 80 cm (D)
- Weight: Around 250 kg
- Capacity: Usually holds 30-40 pieces of fruit
- Selection: Offers a variety of fruits including apples, bananas, oranges, strawberries, and more
- Price: Fruit prices vary depending on the type, size, and availability
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88votes
T-shirt vending machines
UniqloThese machines offer a range of stylish T-shirts and are popular with fashion-conscious young people. They are found in trendy shopping areas and offer a unique shopping experience.T-shirt vending machines in Japan are a unique concept that allows customers to purchase T-shirts directly from vending machines. These machines offer convenience and a wide range of designs, making it easy for people to buy trendy T-shirts on the go.- Size Options: Various sizes available, typically ranging from XS to XXL
- Designs: Numerous designs featuring popular characters, logos, and patterns
- Quality: High-quality fabric and durable construction
- Price Range: Affordable, with prices typically ranging from ¥1,000 to ¥3,000 ($9-$27)
- Easy Payment: Accepts cash and various payment methods including credit/debit cards
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910votesThese machines offer a selection of books and manga and are popular with commuters who want something to read on the train. They are found in train stations and other public spaces.Book vending machines are vending machines in Japan that dispense books for customers to purchase. These machines offer a convenient way for people to access a wide range of books at any time, without the need to visit a physical bookstore. Customers can browse through a selection of books displayed in the vending machine and make a purchase using cash or electronic payment methods.
- Size: Varies depending on the model, typically around 2 meters tall and 1 meter wide
- Capacity: Ranges from 100 to over 500 books per machine
- Book Type: Offers a variety of genres, including novels, manga, literary works, magazines, and educational books
- Payment Methods: Cash (coins/banknotes) and electronic payment methods (IC cards, mobile payments, etc.)
- Display: Usually equipped with a digital screen or a transparent window to showcase book covers and information
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107votesThese machines offer a variety of toys and are popular with children. They are found in many public spaces, such as arcades and shopping malls.Toy vending machines are a type of vending machine commonly found in Japan that dispense small toys or trinkets in exchange for a set amount of money. These machines are popular among children and adults alike, offering a sense of surprise and anticipation with each purchase.
- Size: Typically small and compact, ranging from approximately 30-50 cm in height.
- Variety: Offer a wide range of toys, trinkets, collectibles, and miniatures, often based on popular characters from anime, manga, movies, or video games.
- Price: Most commonly priced at 100 yen per turn, although some machines may have options for higher-priced items.
- Randomization: The specific toy received from each machine is random, adding an element of surprise and collectability.
- Display: Typically have a clear viewing window that showcases a few of the available toys, enticing customers to try their luck.
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Ranking factors for popular vending machine
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AvailabilityA vending machine that is found in more locations is likely to be more popular.
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Variety of productsVending machines that offer a wide range of products are likely to be more popular than those with limited options.
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Quality of productsThe quality of the products offered in a vending machine can greatly impact its popularity.
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PriceThe price of products in a vending machine can also play a significant role in its popularity.
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TechnologyVending machines with advanced features such as cashless payment options and touch screens are often more popular.
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Brand recognitionVending machines associated with popular brands or franchises may also be more popular.
About this ranking
This is a community-based ranking of the most popular vending machine in Japan. We do our best to provide fair voting, but it is not intended to be exhaustive. So if you notice something or Vendomat is missing, feel free to help improve the ranking!
Statistics
- 2512 views
- 184 votes
- 10 ranked items
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Voting Rules
A participant may cast an up or down vote for each Vendomat once every 24 hours. The rank of each Vendomat is then calculated from the weighted sum of all up and down votes.
More information on most popular vending machine in japan
Vending machines are a ubiquitous sight in Japan, with over 5 million machines scattered across the country. From hot drinks to snacks and even fresh produce, these machines offer a convenient way for people to get their hands on what they need, quickly and easily. In fact, vending machines in Japan are so popular that they have become a cultural icon, with many tourists seeking out unique and unusual machines as part of their visit to the country. But what is the most popular vending machine in Japan? Let's take a closer look at the top contenders and find out!
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