We want foreigners visiting Tokyo to know! Japanese vending machines are amazing!
１ Foreigners visiting Tokyo are always taken aback! Why are there so many vending machines in Japan?!
Foreigners visiting Tokyo are always surprised to see that there are so many vending machines in Japan. Everywhere! You will notice that there are vending machines almost everywhere you look, on the platform of Tokyo station or as you walk the streets, you're sure to see one.
According to a survey by the Japan Vending Machine Manufacturers' Association, the number of vending machines in Japan was 2.12 million for soft drink vending machines such as cans and plastic bottles at the end of 2018. On top of that, 126,900 "milk carton vending machines" and 154,000 "cup type vending machines" such as coffee and cocoa. The grand total was 2,400,900 vending machines.
【Reference】http://www.j-sda.or.jp/ippan/qa_view.php?id=5cat=7
In Tokyo, vending machines are often installed in public places, along roads and in parks. The number of vending machines is actually increasing, and one reason for this is that Japan is a safe country with a low risk of people vandalizing or breaking them when compared to other countries. In other countries, vending machines cannot be installed in places where there is a risk them being destroyed, such as in stations or along streets, but in Japan, there is no such concern, so vending machines are everywhere and they are accessible 24 hours a day. In addition, vending machines are a necessary luxury where people can buy coffee and other items quickly, anytime and anywhere without having to go into a store. Helpful because the average Japanese office worker is always very busy with lots of overtime hours and not a lot of time for breaks.
２ The appeal of vending machines in Tokyo
There are lots of Japanese companies that manage and operate vending machines and they are well maintained by those companies (in some cases, individuals). The quality and safety management is thorough, making sure all drinks are fresh and in stock so foreigners can purchase with without worry. In addition, there are always recycling bins next to vending machines in Japan, which shows that Japan is focused on maintaining a clean environment.
Foreign visitors always seem to be surprised to see someone re-stocking and maintaining the vending machines. This is a unique attraction of Japanese vending machines because they are always re-stocked promptly so as to always have stock to sell and rarely are sold out of product.
Also, amazing Japanese technology that allows you to purchase hot or cold drinks from vending machines, and they are dispensed from the same machine. Hot coffee, ice coffee, chilled cola or hot corn soup can be purchased from the same machine.
The ability to provide drinks with different temperature settings in a single unit is a technical capability unique to Japan. How wonderful it is to be able to buy a hot drink and warm your body during the cold season. We definitely want visitors from overseas to have this experience.
２ How to use vending machines in Japan
There are lots of Japanese companies that manage and operate vending machines and they are well maintained by those companies (in some cases, individuals). The quality and safety management is thorough, making sure all drinks are fresh and in stock so foreigners can purchase with without worry. In addition, there are always recycling bins next to vending machines in Japan, which shows that Japan is focused on maintaining a clean environment.
Foreign visitors always seem to be surprised to see someone re-stocking and maintaining the vending machines. This is a unique attraction of Japanese vending machines because they are always re-stocked promptly so as to always have stock to sell and rarely are sold out of product.
Also, amazing Japanese technology that allows you to purchase hot or cold drinks from vending machines, and they are dispensed from the same machine. Hot coffee, ice coffee, chilled cola or hot corn soup can be purchased from the same machine.
The ability to provide drinks with different temperature settings in a single unit is a technical capability unique to Japan. How wonderful it is to be able to buy a hot drink and warm your body during the cold season. We definitely want visitors from overseas to have this experience.
４ The latest technologically advanced vending machines
Have you ever seen a touch panel vending machine? The vending machine brand "Acure", which appeared in Japan for the first time in August 2006, is a state-of-the-art vending machine installed throughout the country, mainly in JR East stations. Acure vending machines use the latest touch panel type display that displays time and weather forecasts. You may be surprised that you are able to check the time and weather even though you only went to buy a drink.
Acure vending machines do not have a cash slot and drinks can be purchased by downloading the "Acure Pass" app for vending machines or by using your Suica or PASMO card. The By using the "Acure Pass", you can not only make bulk purchases at a low price per bottle, but also purchase drinks for family and friends via social media such as Twitter. In addition, Acure vending machines include next-generation vending machines that use sensors to determine your age and gender and will suggest a drink to you based on that information.
In preparation for the Tokyo Olympics in 2020, Japanese companies have started to install vending machines around Tokyo with the latest technological bells and whistles unique to Japan in order to make the stay in Tokyo more enjoyable and convenient for foreigners. You may find a state-of-the-art vending machine like the Acure vending machine at a major station or along the street in cities where foreign tourists frequent so why not try it out when you find one?
５ In Conclusion
In this edition, we have introduced you to the details about vending machines in Tokyo. Japan is a worldwide vending machine leader, and more than 100 years has passed since vending machines were introduced in Japan. There is no existence without convenience and vending machines continually evolve with time and become more and more convenient.
Depending on the management company where the vending machines are installed, the items available and whether they accept cash only or also accept electronic money differ. Some vending machines also sell original products that can only be found in vending machines, so it might be fun to try a few to find your favorite drink. If you are a foreigner who has never used a Japanese vending machines, why not take a look at the Japanese vending machines around the city, or even go on a vending machine excursion while sightseeing in Tokyo?
