Japan, with nearly 1 vending machine for every 23 people, has the highest density of vending machines in the world. Even for Dainichi’s employees, the daily walk to the nearest coffee vending machine had become a ritual. Almost every product found in stores can also be found in one of Japan’s six million vending machines. Below is an overview of the 10 most unusual and/or bizarre vending machines you can find there:
1. Lobster Vending Machine
You can find these in Osaka. Modeled after a claw machine you can normally “catch” a cudgel with. For a frugal 100 yen (1 Euro), you can catch your own fresh live lobster.
2. Fortune Machine
You can usually find these machines near temples etc. They present a narrow strip of paper with your supposed future prediction on it, also called “omikuji” in Japan.
3. Used women’s panties vending machine
The actual existence of these machines is, logically, surrounded by controversy. Selling used panties in vending machines was declared illegal in 1993, yet there are locals and travelers who say they have seen one….
4. Flower Vending Machine
You don’t spend enough time with your wife? Bouquets and potted plants are available 24/7.
5. Egg vending machines
Sometimes you just need eggs….
6. Phone numbers of women vending machines
Lonely?
7. Hot meal vending machine
These on-the-go vending machines sell everything possible. Hamburgers, hot dogs,curry, spaghetti, fries, fried squid and so on. Here it doesn’t stop at a greasy bite from FEBO.
8. Umbrella vending machines
You’re standing wet in the rain, but no stores are open? Japan has a solution.
9. Lingerie vending machines
Anytime you want…
10. Beetle vending machines
Rhinoceros beetles are very popular in Japan. Collecting them and making them fight each other is a favorite bad boy pastime among Japanese boys.
source: www.japanguidebook.com
