Welcome to the weird and wonderful world of vending machines in Japan where you can get a full hot meal in a matter of minutes
When it comes to vending machines, Japan certainly tops the list for having the weirdest and most wonderful vending machines to exist. With the imaginative minds of innovators and inventors, the country is brimming with vending machines that offer more than just cold drinks and snacks. There are approximately 3.97 million vending machines all over the country, providing an astonishing array of products including hot meals like yakisoba, unexpected items like pantyhose and eggs, and even practical essentials like umbrellas.
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These machines have been in use since the 1950s and can usually be found arranged in single rows on the street. At night, they illuminate the streets as they operate 24/7, providing residents with a round-the-clock shopping or dining experience. Here are seven of the most unique and impressive food vending machines you’ll find in Japan.
1. Hamburger
Skip the lines at fast food chains and head straight for this vending machine at the Bushū-Nagase Station in the town of Moroyama, Saitama. This vending machine can serve up a range of burger varieties, including an okonomiyaki (Japanese pancake) burger, a bacon mayonnaise burger, and a curry cheeseburger on top of the basic hamburger and cheeseburger options.