Vending Machines Around the World: A Fascinating Journey

Vending Machines Around the World: A Fascinating Journey Have you ever wondered what secrets lie within the unassuming vending machines that dot our urban landscapes? I invite you to join me on a fascinating journey that unveils the hidden treasures and unexpected delights found in these ubiquitous machines across the globe. Exploring the Unexpected From the familiar snacks and beverages we all know and love to the truly unique and unconventional offerings, this collection showcases the remarkable diversity of vending machines. Indulge in a selection of quirky items, from hot meals and fresh produce to one-of-a-kind souvenirs and even live animals. These vending machines challenge our preconceptions and invite us to embrace the unexpected, reminding us that the world is full of delightful surprises waiting to be discovered. The world of vending machines shows standard, new, strange and uncommon mechanical systems, serving people with minimal or non-human interaction. All images are captured by me (Frederic Konkel). You can find further projects on F.B.K. Photography.

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Specialty Coffee Vending Machine Near Carrot Tower in Tokyo

In the heart of Tokyo, just steps away from the iconic Carrot Tower building, stands a unique vending machine catering to coffee enthusiasts. This specialized machine, operated independently by a local coffee shop, offers a wide selection of high-quality whole bean coffee, including decaf options, as well as coffee filters.

The vending machine stocks eight different varieties of whole bean coffee, with prices ranging from 1,250 to 1,700 JPY (approximately $12 to $16 USD). For those who prefer a decaffeinated option, the machine also offers whole bean decaf coffee.

In addition to the coffee beans, the vending machine sells coffee filters for around 300 JPY (approximately $3 USD), allowing customers to brew their purchases at home. This convenient feature caters to serious coffee lovers who want to enjoy the freshness and quality of the specialty beans in the comfort of their own homes.

The location of this vending machine near the Carrot Tower building in the bustling Shibuya district makes it easily accessible to both local residents and tourists seeking high-quality coffee products. With its diverse selection of coffee options, including decaf, and the added convenience of coffee filters, this vending machine provides a one-stop shop for coffee enthusiasts in Tokyo.

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Newspaper vending machine. This is a newspaper vending machine located in the pedestrian area in Ottawa, Canada. At this newspaper vending machine you’ll get a copy of a Canadian weekly newspaper (The Hill Times) for $4 or the Embassy Newspaper / Embassy Newsweekly.

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Well, ... a capsule station vending machine. This gashapon (ガシャポン) machine is located inside one of the Akihabara Game Centers close to Akihabara Station, in Tokyo.

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The best of both worlds vending machine A vending machine located in Kamakura, Japan, where you can get alcoholic beverages and cigarettes at the same time.

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Transportation and more … vending machine. At this vending machine at Shibuya station you can purchase different tickets for several trips via train including shinkansen tickets, postal stamps, cinema tickets, food vouchers and telephone cards.

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Sweets vending machine This vending machine to purchase sweets is located in the Tokyo subway.

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Incense stick vending machine An incense stick vending machine in Yokohama, Japan. This machine is located inside a temple in Yokohama Chinatown.

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Drink vending machine Drink vending machines outside of a adult amusement park at Akihabara, Tokyo.

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“Toy” vending machine

You can find these vending machines a lot in Japan, especially at Akihabara or close to Shibuya in Tokyo.

At the gashapon (ガシャポン) in this photo, you can purchase components for different arcade collectible card games.

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Detergent vending machine This detergent vending machine is located inside a self-service laundry close to Sangen-jaya station in Tokyo, Japan.

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Toiletries vending machine This is a vending machine to purchase toiletries. In this case you’ll get bathroom tissues for 100 JPY. This vending machine is located on the campground at Kamikōchi in the Chūbu-Sangaku National Park, Japan.

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Electronics vending machine At this vending machine you can buy small electronic accessories, as SD cards, batteries, USB adapters, analogue cameras, headphones or a flag. This vending machine is located close to the bus stop of the Golden Pavilion (Kinkaku-ji) in Kyoto.

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Hot and cold coffee vending machine A coffee vending machine to buy an hot or cold coffee beverages in a disposable cup. This vending machine is located close to the exit of the Golden Pavilion (Kinkaku-ji) in Kyoto.

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Medal vending machine This vending machine offers souvenir coins / medals of the Himeji Castle. The wooden Himeji Castle dates to 1333. It reopened after renovation in Mai 2015.

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Sweets vending machine This vending machine to purchase sweets is located in the Kyoto subway.

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Ramen order vending machine This machine is located at a Ramen restaurant in Onomichi, Hiroshima Prefecture, Japan. It is a classical vending machine to order food. You can find these machines all over Japan. The great thing about these machines is you have enough time to choose your dish and the chef doesn’t have to touch money while preparing food. In order to get your bowl of ramen, you pay, you choose your dish, you’ll receive a piece of paper which you have to hand the chef or waiter / waitress of the restaurant.

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Omamori vending machine A Omamori vending machine close to the bus stop at the Golden Pavilion (Kinkaku-ji) in Kyoto.