Originally posted January 15, 2019
Corn soup and more in Japan’s vending machines.
Japan is a country full of amazing conveniences – so convenient, in fact, that you can find all your needs and wants in vending machines.
Vending Machine Culture in Japan
Vending machines are located almost everywhere in Japan – from train stations to random alleys. The basic ones are filled with water, iced teas, and sodas.
Then, there are the one-of-a-kind Japanese vending machines that have items like coffee, energy drinks, beer, fruits, disposable masks, umbrellas, hamburgers, ramen, ice cream during the summer and soup in cans during the winter.
Corn Soup, Miso Soup and More
Soup in cans sold during the winter is a seasonal highlight for locals throughout Japan. Year-round, you can also find cold and hot drinks while soups start around October when temperatures begin to drop.
The most popular is corn potage, or corn soup, which actually has chunks of real corn and has that classic sweet-savory flavors of Japanese corn soup. There is also miso soup, either tofu or even with small clams. Yes, clams in a soup from the vending machine. Other soups include tomato soup, vegetable soup, and so on.
Once dropped, have caution as the can of soup is rather hot to hold – which is actually pretty great as it instantly warms up your freezing hands during those cold winter days.
Note that drinking or eating while in public transportation or even while walking are prohibited and frowned up. You can eat (or drink) your soup next to the vending machines, at the stations while waiting for your train, or once you arrive at your destination.
Also, note that you may actually find public garbage bins next to the vending machines.
How to Use Vending Machines in Japan
Vending machines are a great place to use up your yen coins. The machines accept all coins except for the 5 yen and the 1 yen coin. They also take 1,000 yen bills.
First, feed the vending machine the money. Then, the buttons will light up for you to make your decision. Press the button underneath the can of your choice, and out comes your can!
Note that cold drinks typically have a blue snowflake symbol next to its price button, while hot drinks and soup have a red fire sign.
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