Why Are Tourists Obsessed With Japanese Vending Machines?

Learn why tourists are shamelessly taking selfies with vending machines

Jay Kobayashi
3 min readSep 22, 2023

Last year, I went to a post covid Thailand with some friends and had to stop at Japan for a brief layaway. During which, I not only saw my friends, but a number of foreign tourist taking selfies with the vending machines at the airport.

I assumed that behavior was due to traveler’s high of being in Japan, but when I talked to a friend in Japan, I learned that this is a more common occurrence than I thought. So in this article lets explore the reasons behind tourists’ odd enchantment and fascination with Japanese vending machines.

Unparalleled Convenience

One of the key factors contributing to the fascination tourists have with Japanese vending machines is the unparalleled convenience they offer. Unlike conventional vending machines found in other parts of the world, the ones in Japan boast an extensive array of products that cater to every need and preference.

From refreshing beverages, hot and cold, including a wide variety of teas, coffees, and…

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Jay Kobayashi

A starving writer from Los Angeles who aspires to be plagiarized one day.