Vending machines are everywhere here. My kiddies love using these – even when the drink is not for themselves. All those flashing buttons, right? (pretty fun for grown-ups too, actually)
Vending machines serve both hot and cold drinks so make sure you try a hot cocoa or coffee while you can.
In a still largely cash-based society that craves convenience, but real estate is pricey, vending machines make perfect sense and I miss them so much when I’m not in Japan. There are a wide range of drinking options and the products are constantly being updated. Keep an eye out for flashy digital screen vendors at some of the big stations. My favourite though are the gigantic retro machines that have been ‘old reliable’ suppliers for decades.
I wanted to share some translations of vending machine drinks, especially this iced cocoa as it is one of my kids’ favourites’ and helps me out when we need to walk a bit longer before getting a snack.
And don’t forget all of those lovely ice-cream vending machines. So helpful when you’re stuck in a large park with no snacks around
My advice when serving kids ice-creams from a machine? Only remove the ‘lid’ and then only unravel the paper as you go.
It prevents mess and sticky fingers. It’s what works for us, anyway.
