Best Vending Machine Drinks in Japan (and a Few to Avoid)

A snow covered vending Machine on the streets of Otaru

So, for those of you who haven’t been to Japan, vending machines there are next level. I’m talking everywhere. From random alleyways in Tokyo to quiet Rural towns blanketed in snow, it feels like you’re never more than a 5-minute walk from one. Honestly, I think you could wander into a forest and still stumble on a vending machine. They accept cash, of course, but also Suica cards (Japan’s IC transit card). Definitely add it to your Apple Wallet, it’s a game changer. You just tap and go. No more fumbling with coins or trying to find a desk to purchase a physical card in Japan’s Labyrinth style train stations.

Now, Japan’s vending machine culture is wild. You can get umbrellas, t-shirts, even raw meat. But for now let’s focus on the drinks

My Favorites

1. Bistro Boss Corn Soup (Yes, Soup. In a pop top Can)

Is it a drink? Is it a soup? Who cares. It comes in a can and it’s piping hot, creamy, sweet. Perfect breakfast replacement snack on a cold day.

2. Royal Milk Tea – HOT ONLY

Don’t even think about drinking this cold. I down a minimum of five a day when I’m in Japan until I’m spracked out. It’s probably not healthy.

3. Anything Yuzu-Flavored

After a hot corn soup and a Royal Milk Tea, I usually need something to actually quench my thirst. Yuzu drinks are great. They even have honey yuzu drinks served hot.

4. DyDo Blend M Coffee

My favorite canned coffee by far. The problem is its not a common one, so if you see it grab it or your going to be stuck drinking Georgia Black.

5. Tully’s Barista’s Cappuccino (by Ito En)

This one’s more common, and it’s my go-to when I can’t find DyDo. It’s labeled as a cappuccino, so don’t expect your typical black coffee but its not unbearably sweet like some of the others.

6. Mango Skal

If I’m craving something sparkling (and already OD’d on Yuzu), Mango Skal go to. A thirst quenching, definitely on the sweet side sparking drink.

7. Suntory C.C. Lemon

Allegedly has the Vitamin C equivalent of 50 lemons. Does it taste like that? Not really. But you feel kinda healthy drinking it, so that’s a win.

8. Gabunomi Melon Cream Soda

I’m not a huge soda drinker, but this one is unique. It tastes like honeydew, bubble gum, and cream soda combined. That description might sound gross, but it works.

A row of vending machines at Harajuku Station

The pass List

1. Pocari Sweat

This is Japan’s Gatorade, but for me it tastes like if you dissolved salt tablets in slightly sweet water and called it a day. I know some people swear by it but its not for me.

2. Georgia Coffee (Basically All of It)

Look, I’ve tried. Georgia Caramel Latte Nista tastes like liquified sugar, and Georgia Black? Is flavorless water with a hint of stale coffee.

3. Yakult / Calpis Water (a.k.a. Yogurt Drinks)

I know they’re good for your gut, probiotics, yada yada. But drinking them feels like chugging thin, lukewarm, sour milk.

4. Barley Tea

Some people love this stuff. I am not some people.

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