Japan's Viral Retro Vending Machines

Japan is famous for its vending machines: you can find one just about anywhere, including the top of Mt. Fuji, and just about anything in them.

Before we go any further: you’ve probably heard the rumors about the used-underwear vending machines in Japan. Those are exceedinly rare/mostly urban legends today. Here, we’re focusing on much more savory fare, like popcorn, Showa-style burgers, and ramen noodles.

Retro vending machines in Japan

Every few months, a collection of vintage vending machines just outside Tokyo goes viral on social media — and recently, it’s been trending again in Japan.

These old-school vending machines, also known as the Retro Vending Machine Museum, can be found at Used Tire Mart Sagamihara, about 60-90 minutes from Shinjuku. You might also hear it referred to as the “Holy Land of Retro Vending Machines” (link in Japanese)

It’s a wonderfully peculiar place: an actual used-tire shop in the sticks, with over 100 vending machines on the premises — lovingly maintained and in good working order, thanks to the owner.

We went to check it out a couple of years ago, and it was 100% awesome, if a little hard to get to by public transport. On offer are steaming bowls of udon, soba, and ramen noodles, served by Showa-era machines that were apparently once a staple of roadside life.

You’ll also find popcorn (our personal favorite; it is freshly popped upon insertion of the cash, and plays a groovy melody while you wait), burgers, candy, juices, coffee and sodas, frozen ramen to take home, toys, fortune slips, and so much other random stuff. Our advice? Take a bunch of coins.

There is also a map of retro vending machines around Japan, if you want more.