Purchase Vending Machine Souvenirs

There are many weird or quirky aspects of Japanese culture that have become known around the world not because they are popular but rather simply because they are so strange. For example, those amazing and intimidating Japanese toilets. Another is the Japanese obsession with vending machines. There are more here than anywhere else in the world, with one vending machine for every 23 people. And trust me, these go far beyond anything you have at home.

Noodles. Shirts. Socks. Ice cream. Eggs. Burgers. Rice. Fried chicken. Umbrellas. Puppies (yes, seriously). Even underwear—both used and new (again, yes, seriously)! While not all of these make acceptable souvenirs, no trip to Japan is complete without purchasing something quirky from a vending machine. You will see the normal food, drink and cigarette machines on every block, but for one-of-a-kind souvenir vending machines, head over to Maruara Watanabe (on the right side of the store, where the alleys are a large bank of crazy souvenir vending machines). There are also toy vending machines at Narita Airport now, perfect for spending those coins that the currency exchange won’t touch.
Nearby: Shibuya 109