Vending
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June 18, 2025
Tobu Railway Company, one of Japan’s largest private railway operators, has partnered with Kanaya Hotel Co. to introduce a self-service sake dispenser at The Kanaya Terrace café within Tobu Nikko Station, according to a report by The Drinks Business. This initiative, running until the end of August 2025, aims to offer travelers a convenient way to experience local sake while supporting regional brewers.
The vending machine features four different sake brands from Ōtawara, Kanuma and Nikko, all located within the Tochigi Prefecture, through which the Tobu railway line runs. Customers can purchase three tokens for ¥1,200 (approximately $8.28 USD) at the café counter, with one token dispensing a single cup of their chosen sake. The token bundle encourages visitors to sample a variety of regional styles.
“By offering a casual and accessible way to enjoy regional sake, Tobu aims to support local producers and revitalize the area along the railway line,” a spokesperson for the company told the news outlet.
The launch coincides with an English-language guided tour for international visitors to Nikko’s UNESCO World Heritage Sites, suggesting a focus on tourism. The vending machine’s introduction also comes at a crucial time for sake producers, who are currently facing challenges due to soaring sake rice prices and a potential shortage. Brewers have expressed concerns about procuring necessary ingredients, with some reporting over a 30% increase in the purchase price of sake rice compared to the previous year. The Japanese agriculture minister is reportedly considering releasing stockpiled rice to address the issue.
AloJapan.com