How to live off vending machines in Japan for a day

Sure, you can get yourself calories everywhere, but can you survive an entire day in Tokyo just living off vending machine food? You betcha!

With an estimated seven million vending machines across Japan – from toy machines to cigarettes to clothing and beer – you can get just about anything on the street.

The popularity of the jidohanbaiki (the Japanese word for the vending machine) is down to four key reasons. Firstly, the Japanese love automation. Anything they don’t have to do themselves is usually favoured. Japan is, after all, the world’s number one industrial robot manufacturer.

Secondly, convenience. Tokyoites commute to work further than most, meaning a grab-and-go meal is part of their culture. A morning coffee or a pre-dinner snack is almost necessary to survive the day.

Thirdly, anyone can own one. No one has a monopoly on vending machines in Japan. People looking to earn some extra cash can independently set one up as a side hustle.

And lastly, safety. Unlike the streets of Sydney or New York, the crime rate in Tokyo is low. Jidohanbaiki is revered and respected. There’s no busted glass or graffiti, and at no point do you see angry Japanese men kicking a rogue vending machine for eating cash.

But the real question is, what sort of food can you get in Tokyo’s jidohanbaiki? Sure, you can get calories everywhere, but can you survive an entire day just living off vending machine food?

We gave it a good crack, and we were surprised about what was available!

Want to read the full story about exactly where to find these popular vending machines in Tokyo, read the full story here:
https://www.escape.com.au/destinations/asia/japan/i-lived-off-only-vending-machine-food-in-tokyo-for-24-hours