Japan Shopping Tips by giampiero6

Vending: Vending Machine 2

Forget your camera at the Golden Pavillion. Don't fret.

What to buy: Japanese vending machines carry an astonishing array of products. I'm sure you've heard the lurid stories of intimate items sold in vending machines. Personally I didn't see any of that , but it is true that you can get lots of useful things.

Theme: Computers and Electronics

Vending Machine: My Love Affair With The Vending Machine

Japanese street vending machines are everywhere. I took great delight in them because for the price of 120 YEN or so, you could try some new and interesting little treat that you might not even have any clue about. Kind of like a fun little lucky dip. As for drinks, you'll have iced coffees, iced teas, vitamin and amino drinks (basically sugar water), sports drinks (the hilariously name Calpis and Pocari Sweat) I have no idea what a Pocari is but I don't want to drink its sweat. Actually it's good. Lots of yogurty flavoured lemony drinks like Bikkle (reminded me of travis bickle of Taxi Driver). Have some fun. One tip: it's generally considered barbaric to walk down the street eating and drinking. Enjoy your choice near the vending machine and then recycle at the built in waste basket. I never once saw a Japanese vending machine that didn't have change or that was out of order.

What to buy: Boss Iced coffee (many varieties). Lipton Royal Tea. Bikkle. Pocari Sweat. Plum Soda. And of course everyone loves that you can buy beer in a vending machine

What to pay: 120 - 150 Yen

Theme: Food and Drink