allabout japan
allabout japan

Cup Noodles Vending Machine

By Michael Kanert

https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=P3NJ_6p71ic

Japan is a land of vending machines. According to the Japan National Tourism Organization, the nation is home to some 5.52 million of them, meaning there’s roughly one vending machine for every 23 people in the country.

So it’s only natural that you can get ramen from one. You won’t normally spot these on the street, but they can be found in places where people sit still for long periods of time: oceangoing ferries, capsule hotels, 24-hour manga cafes—or, in this case, an “auto restaurant” (basically a collection of food-serving vending machines with tables nearby) located alongside a video game center.

Just place your cup in the left side of the machine and hit the button for hot water. Noodle any time!

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Michael Kanert

In Japan since 2001, I'm a former ALT trainer who's lived in Shizuoka, Saitama and Tokyo, and visited 34 of Japan's 47 prefectures (13 to go!). When I can get out from behind the editorial desk, I take photos, do bits of theater and practice German longsword.

www.thekanert.com