I Get Out at Okinawa: Vending Machine Paradise

There are vending machines everywhere in Okinawa.

I'm not a big snacker, which is stupid seeing as I was going to Japan, one of the top cuisine destinations in the world (and indeed, I did eventually get on board and enjoyed many fine meals and snacks while I was there). 

Above: this sriracha vending machine was in a sort of mini strip mall

Above: this one was just in the middle of a city block at the edge of a parking lot

Of the many things that surprised me about Japan, was that there were vending machines EVERYWHERE. I even saw two separate sriracha vending machines! If you are in a bigger city, there is one on every block, guaranteed. They offer a variety of pop, cold green tea, and canned coffee. There were lots for ice cream treats, too!

I loved having cool bottles of green tea or jasmine tea multiple times a day when I was in Japan. Given the heat and humidity of Okinawa when I was there in October 2024, I think I only had hot tea/matcha maybe once the entire trip.

It was quite something to be hiking through a major park and then boom, some nice restrooms, a playground for young children, and of course several vending machines. Okinawa/Japan is still very cash-centric, card readers on vending machines aren't really a thing like they are here in Canada, so be prepared to have tons of change/cash on you at all times.

About this series: In October 2024, I went to Japan for the first time ever with my cousin/best friend, Kyle. We went to Okinawa only/did not visit mainland Japan. This little series is about my experiences there. All photos were taken by myself or my cousin.