Last weekend, while I was at the park, it was so hot that I finished all the tea in my water bottle. Since I had no choice, I decided to buy a drink from a vending machine in the park.

As is well known, vending machines can be found all over Japan. In addition to places like this park, they can also be found on train platforms, inside supermarkets, and on the side of the road.

What I Bought

Typical vending machines sell mineral water, canned coffee, soda, energy drinks, and tea. There are usually several types of tea available, such as green tea, black tea, and barley tea, and all teas except black tea are unsweetened.

I chose barley tea because I share it with my child. Since barley tea doesn’t contain caffeine, I can give it to my child without worry. Barley tea is a very popular beverage among ordinary people, and it’s commonly made in Japanese households.

How Easy It Is

In the past, vending machines only accepted cash, but modern vending machines are equipped with scanners for QR code payments and IC card payments, making it easy to pay using a smartphone.

Why I Don’t Use Them All the Time

I mentioned earlier that I used it “I had no choice,” but I don’t use vending machines every day.

Drinks cost about $1 each, but I think it’s better to carry a water bottle with me to save money and reduce plastic waste.

I use vending machines when I’m out and about and my water bottle runs out, like this time, or when I want to warm my hands with a hot drink.

It’s not something special, but it’s always there when I need it.