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May 05 2023 11 Comments

Tokyo vending machines in not the prettiest of places

Old and broken vending machines are some of my favourite finds. They have a strange sort of quiet dignity, plus their retro designs are always a treat. The ubiquitous modern versions, however, are simply that, ubiquitous, meaning they barely even register.

That said, they do occasionally offer a nice contrast to some less than salubrious surroundings, with their shiny modernity really making them stand out. So here then are some examples taken in different parts of Tokyo.

Tokyo vending machines in not so nice locations

Tokyo vending machines in not so nice locations

Tokyo vending machines in not so nice locations

Tokyo vending machines in not so nice locations

Tokyo vending machines in not so nice locations

Tokyo vending machines in not so nice locations

Tokyo vending machines in not so nice locations

Tokyo vending machines in not so nice locations

Tokyo vending machines in not so nice locations

Tokyo vending machines in not so nice locations

Tokyo vending machines in not so nice locations

Tokyo vending machines in not so nice locations

Tokyo vending machines in not so nice locations

Categorized: Food and Drink, Photography

Reader Interactions

Comments

  1. Linda says

    5/5/2023 at 9:39 am

    These are all quite striking, but the one with the cheery Welcome to Asakusa banner on it…did someone think that would make it better? I think they miscalculated.

    Reply
    • Lee says

      5/5/2023 at 8:15 pm

      I know eh? That one is something special. Sadly gone now, so very glad I got a photo of it.

      Reply
  2. Denise says

    5/5/2023 at 9:47 am

    Thank you for including the matching kimono in the last pic. So cute! 🙂

    Reply
    • Lee says

      5/5/2023 at 8:16 pm

      You are very welcome. Had a few near misses, so it was good to finally get that one.

      Reply
  3. Sean says

    5/5/2023 at 3:40 pm

    Gotta love a liquor shop vending machine!

    Reply
    • Lee says

      5/5/2023 at 8:21 pm

      You do. Not that many left now, so always good to see one.

      Reply
    • scruffy says

      5/11/2023 at 10:21 pm

      Seriously-and a bin beside it for the empties. Imagine downing a few right there and then getting one more for the road.

      Reply
  4. cdillla says

    5/6/2023 at 2:02 am

    A fine collection of vending machines with character.
    I like the way they seem to have snuggled back into their own nooks in the walls and properties.
    That yellowy building with the massive extraction ducting… Odd the way it directs the expelled air downwards. I wonder if the owners lived above the shop and didn’t want the smell there.

    Reply
    • Lee says

      5/6/2023 at 8:44 am

      Thanks. Yeah, some of them fit so snuggly too.

      That’s a good point. No idea what the idea behind that was, but I know I do like the way it looks.

      Reply
  5. Thomas says

    5/6/2023 at 2:35 pm

    After reading the title, I immediately thought about the place there in the second to last photo.
    I randomly discovered it in my way back to the hotel and was drawn by how mysterious it feels.
    With the tightly crammed machines and unusual stuff they sell.

    Reply
    • Lee says

      5/6/2023 at 4:56 pm

      It’s quite the spot, isn’t it? Canned bread, soup and yakitori. Plastic Beatles. Popcorn. Toy trains. And lots and lots of mystery adult material!

      Reply

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