Shopping - Tokyo - page 235

235

The Magical World of Vending Machines

One of the things that usually surprises visitors to Japan is the number of vend-
ing machines in the country, estimated to be more than 5.5 million—one for
every 20 people. They're virtually everywhere—in train stations, in front of
shops, on the back streets of residential neighborhoods. They'll take bills and
give back change. Some will even talk to you.
And what can you buy in these vending machines? First, there are the obvi-
ous items—drinks and snacks, including hot or cold coffee in a can, but they
come in such a bewildering number of choices that it's difficult to make a selec-
tion. If you're on your way to someone's house, you might be able to pick up a
bouquet of flowers from a machine. Your camera is out of batteries? You may
be able to find those, too, along with CDs, film, disposable cameras, sand-
wiches, and even eggs. Vending machines outside post offices sell stamps and
postcards, while those in business hotels sell razors, Cup Noodles, beer, and
even underwear.
In the not-too-distant past, things were also sold from sidewalk vending
machines that would have met with instant protest in other countries around
the world. Cigarettes and beer were available on almost every corner, where
even children could buy them if they wanted to; nowadays, however, shoppers
must first insert a computer-readable card certifying they're at least 20 years
old. I remember a vending machine in my Tokyo neighborhood: By day, it was
blank, with no sign as to what was inside; at night, however, the thing would
light up, and on display were pornographic comics. Nowadays, pornographic
vending machines are very rare, not for moral reasons, but because of the
Internet.

9

Still, if it's available in Japan, it's probably in a vending machine somewhere.

it's great fun walking around. If you do intend to buy, make sure you know what the item
would cost back home. Or you may be able to pick up something that's unavailable back
home. Most of the stores and stalls are open-fronted, and many are painted neon green
and pink. Salespeople yell out their wares, trying to get customers to look at their cellular
phones, computers, video equipment, digital cameras, MP3 players, TVs, calculators,
watches, and rice cookers. This is the best place to see the latest models of everything
electronic; it's an educational experience in itself.
If you are buying, be sure to bargain and don't buy at the first place you hit. One
woman I know who was looking for a portable music device bought it at the third shop
she went to for ¥4,000 less than what was quoted to her at the first shop. Make sure, too,
that whatever you purchase is made for export—that is, with English-language instruc-
tions, an international warranty, and the proper electrical connectors. All the larger stores
have duty-free floors, where products are made for export, and most shops are open daily
from about 10am to 8pm or later.
The largest store is Yodobashi Akiba, just east of JR Akihabara Station at 1-1
Hanaoka-cho ( & 03/5209-1010; daily 9:30am-10pm), which offers a staggering
amount of electronic-related goods such as cameras, computers, TVs, and rice cookers,