Keeping it “old school” despite technological advancements is what makes Japan so appealing, and Akihabara’s milk stand is a living example.
Fresh milk stands at Akihabara station
Akihabara’s milk stands have become an iconic part of the train station in Japan’s “anime capital.” Located on platforms 5 and 6, there are two milk stands of the same kind serving up the freshest milk in Japan to daily commuters.
Most of Japan’s milk is sourced from Hokkaido, the dairy capital of Japan. What makes Japanese milk so unique is the ideal farming conditions and climate that provide a “stress-free” environment for cows, keeping them emotionally and physically in top health.
Those who have tasted the milk in Japan can immediately tell it apart from the milk in foreign countries. Most notably, people often refer to Hokkaido milk as having a “slight vanilla taste.”
Huge variety of flavors and brands
Akihabara’s milk stands have a plethora of flavors and brands to choose from. From plain milk to fruit smoothie flavors, milk teas, and coffee milk, it’s a paradise for lovers of dairy.
Served in a clear glass bottle, it’s easy to see the different colors of the milk on display. For non-Japanese speakers, this is a huge help for identifying the type of milk flavor you’re after.
As someone who tried just about every flavor, I will have to vouch for the plain milk to truly appreciate the uninterrupted freshness and creamy taste of Hokkaido’s dairy. However, as a coffee-lover, I must also advocate for the coffee milk to give you a delicious “kick” to the day.
Recycling culture stands strong
Upon ordering your desired milk bottle, the shopkeeper will inform you that you must drink it on the spot and return the glass bottle when you are finished. This is to uphold a strong recycling culture and to help the business financially as well.
The shopkeeper will then proceed to pop open your milk bottle and serve it to you. If it’s not too crowded, there are table stands for you to rest your drink/s and enjoy a chat over milk with a friend or colleague.
As always, the best part about this whole experience is just how cheap the milk is to buy. Most milk bottles can be purchased for less than 200 yen (150 USD), making it extremely tempting to go for a second round!
Of course, if you are planning to visit Japan, you’ll need a way to get around the country as efficiently and affordably as possible. Japan Rail provides an abundance of travel passes to suit your travel needs. So whether you are traveling individually or as a group, the JR Pass is every traveler’s go-to for getting around and making the most of your time in Japan!