Japan is known for being unique in more ways than one. These 5 vending machine drinks are just some of the things you’ll find only in Japan.
Pepsi Refresh Shot
I thought I’d start off the list with something we’re all familiar with, a can of Pepsi. Though it doesn’t take a genius to figure out this is no ordinary can of Pepsi cola, but rather a concentrated shot that’s perfect for those on the move. You could think of this unique vending machine item as a Pepsi energy drink, as that is essentially what it is.
Coming in at 200mL, the Pepsi Refresh Shot contains double the amount of caffeine as a standard can of Pepsi. It was designed to be a morning energy drink for those that dislike coffee and other energy drinks. The Pepsi Refresh Shot is one of my favorite vending machine drinks as it has a more concentrated cola taste, higher caffeine content, and fewer calories than a regular Pepsi can, making it tastier, lighter, and more energizing in my opinion.
Mets Black Cola
If weight loss is your goal, yet you can’t quite let go of your love of soda, then consider the Mets Black Cola as a calorie-less alternative. The concept of this drink is similar to that of Coke Zero, featuring a cola taste that is almost identical to regular cola but comes in at just 10 calories a can.
Not only is this drink only available in Japan, but specifically can only be bought from vending machines. Easily denoted by its dark red and black color scheme, Mets Black Cola offers a unique cola taste which (if you’re anything like me) you may well develop a preference for over Coca-Cola.
Mystery Zone
The Mystery Zone can is not a drink in and of itself, but is definitely worth mentioning as a unique vending machine “item” in Japan. As you could probably guess, this option will dispense a drink at random that is already featured in that vending machine. It may sound silly at first, but this option works wonders for indecisive people who can’t choose a drink.
Furthermore, you have a chance at making a saving, as you could wind up with a drink priced at a greater value than 100 yen, despite only spending that much for the Mystery Zone option. Of course, this could also backfire and you wind up with a drink that normally costs less than 100 yen, but that’s the fun of the game!
Hot Corn Soup
One of the coolest things about Japan’s vending machines is their selection of hot items that are perfect for a cold day. In addition to hot coffee and tea options, they offer this unique hot corn soup that really hits the spot.
I’m no soup connoisseur by any means, in fact, I’m not a fan of soup altogether, but this sweet and tasty canned soup is good enough to change my perspective. While best enjoyed on a cold day, there is no reason to avoid trying this delicious soup no matter the season, as you’ll be astonished at the sheer quality that I can only alike to gourmet restaurant quality.
Chelate Lemon Up
Perhaps a better energy drink alternative to the Pepsi Refresh Shot is this unique canned beverage known as Chelate Lemon Up. If you’re like me and aren’t a science nerd, you probably didn’t know that chelate is a chemical compound that binds tightly to metal ions, a process known as chelation.
Often used in medicines, chelating agents can help remove toxic metals from the body and are even being studied as a treatment for cancer. That being said, Chelate Lemon Up is a fantastic energy drink choice for its health benefits such as chelate, vitamin C, and low caffeine content of less than 1 mg.
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!