Under the soft glow of moonlight, Japan’s streets are quietly jammed by rows of brightly lit beverage vending machines, standing like sentinels at almost every corner. These machines are not just conveniences; they are cultural icons, offering a wide selection of drinks that cater to every preference and quirk at any hour of the night.
From cold tea, coffee, and Japanese unique energy drinks to beer, each machine is a treasure trove of refreshments. The list of drinks might be the best companion for Japanese snacks for you. In this guide, we explore some of the standout drink brands from each kind of beverage in Japan. These are some of the drinks you would select from a Japanese vending machine.
1. Suntory’s Minami Alps – Japanese Best Mineral Water
Source: WebMagazine
Starting with the essentials, many of us might crave a refreshing drink of water during a late-night outing. Suntory’s Minami Alps or Tennensui stands out as Japan’s top-selling brand of bottled water. Sourced from the same location as Suntory’s Hakushu Distillery, this water is exceptionally pure.
Both the Hakushu Distillery and the Hakushu Factory occupy the same lot of land owned by the firm, ensuring natural bottling in a pristine environment without any contact with the raw water. This popular Japanese mineral water brand is renowned for its refreshing taste and high quality.
2. Ramune – Japanese Popular Soda
Source: Sushi Burrito Cafe
Ramune stands out as one of Japan’s most popular sodas, and its fame has spread to other countries in recent years. This fizzy drink originally boasted lemon and lime flavor. What makes Ramune distinctive is its sealed marble bottle cap, a unique feature that maintains the drink’s fizziness and freshness. Codd-neck bottles with marble stoppers were prevalent in the 19th century but are now rare, with Japanese Ramune being one of the few beverages that still utilize this method.
While the original Ramune flavor was lemon and lime, you can now find a variety of fruity flavors, including lychee, blueberry, melon, strawberry, and sakura.
3. Ito En Oi Ocha – Japanese Best Ocha
Source: Nikkei Asia
Ito En’s Oi Ocha emerges as the quintessential choice for tea enthusiasts seeking a refreshing pick-me-up from Japanese vending machine during nocturnal ventures. Introduced in 1989, Oi Ocha swiftly rose to eminence as the premier brand of Japanese tea, leading the green tea market with stable dominance. Even now, it stays as the widely known bottled ocha in Japan with its timeless appeal.
The brand’s name is derived from the Japanese phrase “Oi ocha!” translating to “Tea please!”, revealing the essence of traditional tea culture and courteous hospitality. With each sip of Oi Ocha, one indulges in a harmonious blend of heritage, quality, and invigorating refreshment, making it an undisputed favorite, especially during nighttime pursuits.
4. Pocari Sweat – Hydration Drink
Source: South China Morning Post
Pocari Sweat, the beloved Japanese sports drink, has been a hydration hero since its debut in 1980. Created by the Otsuka Pharmaceutical Company, this beverage has captured hearts in Japan and other Asian countries. Despite its unusual name, Pocari Sweat’s mildly sweet flavor refreshes and revitalizes.
Its isotonic formula rehydrates and replenishes electrolytes, making it a favorite among athletes and the active. With its iconic blue and white packaging, Pocari Sweat is not just a drink but a lifestyle choice, offering reliable refreshment and hydration for those on the move. Apparently, the unfamiliar taste isn’t popular among Westerners. Despite that reputation, exploring new flavors through Japanese beverage vending machines wouldn’t harm. In fact, Pocari Sweat might be your life-saver during hot summer nights in Japan.
5. Calpis – Yoghurt-Like Drink
Source: Pandai Kotoba
Another local’s favorites, Calpis has delighted taste buds since its inception in 1919. This unique drink also known as Calpico in some regions, offers a refreshing and mildly tangy flavor with a hint of yogurt-like sweetness. Despite its milky appearance, Calpis is dairy-free, making it suitable for a wide range of diets.
Its versatility extends beyond a standalone beverage; Calpis is often used as a mixer in cocktails and even as an ingredient in desserts. With its iconic white bottle and distinctive flavor, Calpis has become a cultural staple in Japan you might want to select from a Japanese vending machine.
6. Gogo no Koucha Milk Tea – Milk Tea by Kirin
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Tea stands as a staple in Japanese culture. Besides the popularity of green tea, milk tea also shines as a popular choice, blending soothing tea flavors with a creamy milk base for a comforting drink that keeps you energized. One of the top choices in Japan would be Gogo no Koucha Milk Tea by Kirin.
Kirin is also a well-known brand for Japanese beer, but their tea collection is worth tasting too. Gogo no Koucha boasts a mild sweetness, with a rich and full-bodied flavor that delivers a smooth tea experience in the convenient form of a bottled soft drink.
7. Ocean Bomb – Sparkling Water for Anime Fans
Source: Etsy
Although originally from Taiwan, Ocean Bomb is popular among anime fans in Japan and around the world and is also installed in some vending machines in Japan. It’s vibrant and immediately catches the eye. Inside these eye-catching cans, you’ll discover sparkling water infused with a variety of gentle fruit flavors, including peach, white grape, lychee, pomelo, pear, orange, and even cucumber.
These flavors are not only refreshing but also offer a delightful taste experience. Among the anime franchises featured are popular series like Dragon Ball, Pokemon, and Sailor Moon, adding a playful and nostalgic touch to the drinking experience.
8. BOSS – Japanese Best Canned Coffee
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BOSS Coffee is another popular Suntory product, and has been a go-to choice from vending machines in Japan since 1992. Renowned for its rich, flavorful taste and convenient canned format (and bottled), BOSS Coffee offers a variety of styles and flavors, including black, cafe au lait, and espresso, catering to every coffee enthusiast.
Despite being canned, it maintains a high quality and fresh taste, making it a top pick for those seeking a quick and satisfying caffeine boost, especially during late-night Japanese vending machine visits. Whether enjoyed hot or cold, BOSS Coffee stands as a testament to Japanese ingenuity in coffee-making.
9. Kirin Light – Popular Japanese Light Beer
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Kirin celebrated as one of Japan’s oldest breweries, continues to be a mainstay in Japanese beer culture, with Kirin Light standing out as one of the few widely available “light beer” choices. Light beer is often the best choice at night due to its lower alcohol content.
Making it a more suitable option for those looking to unwind without the effects of alcoholic beverages. This beverage boasts an ABV of 3.2% and offers a harmonious blend of malt, sweetness, and bitter hops, providing a well-rounded flavor profile.
10. Asahi Super Dry – Beer Best with Food
Source: Nippon Design Center
Asahi is also one of the widely popular Japanese beer brands worth selecting. This beer showcases a profile of grains and bitter hops with a clean finish, offering a crisp and refreshing taste with ABV of 5%. It really lives up to its claim of being super dry, and excellent with food because it complements dishes like a garnish. Enhancing without overpowering.
Its light, delicate flavor doesn’t compete with your meal or introduce any unwanted tastes. It’s perfect for pairing and versatile enough to accompany anything from spicy dishes and pickled vegetables to red meat.