Osaka Metropolic

One fascinating facet of Japanese culture is the prevalence of vending machines. Virtually anywhere you go, you’ll find them — many offering products you’d never see in the vending machines of your home country. Kansai is no exception to this phenomenon. Gacha Toys A few years ago, gacha toy vending machines came to Terminal 2 in Kansai International Airport. The vending machines allow you to assemble your own capsule toy by following a video (there are instructions in multiple languages). It’s a great way to make a souvenir before you head home. Umbrellas If you’re out and about and it starts raining without warning, there’s nothing more useful than an umbrella vending machine. It’s actually surprising that these don’t exist everywhere. In Nishi Ward, Osaka, you can even pick up a free rental umbrella from one of several vending machines owned by DyDo (a beverage company). Once you’ve finished with the umbrella, you’re asked to return it to the vending machine for others to use. Alcoholic Drinks The challenge of an alcohol vending machine is, of course, the age restriction. To make sure only consumers who are legally allowed to purchase alcohol using the machines, special ID card readers are…