Quick answer

Use vending machines for quick drinks (many sell hot and cold), keep coins for gachapon capsule toys, and carry a small notebook for free station stamps (eki stamps).

Some of my strongest memories of Japan aren’t the famous places. They’re small everyday things that made walking around more fun.

The short version:

  • Vending machines are everywhere, many with hot and cold drinks.
  • Gachapon capsule toys, sometimes hundreds of machines in one place.
  • Station stamps → free souvenirs, if you carry a notebook.
  • Coins → you’ll have plenty.

Vending machines

You’ll find them:

  • At stations
  • On city streets
  • In residential areas
  • Near tourist spots
  • In rural areas and along roads

Most sell water, tea, coffee, soft drinks and electrolyte drinks like Pocari Sweat. Many machines have hot and cold drinks side by side. Some sell ice cream, snacks and random unusual stuff.

On long walking days, you never have to look for a shop just to buy a drink. More in my walking guide.

Gachapon: capsule toys everywhere

You put in coins, turn the dial, and get a random toy in a capsule. You don’t get to pick, and that’s the fun.

  • Some malls and entertainment areas have hundreds of machines lined up together.
  • Adults buy them too, not just kids.
  • Themes range from anime characters to tiny food, animals and everyday objects.

Gachapon isn’t something that grew because tourists have spare coins. It’s its own long-running coin-operated entertainment culture. But it is a great way to use up coins.

Station stamps

Many stations have commemorative stamps (eki stamps). The designs usually show:

  • The station
  • Local landmarks and attractions
  • Regional culture and local specialties

Carry a small notebook or stamp book, and you’ll end up with a free, personal souvenir from every place. Much better than a random fridge magnet.

Kit Kat flavours

Japan is famous for Kit Kat flavours you won’t see in India. Matcha, orange, cookies and cream, regional ingredients, seasonal themes. They make great souvenirs too.

Tips

  • Keep a coin pouch. Gachapon machines mostly take coins.
  • Dedicated gachapon shops have far more variety than single machines.
  • Rural vending machines are often more interesting than city ones.
  • Capsules take up bag space. Don’t go overboard.

None of this was on our itinerary, and it ended up being part of what I remember most.