MUSUBI: The Nation of Hydration

To those from abroad, one of the most curiously fascinating aspects of Japanese culture is the country’s prevalence of vending machines  (自動販売機, jidōhanbaiki). There are estimated to be over 5 million vending machines in Japan; 1 per every 23 people. That’s the highest density of vending machines worldwide.

Furthermore, the range of products sold from vending machines makes the soda, candy and snacks many are used to look basic by comparison. Ice cream, noodles, cigarettes… the list goes on. Despite the many interesting and/or unusual options though, the number one product sold through vending machines is still beverages, both hot and cold.
 

And believe it or not, this makes vending machines an essential part of daily life during the hotter months of the year. With temperatures at times surpassing 40 degrees Celsius, staying hydrated isn’t just important; it is necessary to survive. And due to their prevalence, you can finding vending machines everywhere from city streets subway stations and even to mountain trails.

While cool drinks can be found in restaurants, cafes, convenience stores and supermarkets, the fastest way to obtain one is usually from the nearest vending machine (or the other 3-4 that are equally near).

Almost every vending machine will offer some variety of water, the best way to rehydrate, though be aware that it can sometimes be sparkling (carbonated) or lightly flavored. The latter isn’t a bad thing (believe it or not, the yogurt-flavored water is *incredible* when you are super thirsty) but it’s good to be aware of what you’re getting.

Other drinks such a green teas, sodas, fruit juices and coffee can be good to quench thirst, though be wary of using them when your body desperately needs plain ‘ol water. While many vending machines sell drinks in cans or PET bottles, some actually distribute lidded or lidless plastic cubs, and may have the option to add ice. This is one way to get a little extra H20 with your drink.

Sports drinks are also prevalent and while they should not be relied upon solely (again, water is king), they are great to drink when regular water isn’t available. Japan’s two most famous varieties are Aquarius and Pocari Sweat, both tailor-made for those blisteringly hot days in July and August. Despite the name, the latter is quite delicious, especially when you are at peak thirstiness.
 

Vending machines aren’t just convenient, they’re also quite cheap, with many serving drinks at 100 yen (which, despite their “off brand” appearance, are perfectly consumable). It’s rare to find any with beverages over 300 yen, and those tend to be either alcohol or large-size bottles (seeing a vending machine distribute a 2-liter bottle of water is a sight to behold). Many vending machines nowadays even accept payment by IC cards such as Suica or Icoca.

So remember, as the days seem to keep getting hotter and the sweat starts to flow, there’s always a fast and cheap way to rehydrate. And it’s often just around the corner.

Photo Credits:

Main image: Daniel Tseng on Unsplash

Additional photos:

1 – Ji Seongkwang on Unsplash 

2 –  Valentin BEAUVAIS on Unsplash

3 – Fabrizio Chiagano on Unsplash 

4 – Darren Halstead on Unsplash

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