How to use vending machines in Japan: coins, bills and change
Put in money, press the lit button, take your drink and your change. Many drink machines take coins and 1,000-yen bills only, so keep small money with you.
The four steps
Drink vending machines are everywhere in Japan, and they are easy to use even if you cannot read Japanese. One major drink maker explains the steps like this:
- Put in your money.
- The lights on the product buttons turn on and flash. This means you can choose now.
- Press the button of the drink you want.
- Take the drink from the slot at the bottom, and take your change.
What money works
Machines take Japanese yen. According to the drink maker ITO EN, they accept coins and 1,000-yen bills. They do not accept 1-yen and 5-yen coins, or 5,000-yen and 10,000-yen bills.
- Keep a few 100-yen coins and 1,000-yen bills with you. Prices differ by machine.
- Some newer machines also take IC cards or phone payments. Look for the card logo on the machine. Not every machine has it, so cash is the safe choice.
- Press the change lever to get your change back. Do not leave coins behind.
Hot and cold drinks
Many machines sell both cold and hot drinks. Check the label before you press. In many machines a red label means hot and a blue label means cold, but labels can differ, so read the small text or look at the picture.
Hot canned coffee and tea are popular in cooler months.
Good to know
- Vending machines are plentiful across Japan, so a drink of water is usually close.
- If a machine takes your money and gives nothing, look for a phone number or company name on the machine and call it, or ask a nearby shop or station staff for help.
- Many people drink next to the machine and then put the bottle in the recycling box beside it. See our articles on eating while walking and trash.
FAQ
Do vending machines in Japan take credit cards?
Some do, but many do not. Most accept cash, and some accept IC cards such as Suica. Carry coins and small bills.
Why did the machine give my bill back?
The bill may be too large (5,000 or 10,000 yen), old or bent. Try a 1,000-yen bill, or use coins.
Where do I throw away the bottle?
Most machines have a recycling box next to them. If there is none, take the bottle with you.
Sources
Related tips
- How to buy coffee at a Japanese convenience store (hot and iced)Buy the cup first at the register, then make the coffee yourself at the machine. For iced coffee, take a cup of ice from the freezer. Lawson is different: staff may make it for you.
- Suica and IC cards: how visitors can pay for trains and shopsA Suica is a rechargeable IC card for trains, buses, vending machines and many shops. Visitors can get a Welcome Suica card or use Welcome Suica Mobile on a phone.
- Do you need cash in Japan? Cards, IC cards and yenCards of international brands are generally accepted across Japan, but not everywhere. Carry a card, a Suica or PASMO IC card and a little yen.
- Eating while walking in Japan: when it is okayIt is not illegal, but many people think it is bad manners. It is accepted at festivals and street-food areas. Eat in front of the shop that sold it, and take your trash with you.
- Where to throw away trash in Japan (there are few street bins)Public trash bins are rare in Japan. Carry a small bag, use the bins at stations and convenience stores, and take your trash home if you cannot find one.
- Japan's Heat Stroke Alert: what it is and what to do in summerJapan has an official Heat Stroke Alert, issued when heat illness risk is extremely high. It runs from late April to late October. When one is issued, avoid going out if you can, stay cool and drink water.
Last checked: 2026-11-04. Rules and prices can change, so please confirm with the official sources above.