<strong>Sagamihara: </strong>In Japan, a small town has become a surprising tourist attraction thanks to a love of retro vending machines. Click through to learn more.
Sagamihara: In Japan, a small town has become a surprising tourist attraction thanks to a love of retro vending machines. Click through to learn more.
Dean Irvine
<strong>Hidden gem:</strong> Tatsuhiro Saito runs a tire shop. But his collection of retro Japanese vending machines has become an unexpected tourist attraction.
Hidden gem: Tatsuhiro Saito runs a tire shop. But his collection of retro Japanese vending machines has become an unexpected tourist attraction.
Dean Irvine
<strong>How it happens:</strong> Saito bought most of his machines from online auctions.
How it happens: Saito bought most of his machines from online auctions.
Dean Irvine
<strong>Showa Era: </strong>Most of the machines are from the latter part of the Showa Era, which lasted from 1926-1989.
Showa Era: Most of the machines are from the latter part of the Showa Era, which lasted from 1926-1989.
Dean Irvine
<strong>The collection:</strong> Saito's machines dispense everything from batteries to kids' toys, but the most popular ones are for food and drink.
The collection: Saito's machines dispense everything from batteries to kids' toys, but the most popular ones are for food and drink.
Dean Irvine
<strong>Local oddity:</strong> During the pandemic, his outdoor machines were a fun weekend activity for guests from Tokyo and Yokohama.
Local oddity: During the pandemic, his outdoor machines were a fun weekend activity for guests from Tokyo and Yokohama.
Dean Irvine
<strong>Not so fast:</strong> Due to Japanese laws about food consumption, some of the food is prepared fresh and isn't straight from the machine.
Not so fast: Due to Japanese laws about food consumption, some of the food is prepared fresh and isn't straight from the machine.
Dean Irvine
<strong>Sample sale:</strong> While most machines vend Japanese food, visitors can also get American-style popcorn.
Sample sale: While most machines vend Japanese food, visitors can also get American-style popcorn.
Dean Irvine
<strong>Memories:</strong> Many visitors use the word natsukashii (nostalgic) to explain why they come here.
Memories: Many visitors use the word natsukashii (nostalgic) to explain why they come here.
Dean Irvine
<strong>Press your luck: </strong>A Coke in a classic glass bottle costs 100 yen (75 cents).
Press your luck: A Coke in a classic glass bottle costs 100 yen (75 cents).
Dean Irvine
<strong>Man behind the machines</strong>: Saito now has almost as many employees managing the vending machines as he does for his tire shop.
Man behind the machines: Saito now has almost as many employees managing the vending machines as he does for his tire shop.
Dean Irvine
<strong>Growing collection:</strong> Currently, Saito has 70 machines, but he is always on the lookout for more.
Growing collection: Currently, Saito has 70 machines, but he is always on the lookout for more.
Dean Irvine