Several times in Japan I came across public vending machines selling all sorts of things. From left to right, these machines in Kyoto are stocked with smokes, beer, more beer, coffee & soda, iced tea & water.
The cigs machine has a notice that you've got to be at least 21 to buy. There's also another sticker that says something about 11 to 5, which I'd venture as meaning that the machine doesn't vend from 11pm until 5am. Just a guess, but a way to keep teens from buying smokes late at night when nobody is looking. The beer machines also have notices about 11 to 5.
All machines take 1,000 yen notes, which is nearly $10 and also the smallest denomination of paper currency. On the contrary, the Korean 10,000 won note is also worth roughly $10 but is the largest paper currency denomination.
Japanese beers are definitely an improvement over their Korean counterparts, if in nothing but variety. Generally both still taste too flat-bodied and metallic when compared to fine European and American beers.
sorry. Korea has a 20,000 won note.
Todd, you're mistaken. I live in Seoul and there has never been a 20,000 won note.
But don't believe me, visit the Bank of Korea: http://www.bok.or.kr/template/eng/html/index.jsp?tbl=tbl_FM0000000066_CA0000001017
Who cares about the money, I want that big bitch in the Kirin vending machine! No wait, I want 4.
I don't see any Budweiser here . . . and how about colored condoms with little groovies all over them?
I'm sure you've been asked this question a million times already, but.. what kind of camera do you use?
Your photos are all so sharp and clear!
Binks: I'd pass up the big Kirin and grab a half-liter of Ayinger since that stuff's less than $3 a bottle in the states, and not imported here.
Dad: I can't recall seeing Bud in Japan, but rest assurred that Korea is well-stocked in it. It is locally produced and therefore cheap too (still at least a buck a can). Now if only my tastes were yours, I'd be so damn happy!
Serena: Yes, I do get asked that question weekly--but thanks! I guess I really should put up an "about" section on the sidebar. The best answer to your question would be here: http://www.maxwatson.com/blog/2006/08/kiyomizudera_pure_water_temple.html#comments
which addresses that it's not just the camera but Photoshop skills that lead to these results. And time.
The vending machines are one of my favorite things about Japan. Cold winter day? Stuff your pockets with cans of warm coffee and voila. Warm hands.
You know that urban legend about being able to buy high school girl's worn undies in one particular vending machine right? I have also heard that in SF int. Airport that you can buy iPods in vending machines. Yikes.
Mary- I have heard that story about the panties in Japan, and even thought of it when writing this entry, (ie: "all sorts of things").
And yes, SFO, being my hometown airport, does sell ipods in vending machines located in the departure hall. Even more, they come loaded with music--I think.