
On a recent trip to the US, one of our Japanese reporters, Yoshio, heard about an unusual vending machine that serves up ice cream. Excited to see how the icy treats would be delivered, our reporter made a beeline for the machine’s nearest location: the local Walmart. We filmed the machine in action and got his take on the automated ice cream experience first-hand.
As he approached the machine, Yoshio’s hopes began to build, thanks to the attractive design and the invitation to “taste it and love it!” Taking a closer look, it reminded him of the popular claw crane games at Japanese arcades. Only here, there were no stuffed toys behind the glass; the only prize today would be a tub of delicious ice cream! He popped the money into the slot and stood back to take it all in.
While initially impressed by the freezer inside and the mechanism involved in passing the dessert from machine to person, our reporter commented that a soft serve delivery into a cone would make for an even better visual vending experience. Now that’s one vending machine we would definitely pay to use!
Photos © SoraNews24
● Want to hear about SoraNews24’s latest articles as soon as they’re published? Follow us on Facebook and Twitter!
[ Read in Japanese ]

Shinkansen coffee and ice cream vending machines make train travel in Japan magical
Shinkansen station platforms now have…Baskin Robbins ice cream vending machines!
Tokyo has Cold Stone vending machine after ice cream chain leaves city, but is it just as good?
Vending machine noodle ice cream: A retro icon in Japan brings joy to a new generation
We make a Japanese ice cream vending machine
Injuries on stairs in Tokyo highlight an overlooked design flaw
Pikachu to cuddle with kimono-clad beauty on Tokyo street as part of flower art event
Wisteria season starts early with blooming of Japan’s Great Wisteria in its beautiful garden
Nephew receives SD card after his uncle passes away, finds treasure trove of gems from the past
Japan’s popular bead bonsai kit is as beautiful as it is gruelling to make
Pair Japanese whisky with convenience store fried chicken at new Konbini Bar in Tokyo
Japanese Godzilla looks set to attack New York in teaser for Godzilla Minus Zero[Video]
Pompompurin and his cute little butt take over Shinjuku’s famous 3-D billboard
How Tokyo’s Imperial Hotel continues to captivate guests from around the world
Nara deer shikadamari phenomenon continues to baffle visitors at Nara park
Japan’s best conveyor belt sushi restaurant of seven years ago has now, finally, come to Tokyo
Mt. Fuji decorated with a 500,000-flower pink carpet is Japan’s ultimate spring view
Lawson convenience store at popular tourist site is one of the most unusual in Japan
Japanese trains in Sapporo might be better than those in Tokyo, thanks to one special feature
Japanese government wants overseas anime market to roughly triple in 10 years, but are they crazy?
30 Pikachus want to share a Tokyo hotel room with you that has separate Grass, Water, Fire spaces
Japanese bento shop sells croquettes for 13 cents, but are they any good?
Starbucks Japan releases FIVE new Frappuccinos in a day, and we try them all in 90 minutes
Japan reportedly adding Japanese language skill requirement to most common foreigner work visa
Pokémon and Ikea Japan cross over into each other’s worlds with collaboration events
Japan now has a special desk for people who work at home with a pet cat[Photos]
Famous Tokyo cherry blossom spot installs view-blocking screens to fight overcrowding[Video]
Uniqlo announces new T-shirts for One Piece, Naruto and more for manga publisher’s 100th birthday
Starbucks Japan releases new My Fruit³ Frappuccino at only 34 stores around the country
Krispy Kreme releases Super Mario doughnuts in Japan for a limited time
Japanese onsen egg maker from 100-yen store Daiso needs to be on your shopping list
Survey asks foreign tourists what bothered them in Japan, more than half gave same answer
Japan’s human washing machines will go on sale to general public, demos to be held in Tokyo
Starbucks Japan releases new drinkware and goods for Valentine’s Day
We deeply regret going into this tunnel on our walk in the mountains of Japan
Starbucks Japan releases new sakura goods and drinkware for cherry blossom season 2026
Studio Ghibli releases Kodama forest spirits from Princess Mononoke to light up your home
Japan’s newest Shinkansen has no seats…or passengers [Video]
Major Japanese hotel chain says reservations via overseas booking sites may not be valid
Put sesame oil in your coffee? Japanese maker says it’s the best way to start your day【Taste test】
No more using real katana for tourism activities, Japan’s National Police Agency says
Baskin-Robbins unveils its only ice cream vending machine in Japan, and it’s in an odd location
Our reporters Mr. Sato and Yoshio go chasing their youths at a noodle vending machine 【Pictures】
Weird Japanese vending machine find: Soda that looks like mayonnaise
Weird Japanese vending machine find of the day: Cream in cans?
We find a vending machine selling ‘Great Buddha flavoured’ drinkable whipped cream
Enjoy a refreshing bottle of just-kidding “soy sauce” from Japanese vending machines this summer
What frozen snack won Seventeen Ice’s “1st Flavor General Election”?
Is this frozen tonkatsu sandwich vending machine really worth 700 yen?【Taste test】
Self-freezing bottled Coca-Cola now available at convenience store vending machines in Japan
We try roasted sweet potatoes from a Japanese vending machine
Japanese vending machines set to become cooler than ever by selling sub-zero soft drinks
Oh, crepe! We discover a pastry vending machine at the airport
Weird Japanese vending machine find gives us unique sweet potato sweets
Starbucks releases first-ever vending machine-exclusive drink in Japan
Rare vending machine at Japan’s oldest shrine sells…divine crepes!
Mysterious eyes found in Japanese vending machine coin slot