For when you want something to warm you up, but aren’t in the mood for the standard hot drinks.
hot drinks
Almost all drink makers caution against it, but one says it’s safe as long as you follow some special rules.
Japan has a zillion proverbs involving cats, probably because cats are awesome and add flavour and colour to everything in life. One such proverb is “nekojita” which literally means “cat tongue” and describes people who are unable to handle hot drinks and liquids making contact with their precious pink taste buds.
It’s pretty easy to see where the proverb came from – offer anything hot and edible to a cat and watch the look of horror on their face. But did you cat-tongued-people know that there’s a secret method you can use to train yourself to slurp the hottest of liquids with grace and ease?
If you’ve been to Japan or just watched Japanese movies and TV, you’re bound to have noticed that they have vending machines coming out the wazoo. Seriously, those things are everywhere! Head out to the deepest inaka (countryside) and you’re still bound to run across a random vending machine nestled in the greenery as though it’s been waiting its whole life just to slake your thirst. But with so many vending machines all over the place, drinks companies have had to get competitive, and reports from Twitter speak of a mythical machine that dispenses two for the price of one canned coffee! But just what sort of wizardry is this?
Much has been said on the subject of the ubiquitous vending machines in Japan. Yes, vending machines seem to be lurking around every street corner here in Japan. And while hot beverages may not be among the most unusual products available from a vending machine, they can certainly offer you great comfort when you’re facing the bitter cold during the winter months.
And it turns out there’s quite a variety of hot drinks out there that you can buy from a machine, as a recent post on Japanese trend and information compilation site Naver Matome shows us. Let’s take a look at their selection of beverage options that may come in extremely handy when you’re caught outside in freezing weather.









Japan may add Japanese language proficiency, lifestyle classes to permanent foreign resident requirements
Lacquerware supplier to emperor of Japan and Pokémon team up for new tableware
More Than a Capsule Stay: Why Solo Travelers Choose “global cabin Yokohama Chinatown”
Disillusionment at Tsukiji’s tourist-target prices led us to a great ramen restaurant in Tokyo
Tokio announces breakup following repeated harassment by member
7-Eleven Japan starts new temporary luggage storage service in over 300 branches
Is this the most relaxing Starbucks in Japan?
When is it OK to take a naked hot spring bath with your Japanese girlfriend/boyfriend?
Studio Ghibli releases Kodama forest spirits from Princess Mononoke to light up your home
Major Japanese noodle chain is closing on Christmas Eve so workers can spend time with families
Starbucks teams up with 166-year-old Kyoto doll maker for Year of the Horse decorations【Photos】
Tokyo’s Tsukiji sushi neighborhood asks tour groups to stay away for the rest of the month
Starbucks Japan releases new zodiac chilled cup drink for 2026
Street Fighter Hadouken Churros to be launched and eaten in Tokyo, Okami pudding on offer too
Starbucks on a Shinkansen bullet train platform: 6 tips for using the automated store in Japan
Large amount of supposed human organs left in Osaka marketplace
Japan’s human washing machines will go on sale to general public, demos to be held in Tokyo
Japanese train company is letting fans buy its actual ticket gates for their homes
Tokyo considering law requiring more trash cans following litter increase in heavily touristed area
Is China’s don’t-go-to-Japan warning affecting tourist crowds in Tokyo’s Asakusa neighborhood?
Nintendo’s Kirby now delivering orders at Kura Sushi restaurants, but not in Japan
Tokyo event lets you travel back in time, for free, to celebrate 100 years since Showa era start
Survey asks foreign tourists what bothered them in Japan, more than half gave same answer
Japan’s deadliest food claims more victims, but why do people keep eating it for New Year’s?
We deeply regret going into this tunnel on our walk in the mountains of Japan
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】
The top 10 annoying foreign tourist behaviors on trains, as chosen by Japanese people【Survey】
No more using real katana for tourism activities, Japan’s National Police Agency says
Starbucks Japan reveals new sakura drinkware collection, inspired by evening cherry blossoms
7-Eleven Japan starts new temporary luggage storage service in over 300 branches
Is this the most relaxing Starbucks in Japan?
When is it OK to take a naked hot spring bath with your Japanese girlfriend/boyfriend?
Studio Ghibli releases Kodama forest spirits from Princess Mononoke to light up your home
Major Japanese noodle chain is closing on Christmas Eve so workers can spend time with families
Starbucks Japan adds cult drink to its permanent coffee menu due to popular demand
A Japanese dating app matched our bachelorette with a Buddhist monk, and she learned some things
W.T.F. Japan: Top 5 nicest sounds in Japan【Weird Top Five】
This Smash Bros.-loving cat from Japan is the world’s most adorable gamer【Videos】
Starbucks Japan releases new zodiac chilled cup drink for 2026
Why you shouldn’t call this food “Hiroshimayaki” if you’re talking to people from Hiroshima
Four of the best Tokyo budget hotels we stayed in this year
Japan’s new eight-headed dragon license plates might be the coolest in the entire world【Pics】