[A valuable experience!] A tour of the three remaining udon vending machines in Okayama Prefecture

Okayama Prefecture Official Tourism Site

Many people may be surprised and ask, "Can you eat udon from a vending machine?" In fact, udon vending machines (udon vending machines) used to be found all over Japan, but nowadays they are very rarely seen. This is because production of the machines has already ended, and there are only a few technicians who can repair them.

There are three such precious udon vending machines remaining in Okayama Prefecture, which provide hot udon 24 hours a day. This time, we visited some recommended spots where you can have a nostalgic experience as if you had traveled back in time to the Showa period (1926-1989). We will introduce them in detail, including how to use the udon vending machines.

• Table of Contents
• Three points to enjoy udon vending machines
• Even though it's a vending machine, you can feel the warmth of handmade products! "Vendor Shop Momiji no Sato" (Maniwa City )
• Don't miss it! The quietly standing udon vending machine " Okamoto" (Tsuyama City)
• Immerse yourself in the romance of the Showa at "Drive-in Kojo" (Kurashiki City)
• Conclusion

Three points to enjoy udon vending machines

We will show you how to use the udon vending machine.

[Point 1] Handle with care and kindness

Udon vending machines are very delicate machines. They are not manufactured any more and there are few people who can repair them, so let's all use them with care. Whether you are putting money in or pressing the buttons, please treat them with love and care.

Once you insert your coins and press the purchase button, a 25-second countdown will begin.

With a "ding" sound, the piping hot udon is ready.

When removing it from the opening, be careful not to spill the juice.

[Point 2] Don't forget to prepare some coins

Some stores do not have currency exchange machines, so it is a good idea to prepare 100 yen, 50 yen, and 10 yen coins in advance to make the process smoother.

[Point 3] Return the dishes to the designated location

After enjoying the delicious udon, please be sure to return the bowl you used to the designated return area. Taking it home is prohibited.

Udon vending machines are delicate machines, so there is a chance that they may be under repair when you visit. If that happens, just consider it an unfortunate experience and look forward to your next visit.

Now, let us introduce you to three spots in Okayama Prefecture where you can find udon vending machines.

Even though it's a vending machine, you can feel the warmth of handmade products! "Vendor Shop Momiji no Sato" (Maniwa City )

Vendor Shop Momiji no Sato , located in the nature-rich Maniwa City , is located along National Route 313, which connects Maniwa City and Takahashi City, and is always bustling with people visiting by car or motorcycle.

What makes this udon vending machine special is that it uses thick noodles that are hand-made in the shop next door. You can enjoy the chewy texture and wheat flavor of the udon that comes out of the vending machine.

And to my surprise, even though I pressed the button for kitsune udon (udon topped with fried tofu), it also came with tempura on top! In fact, seasonal vegetable tempura can be added as a service to both kitsune udon and tempura udon.

(If you choose tempura udon, it comes with kakiage and seasonal tempura!)

As they use seasonal vegetables from the fields, the contents change depending on the season, and when vegetables are scarce, there may be no additional tempura. Even though it is a vending machine, you can feel the sincerity of handmade products.

Inside the vendor shop, there are also vending machines selling sweets, as well as tables and chairs where you can relax and take a break.

If you are there during the opening hours of the neighboring Momiji no Sato, be sure to try their udon as well.

In a shop with a retro Showa atmosphere, they serve udon noodles in a soup stock carefully made from kelp, bonito, and dried sardines. You can enjoy authentic udon noodles that are different from those sold in vending machines.

The "Daichan Udon" pictured here is rich in the aroma of dashi and is packed with a variety of ingredients, including deep-fried tempura, fried tofu, meat, egg, and seaweed. The onigiri rice balls made with homemade rice are also popular for their delicious taste.

[Vendor Shop Momiji no Sato ]

Address: 3422-3 Kaminakatsui , Maniwa City, Okayama Prefecture

TEL: 0866-52-2987

Store hours: 9:00-18:30 *Udon vending machines are open 24 hours

Closed: None

Parking: Available

Don't miss it! The quietly standing udon vending machine " Okamoto" (Tsuyama City)

Located along National Route 429 south of Tsuyama city, "Okamoto" is a long-time local catering store (delivery service for bento and prepared foods) with a quiet udon vending machine installed in front of it.

The menu had tempura udon and meat udon, and I chose the meat udon. But does it really have meat on it?

It actually had real meat on it! It also had crunchy spring onions and, although not shown in the photo, kamaboko (a Japanese fish paste). The noodles were smooth and thin, and the broth was rich and flavorful. Even though it was udon served from a vending machine, it was a bowl that showed the attention to detail.

The main catering business opens at around 6am and closes when all food has been sold out, around 2pm. There are a variety of bento boxes and side dishes on offer, and you can also eat in the separate building.

The beef rice and fried chicken bento I tried had a warm, homemade taste. The recommended fried chicken is also sold as a side dish, so if you come across it, be sure to try it.

There is also a microwave in the dining area.

[Okamoto ]

Address: 1337-3 Kuwashita , Tsuyama City, Okayama Prefecture

TEL: 0868-57-3535

Business hours: 6:00-14:00 (ends when sold out) *Udon vending machines are open 24 hours a day

Closed: Sundays and public holidays

Parking: Available

Immerse yourself in the romance of the Showa at "Drive-in Kojo" (Kurashiki City)

On the south side of the Furushiroike Tunnel heading from Mizushima in Kurashiki City towards the Kurashiki Bikan Kurashiki Bikan Historical Quarter(a historic preservation district), you will find the charming retro Drive-in Kojo.

When I opened the door, I saw a udon vending machine in a corner lined with game machines, surrounded by juice and snack vending machines.

It is open 24 hours a day and has tables and chairs so you can eat your udon indoors.

You can choose between Kitsune Udon and Tempura Udon, and I chose the latter. The tempura is round in shape and has a light, crispy texture, and the simple, unadorned flavor is comforting.

Why not stop by for a break from your drive and enjoy a little adventure?

[Drive-in Kojo]

Address: 2111-1 Okayama Prefecture, Kurashiki City, Okayama Prefecture

TEL: 086-455-5190

Open 24 hours

Closed: None

Parking: Available

Conclusion

Udon vending machines, now a rare sight, do more than just fill your stomach; they are special, giving you a sense of nostalgia, warmth, and even a little sense of adventure. Each spot has its own unique character, so be sure to visit them and experience this precious piece of Japanese culture for yourself.