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I Bought Something from Akihabara’s “Cursed” Vending Machines
There’s still a lot of fun stuff to see and do in Akihabara. Then there are the vending machines selling oden, bugs, and even an old phone.
Akihabara’s lost a bit of its luster as Japan’s anime capital. However, there are still plenty of interesting things to do and see in this colorful neighborhood of Tokyo. One “attraction” that contradicts Akiba’s bouncy anime image is a bank of vending machines with a lineup of products locals describe as “cursed.”
I had heard about these machines while researching my last piece on the Buy Swedish vending machine at Ikebukuro. So, after going to Sunshine City, I hopped on the Yamanote and rode out to Akihabara.
The machines are located a three-minute walk away from Akihabara Station on the other side of the Mansei Bridge (Manseibashi). On one side of the bridge is the Maach eCute building, which is housed under a train track. This is one of my favorite little stops in Akihabara. It’s host to several art and history installations, along with some great bars and restaurants — such as Low Non-Bar, one of Tokyo’s best low-alcohol and non-alcoholic bars.
