Vending Machine Canned Bread at Inokashira Park

Discovering “Pan-can” in a Tokyo vending machine

Tokyo’s vending machines are legendary. I’ve seen them dispense everything from magazines and toys to flowers and even underwear. But when I stumbled upon a machine selling something as mundane as canned bread in Inokashira Park, I was taken aback. With options like chocolate and strawberry, my curiosity was piqued. Little did I know, this was the beginning of the bizarre discoveries that awaited me.

Unboxing Akimoto chocolate canned bread

A sense of disbelief quickly gave way to intrigue. My coins clinked into the slot, and I found myself pressing the button for the chocolate bread. With the can in hand, I hurried home on the train, eager to uncover the secrets held within this unusual purchase.

Once in my kitchen, I took a closer look at the can. It was from a company called Akimoto, a name I wasn’t familiar with. Opening it turned out to be a bit of a challenge. The bread was snugly wrapped in greaseproof paper that seemed to cling to everything. After some delicate maneuvering to avoid damaging the contents, I finally freed the bread. The first thing that hit me was the pleasant, fresh aroma of chocolate – a promising start!

The taste test: Is Japanese canned bread good?

So, how was it? Unsurprisingly, it tasted like chocolate. The flavor, however, was somewhat lackluster, and while the bread was relatively soft, it didn’t quite justify the ¥550 price tag. As much as I adore Japanese cuisine, their take on bread can sometimes be a miss, and this, unfortunately, was one of those times.

For those with a hardcore dedication to vending machine novelties, this is a must-try. It’s the kind of snack you buy to share on social media and mystify your friends. But if you’re simply craving a delicious baked treat, you’ll find better and more affordable options at the nearby bakeries.

Edible grasshoppers and bee larvae too!

Just when I thought my vending machine adventure couldn’t get any stranger, it did. I noticed the items stocked right next to the canned bread: grasshoppers and bee larvae. Yes, you read that correctly. A can of grasshoppers would set you back ¥900, while the bee larvae came with a staggering price of ¥2300! While I’m all for culinary adventures, I’ll stick to more conventional snacks for now.

Where is this vending machine?

Locating this unique vending machine is simple. Enter Inokashira Park from the JR Kichijoji Station side and head down the stairs. You’ll find it at the kiosk waiting for you.

Here it is on Google Maps:

A small note on the machine advises customers to get a “youji” (a toothpick) from the nearby shop to eat the canned insects.

Is the ¥550 canned bread worth the price?

This is one of those times, when you have to say it depends. If you were at Inokashira Park and you forgot the bread for your picnic, then it’s a no-brainer. But it’s obviously too expensive (for most people) to eat on a daily basis. Ultimately, it is up to the buyer.

Have you had the chance to try Akimoto’s canned bread (official website) or any other unusual vending machine snacks in Japan? I’d love to hear about your experience! Share your thoughts and any questions in the comments below.