Want To Find Casual Small Souvenirs of Japan Travel?

One thing people find it difficult when they travel to foreign countries is finding enough souvenirs. Since foreign travel is usually a big deal, people may tell many friends and relatives, therefore if there are small casual souvenirs that can be found easily would be nice for the travelers.

The specific type of vending machines in the photos above is called "Gacha-Gacha" in Japan. The name came from the sound the machines make when people buy the contents. It is similar to old-fashioned Gumball Vending Machines, coins are inserted and the dial is turned with the rattling sound of "gacha, gacha", where one round sealed plastic container is released from the machine.

The contents inside of the containers are basically small toys. Actually the machines were used by only kids in old days. The price range was between 100-200 yen ($1-2), which most kids could afford. Also it has a lottery aspect because nobody knows which one they would get from the variety of toys and that was attractive to kids.

However, in these days these "Gacha-Gacha" machines have more wide variety of items. There are fine detailed miniatures, cell phone accessories, and key holders though some of them are a little more expensive up to 400 yen or 500 yen ($3.5-4.5). Therefore adults have started buying them, too. Today, we can find "Gacha-Gacha" corners as shown in the right hand side photo in many places such as big discount stores.

The two vending machines shown in the left hand side photo are selling miniatures of local specialties and landmarks. For example, the green one on the left side sells miniatures of Tokyo specialties and landmarks such as "Hachi-kou dog statue in Shibuya" and "Tokyo Station building". They are very elaborate miniatures, and these vending machines are installed even inside big stations. 

So it can be fun to buy items from "Gacha-Gacha" and give them out as casual little souvenirs from Japan travel. When you let people pick one up from a box or sack, they can also enjoy the lottery aspect of "Gacha-Gacha"!