Dec 18, 2025
Japan's garapon lottery wheels
The Garapon (/ Gara-pon) is a hand-cranked rotary lottery machine used for promotions and raffles. I hadn't seen a garapon (pictured) until I came to Japan, but they are ubiquitous in Japanese shopping streets, stores and event venues.
The garapon works by turning a handle, which spins an internal drum containing small, colored balls. When you turn it one ball randomly falls out into a small saucer, creating a "pon" sound, hence the name. There are different color balls in the drum of the garapon and they correspond to prizes. The color of the ball corresponds to a specific prize tier, for example, gold might represent the top prize while white is for a consolation prize. A hand bell is often rang when someone wins something more than the consolation prize.
Garaphon are used for fun, low-stakes events throughout the year. Have you seen them during your time in Japan? Moreover, have you had the joy of turning one!? If so, did you win anything good?

Former nickname was "Saitama". Changed it to save confusion on place review posts! Irish, 20+ years in Japan! I also write on my personal website: insaitama.com
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