A Taste of Toyama in a Vending Machine

Japan never stops surprising me with the things it tucks into vending machines, but finding kamameshi felt like stumbling upon a tiny regional secret. The base of the vending machine's cheerful sign promises “Toyama’s delicious things inside,” caught my attention instantly.

Kamameshi is rice simmered with vegetables, mushrooms, chicken, or seafood until everything melds together in a savoury broth. It is cooked slowly in its own little pot. The best part is the slightly crisp layer at the bottom, a golden reward for patience. While the vending machine version won’t arrive in a pot, it still carries a taste of Toyama, just like it promised, with local ingredients like Firefly Squid, Snow Crab, and Kurobe Meisui Pork.

Alongside the main dish, the machine offers small side dishes: simmered vegetables, hijiki, kinpira, and other classics that turn a simple meal into a little feast. However, the machine, which is located right outside Unazuki Station, is evidently popular, as most of the side dishes were sold out!