Corporate Blog

August 11 is "Mountain Day". Did you know that our vending machine is installed on the top of Mt. Fuji every year, for a limited time only? We operate approx. 700,000 vending machines in Tokyo, Osaka, Kyoto and 35 prefectures. Some vending machines at tourist destinations are wrapped in local designs, which is not only thirst-quenching but fun to see. In this article, we introduce vending machines located on the top of Japan's highest mountain.

■Using a bulldozer up to the mountaintop

Every July, during the mountaineering season, vending machines are carried to the mountaintop using a special bulldozer. Together with our Commercial associate, the bulldozer climbs the mountain taking about 2 hours one-way. Once on top, the sales rep begins installation, and the machines are removed around late August.

■Vending machines unique to Mt. Fuji

Mt. Fuji was listed as a World Cultural Heritage in 2013 under the name "Fujisan, sacred place and source of artistic inspiration." This is why our vending machines are painted brown so as not to disturb the scenery.

Every year, the most popular product in the vending machine is "I LOHAS Tennensui". It's the hot summer season, but mountaintop temperatures are below 0–10℃, so there are also many hot products offered such as "Georgia".

■Comment from sales rep, I-san

Every year, I ride the bulldozer to install the machines, but when I first rode to the top, I was really surprised at the heavy jolting and loud noise. The air is thin due to the high altitude and working on the mountaintop is sometimes dizzying, but I also look forward to the unique experience.

If you have the opportunity to visit Mt. Fuji, I hope you enjoy our vending machine. Let's toast to the joy of standing on the highest site in Japan.