There are no alcohol restrictions in public areas in Japan, so every konbini sells an extensive selection of beer, sake and liquors. In same areas and in hotels, you will even find vending machines selling beer, sake or both, like the one in today’s photo.

These vending machines used to be readily accessible, but recently many of them were fitted with a special card reader, especially those located nearby schools, to prevent underage drinking (the legal drinking age in Japan is 20). The card is called… “Sake Pass” (酒パス) and it is issued by the city hall. But don’t worry, the vending machines inside hotels are still unlocked…

Sake vending machine, Hikone

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Yesterday’s Japan Photo: Japanese traditional architecture, Sanju-no-to pagoda in Kyoto