【Vending Machine Drive-In Tour】I went to "Ijiriyah Vending Machine Gunma Branch (Provisional)" in Kanra Town, Gunma

The author has traveled around Gunma, the kingdom of vending machine drive-ins. This time, I discovered a drive-in centered around a hamburger vending machine in Kanra Town, Gunma. What did I find while investigating during the drive?

A drive-in standing alone in a peaceful agricultural road area

The goal is "Ijiriya Vending Machine Gunma Branch (tentative)," which is located about 2 hours away from Shinjuku using the highway. Since it's not in the mountainous area but near the city, it's an easy place to reach even during the snowy season. By the way, it seems that until now, (tentative) is the official name.

As I was driving through the peaceful rural area lined with greenhouses, I found the drive-in. True to its name, it has the feel of a company branch, with a spacious parking lot and a lively office-like building.

A lineup centered around hamburgers

The lineup features burger vending machines, including the same model found in "Terra Burger Vending Machine Ranzan," a place I covered previously in Arashiyama Town, Saitama Prefecture. It's no wonder, as these hamburger vending machines are sold by "Ijiriya," which operates this drive-in, and it seems that "Ijiriya Vending Machine Gunma Branch (tentative)" could be considered a direct store of theirs.

The green casing that was not available at Terraburger has not only a limited menu but also "pancakes," and indeed, the menu is quite extensive.

The other machine features a unique "rice burger," which really piques my curiosity about the taste. However, this time I absolutely wanted to try the classic "cheeseburger," which I had never eaten before, so I decided to buy it along with a bottle of cola.

Additionally, next to it, there is a local cup noodle vending machine that cannot be found in our neighborhood, and the store has many exciting mechanisms.

Usually, I stand in front of a vending machine searching for "what I need right now," but in front of this drive-in vending machine, I feel like I am seeking "fun" along with the products.

Equipped with a microwave, bottle opener, and trash can. Let's quickly warm up the hamburger and give it a try.

A relaxing space that evokes the Showa era, perfect for refueling.

The basic taste of the cheeseburger is well-balanced and my favorite flavor so far. The vending machine burger is simply made, but it has a somehow addictive taste that makes me want to eat it whenever I think of it. To gulp down the hamburger, I look up at the blue sky and take a swig of bottle cola. This combination is definitely a winner.

On this day, it was unusually warm for winter, and the sunny table seats felt nice. The handmade atmosphere was cozy and reminded me of the vibe of the candy store I used to hang out in as a child. Unlike the candy store that closed when the evening bell rang, this place being open 24 hours feels a bit more adult-oriented.

I randomly decided to come to this vending machine drive-in this time, and I was very healed by the retro and somewhat cute space, allowing me to immerse myself in a nostalgic mood.

As an adult, busy days continue, but sometimes it's important to refresh by returning to a childlike state. When I get tired of writing, I want to drive and come to eat hamburgers.

Interview/Article by Kazuma Tanaka

Ijiri and Vending Machine Gunma Sales Office (Temporary)
Location: 91-1 Fukushima, Kanra-cho, Kanra-gun, Gunma Prefecture

Search Hamburger Set on Amazon