A vending machine in Japan is now selling bear meat for $17.

The machine was installed in November last year near Tazawako Station in Akita. Local restaurant Soba Goro wanted to appeal to tourists wanting to try something different at the dinner table.

According to Japan’s national newspaper, The Mainichi, the meat comes from “locally captured” wild bears, and is available around the clock.

People from regions around Tokyo have also inquired about buying the meat through mail orders, the newspaper said.

A local hunting club captures the bears in the mountains and then processes them at a slaughterhouse.

This is usually done during bear hunting season.

The meat is currently sold for 2,200 yen – $17 which is around £13 – with the words “black bear” and “bear meat” on display.

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On average, the vending machine sells between 10 to 15 packs of meat a week and supplies often run out due to limitations in stock.

A Soba Goro spokesperson told The Mainichi the bear meat tastes “clean” and it “doesn’t get tough, even when cold.”

“It can be enjoyed in a wide range of dishes, from stew to steaks,” they added.