Ekiben: Enjoy Boxed Meals During Train Rides! 6 Shops at Major Stations

Enjoy Ekiben While Riding Trains in Japan

Beef Domannaka Ekiben. Picture courtesy of PR Times

Traveling by train in Japan offers not only the enjoyment of scenic views from the window but also the pleasure of tasting ekiben. Ekiben are special bento boxes filled with local flavors unique to the area.

The colorful presentations and creative packaging of ekiben lunch boxes are also appealing. Enjoying a meal of ekiben while traveling will be a unique experience that captures the essence of Japan.

In this article, we explain where to buy ekiben and which types are popular.

Ekiben: Japan's Boxed Meals for Train Rides

Sawara Saikyoyaki Bento by Kyoto Yamaroku. Picture courtesy of PR Times

Ekiben are special bento boxes sold at train stations in Japan. They are designed for enjoying a meal while traveling by train and are filled with local specialty ingredients and traditional dishes.

In the United States, there is a chain called "Ekiben Baltimore," but the "ekiben" offered there is entirely different from Japan's ekiben.

There are various theories about the origins of Japan's ekiben, but it is said to have started in 1885 at Utsunomiya Station in Tochigi Prefecture, where it consisted of two rice balls and pickled daikon wrapped in bamboo leaves.

Initially, they were meant to satisfy hunger during journeys, but they have since become widely established as one of the joys of train travel. Ekiben are generally more luxurious than regular bento boxes and tend to be priced higher.

Nonetheless, they are cherished by many as items that create a special travel experience and allow for cultural engagement with the area.

Famous Ekiben Meals

Makunouchi Bento. Photo by Pixta
When it comes to classic ekiben, the Makunouchi Bento is a staple, featuring rice accompanied by a variety of side dishes such as tamagoyaki (Japanese omelette), nimono (simmered dishes), kamaboko (fish cake), and pickles. With its colorful presentation, this popular bento allows you to enjoy a range of flavors and textures in small portions.

Makunouchi Bento is a type of bento (boxed lunch) that performers and audience members ate during intermissions of kabuki performances in the Edo period. It is characterized by a variety of side dishes, including rice, simmered dishes, and grilled items.

Most ekiben generally consist of rice and side dishes, but there are also popular variations such as donburi (rice bowls) with side dishes on top of the rice, and kamameshi, which is mixed rice cooked with freshly steamed rice and ingredients.

Toge no Kamameshi. Photo by Pixta

In addition to this, there are many beloved regional ekiben that have been enjoyed for years, such as Shumai Bento with Chinese meat dumplings, Tōge no Kamameshi, which is popular in Nagano, and Masu no Sushi, a type of pressed sushi made in Toyama Prefecture.

E6 Komachi Lunch. Picture courtesy of PR Times

There are also various ekiben shaped like different types of Shinkansen, which are popular among children.

The photo above shows a product from Sekineya, a long-established ekiben shop in Akita Prefecture, featuring the design of the Akita Shinkansen on its packaging. These ekiben can be purchased at locations such as Tokyo Station, Shin-Osaka Station, and Kyoto Station.

Where Can You Buy Ekiben?

Photo by Pixta

Ekiben are mainly sold at major stations with high transfer traffic, such as Tokyo Station and Shin-Osaka Station, as well as at stations located in tourist areas or large stations with many passengers and commercial facilities.

You can find a diverse range of ekiben, from small stations that sell only one type of local specialty to places like Tokyo Station, which offers over 200 different varieties.

On the other hand, smaller unmanned stations or those primarily used for commuting and school routes typically do not sell ekiben.

Additionally, due to their popularity, ekiben are sometimes sold outside of stations, such as at department store event halls or supermarkets, often for a limited time. Events like ekiben fairs, ekiben exhibitions, and prefectural product expos provide opportunities to purchase ekiben from all around Japan.

Experience Local Specialties! 6 Recommended Shops to Buy Ekiben

Ekiben, which allow you to enjoy local flavors, reflect the local culture and history, making your travel experience even more enriching. Be sure to discover Japan's abundant ingredients and the charm of bento lunch boxes, creating wonderful memories that will last a lifetime.

Here, we will introduce convenient stations and shops for purchasing ekiben. We will also highlight representative local ekiben available at each station, so be sure to give them a try!

1. Tokyo Station: Ekibenya Matsuri in Gransta Tokyo

Picture courtesy of PR Times

As the capital of Japan and the starting point for trains heading towards all the regions, Tokyo Station is a major terminal station positioned at the center of Japan's rail network.

Within Tokyo Station, there is a shop called Ekibenya Matsuri - Gransta Tokyo, which features a selection of the finest ekiben from across the country.

The Tokyo Bento. Picture courtesy of PR Times

Ekibenya Matsuri sells over 200 varieties of ekiben, including popular options from various regions, original ekiben focused on meat, seafood, and vegetables, as well as limited-time offerings. Among these, the long-selling favorites, such as beef tongue bento from Sendai and the chicken bento, are particularly popular.

At the entrance to the store, there is an impressive display of ekiben that serves as a popular photo spot for visitors to Japan. True to its name, Ekibenya Matsuri feels like a festival of ekiben every day, creating a lively and colorful atmosphere that captivates the eyes of everyone who visits.

Ekibenya Matsuri - Gransta Tokyo
Location: Inside Tokyo Station, Gransta Tokyo, 1st floor, Central Passage Area (within the ticket gates)
Hours: 5:30 - 22:00
Official Website: https://foods.jr-cross.co.jp/matsuri/

2. Shinagawa Station: ecute Shinagawa

Picture courtesy of PR Times

ecute Shinagawa, directly connected to Shinagawa Station, is a commercial facility that houses about 90 stores, including restaurants, clothing shops, and bookstores, in addition to ekiben.

Among these, approximately 30 shops offer a diverse range of bento and side dishes, from Japanese cuisine to Western food, allowing you to choose from a rich selection.

Here, you can purchase the award-winning "Delicious! Tsukadama Tartare Chicken Nanban Bento" from Tsukada Farm, which has received gold awards in various bento categories, including the Japan Location Bento Award.

Additionally, we recommend trying the popular Tempura Rice Bowl (Three Types), Tempura Musubi, and Shrimp Tempura Pressed Sushi from Kaneko Hannosuke, known for its Edomae-style tempura. Since some items are limited in quantity, it's a good idea to buy them early if you spot them!

ecute Shinagawa
Location: Inside JR Shinagawa Station
Hours: Vary by store
Official Website: https://www.ecute.jp/shinagawa/

3. Shin-Osaka Station: Tabi Bento Ekiben Nigiwai - Ekimarche Shin-Osaka

Photo by Pixta

Inside the commercial facility Ekimarche Shin-Osaka the ekiben shop Tabi Bento Ekiben Nigiwai boasts a rich selection and is a popular destination for ekiben lovers.

Here, a long showcase measuring 17 meters features over 100 carefully selected ekiben from across the country. The sight of ekiben lined up from Wakkanai Station at the northern tip of Hokkaido to Kagoshima-Chuo Station in the south is truly impressive.

Among the staple items, the Tabi no Nigiwai Gozen, a makunouchi bento filled with red rice and Osaka specialties, and the Okame Bento, topped with various seasoned ingredients on a bed of dashi rice, are particularly popular for offering a variety of flavors in one bento.

Tabi Bento Ekiben Nigiwai - Ekimarche Shin-Osaka Station Store
Location: Inside JR Shin-Osaka Station, 3rd floor, within the conventional line ticket gates, outside the east ticket gate
Hours: 6:30 - 22:00
Official Website:https://shinosaka.ekimaru.com/shopguide/detail/29

4. Kyoto Station: Tabi Bento Ekiben Nigiwai Kyoto

Picture courtesy of PR Times

At Kyoto Station, there are multiple locations where you can purchase ekiben, making it easy to obtain them with minimal walking distance. Among these, Tabi Bento Ekiben Nigiwai Kyoto offers a particularly wide selection.

This shop is located in the overhead north-south passage outside the ticket gates at Kyoto Station, making it accessible not only for travelers but also for locals, resulting in a bustling atmosphere.

Additionally, there are five other locations of the same Tabi Bento chain within Kyoto Station, including inside the west ticket gate and on the platform of the Sagano Line, allowing you to choose a convenient spot to make your purchase.

Sawara Saikyoyaki Bento by Kyoto Yamaroku. Picture courtesy of PR Times

The Kyoto no Bento from Hokusaido, which includes luxurious components of Kyoto's flavors, and the popular Uzumasa Nori Bento, well-known from the Toei Eigamura amusement park in Kyoto, are highly satisfying staple products.

Tabi Bento Ekiben Nigiwai Kyoto
Location: Overhead north-south passage at Kyoto Station
Hours: 7:00 - 21:30
Official Website: https://www.hokusai-kyoto.co.jp/kyotoeki/tabibento.html

5. Nagoya Station: Delica Station

If you're looking to choose ekiben at Nagoya Station, the Delica Station, located near the Taiko-dori entrance and around the Shinkansen ticket gates, as well as throughout the platforms, is a convenient option.

Delica Station operates under the concept of being a "slightly upscale food select shop," making it perfect for those who want to enjoy a luxurious experience during their travels.

Notably, the Dr. Yellow Lunch Box, exclusive to the Linear Railroad Museum, features a packaging design that appeals not only to children but also to adults.

Additionally, the Miso Katsu & Large Ebi Fry Bento, made with local Nagoya ingredients, is a hearty option with substantial main dishes that pairs well with rice.

Delica Station
Location: Nagoya Station concourse, platforms, conventional lines, etc.
Hours: 6:00 - 22:00 (varies by store)
Official Website: https://www.nsk-eki.com/nagoya/map/detail/?cd=000178

6. Hakata Station: Omiyage Kaido Hakata Shop

Right in front of the Shinkansen central ticket gate at Hakata Station, you will find the souvenir shop Omiyage Kaido Hakata Shop.

This is the largest store within the Shinkansen ticket area at Hakata Station, and its ekiben section offers a variety of delicious bento made with famous products from Hakata and western Japan.

One popular item is the Hakata Mentaiko Gyumeshi Bento from Hakata ShouEiken, which combines the local specialty of spicy cod roe with beef sukiyaki.

Additionally, the Kurobuta Mentaiko Bento, made with Kurobuta pork from Kagoshima, also offers a delightful collaboration with spicy cod roe.

Omiyage Kaido Hakata Shop
Location: Shinkansen Hakata Station, 2nd-floor concourse (right in front of the central ticket gate)
Hours: 7:00 - 21:00
Official Website: None

Buy Your Favorite Ekiben and Enjoy Your Train Ride!

Japan's ekiben reflect the local specialties, food culture, and history, making them one of the joys of traveling. Since the same ekiben are not sold at every station across the country, it's best to purchase them at stations with a rich selection.

At major stations like Tokyo Station and Shin-Osaka Station, you can choose from a variety of options, including nationally renowned ekiben and the best-selling bento in Japan. Be sure to savor the delicious ekiben that will make your journey in Japan even more captivating!

Written by Kakutama editorial team