Ekiben is a slang Japanese term meaning “train station lunch box.” Sold at all Shinkansen stations, here are my top 3 choices of ekiben!
If you thought the dirt-cheap bento boxes at Japan’s convenience stores were good, the ekiben lunches sold at Shinkansen bullet train stations take things to the next level!
Not only will you find ekibens sold at select train stations, but even on the platforms!
Typically, the train station ekiben stores can often get crowded, particularly during peak times, so I’d recommend sussing out the platform before your Shinkansen arrives!
1. Tokaido Shinkansen Bento
If you’re traveling to or from Tokyo, you’ll most likely be catching the Takaido Line Shinkansen bullet train.
This train is famous for its amazing views of Mt. Fuji as you head toward Tokyo from the Kansai region (Osaka or Kyoto prefectures).
Hence, this Tokaido Shinkansen Bento was made to honor this iconic route with its awesome packaging featuring a Shinkansen window catching a view of Mt. Fuji.
Once you open the box, you will be met with a generous helping of assorted food items such as bite-sized rice cakes, fried shrimp, unagi eel, steamed vegetables, and other delightful goods.
Ekibens are designed to be eaten cold as to not create smells in the bullet train, so don’t be alarmed that your meal wasn’t heated!
All in all, the Tokaido Shinkansen Bento is perhaps the best introductory ekiben for first-timers on the bullet train as you get a little bit of everything inside and a funky package design!
2. Aji Ori (あじおり) Ekiben
Okay, just about all ekibens come with a funky design as you can see by this Aji Ori or “your flavor” ekiben.
A salmon pink design that encourages a dedication to perfection, this ekiben is all about presentation both inside and out.
Unlike the previous ekiben, this one features a horizontal design and a larger box with more generous portions.
Indeed, the moment you open the box you will be quite impressed at how neatly organized and well-presented all the little dishes are.
A generous helping of steamed rice with seasoning and a cherry tomato in the center makes for an aesthetically pleasing look.
The food itself consists of many tasty items such as karaage chicken, ebi (shrimp) tempura, tamago (sweet egg omelet), and other assorted pickled vegetables.
3. Summer Journey Ekiben
Last but not least is perhaps the most artistic ekiben I’ve ever had, known as the “Summer Journey Ekiben.”
This lunch pack showcases a brilliant art design on the box showcasing a summer theme.
The yellow color scheme features sunflowers, a pretty blue bird, and an old school steam train with a mountain background.
The presentation of the food inside is truly unmatched featuring distinct sections separated by thin wooden barriers.
Seafood is the name of the game with the Summer Journey Ekiben, offering a huge variety including unagi eel, octopus, shrimp, salmon, and mackerel.
It also comes with tempura vegetables, pickled radish, steamed pumpkin, rice, and a little mochi cake for dessert.
Of course, if you are planning to visit Japan, you’ll need a way to get around the country as efficiently and affordably as possible. Japan Rail provides an abundance of travel passes to suit your travel needs. So whether you are traveling individually or as a group, the JR Pass is every traveler’s go-to for getting around and making the most of your time in Japan!
