Some of the best feeds in Japan can be found at bullet train stations. Here are my top 5 exclusive Shinkansen snacks for a delicious trip!
1. Unagi Eki-Ben (Grilled Eel Lunch Box)
Japan is well-known for its cheap lunch packs at convenience stores and supermarkets, but the varieties you can find at Shinkansen stations are a different beast altogether.
For instance, this unagi eel eki-ben or “train station bento” consists of delicious marinated grilled eel on top of a bed of steamed rice.
It also comes with plenty of side dishes like pickled vegetables, egg omelets, and fried chicken or seafood, making it the perfect package that keeps your Shinkansen trip fun and exciting!
2. Custard Melon Pan
Another common delicacy in Japan is the infamous melonpan. Again, the varieties you get at Shinkansen stations are far more wide and interesting.
Melonpans typically don’t come with such a robust custard filling, but this variety I got from the snack shop at Shin-Osaka station was truly something else (and actually tasted like melon which is a first)!
3. Special Yakisoba Pan
I’m starting to sound like a broken record here, but yes, yakisoba pans are also a local delicacy of Japan, and yes, Shinkansen stations have their own special varieties.
In this case, I found a version that not only had the usual fried noodles and savory sauces inside, but also a generous piece of fried potato croquette and a splash of tomato sauce that certainly gave it a kick and made me more full too!
4. Ohshima Sandwich Varieties
Crustless sandwiches are an absolute staple of the Japanese convenience store, but Shinkansen stations offer special branded sandwiches that not only provides more variety but higher quality ingredients too.
I tried this Ohshima sandwich that came with a sweet egg omelet half and a teriyaki chicken katsu half. Unlike the sandwiches from your local FamilyMart or 7-Eleven, these were much larger and full of potent flavor!
5. Belgian Waffle
Capping things off with something sweet (as you do), you can’t go wrong with the classic Belgian waffle sold at every Shinkansen station I’ve ever been to. In fact, you can even grab one of these bad boys from the trolley lady onboard the bullet train!
A little crispy on the outside and super soft on the inside, these Belgian waffles are the perfect snack for after you’ve downed a delicious lunch pack.
So there you have it! Kick back, relax, and enjoy the ride with these amazing Shinkansen snacks for your next trip across Japan!
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!