Ekiben—short for eki (station) and bento (boxed meal) —has long been a beloved part of train travel in Japan, especially on the iconic Shinkansen (bullet train). These boxed meals are designed to be portable, flavorful even when cold and considerate in aroma for fellow passengers. What started as a local custom has become a global fascination, turning a simple train ride into a must-have dining experience.

 

 

 

Ekiben trace their origins to 1885, when the Nippon railway (now part of the JR East Tohoku Main Line) extended its service to Utsunomiya Station. At the station, a local inn called Shirokiya began selling simple onigiri (rice balls) to passengers. What began as a humble offering has since evolved into elaborate, well-balanced bento boxes that showcase regional ingredients and culinary traditions. 

 

Railway photographer, Hiroshi Sakurai, who also supervised the popular manga Ekiben Hitoritabi (A Solo Ekiben Journey) once said, “If the wrapper design catches your attention, the taste of the bento is likely to be just as impressive. These covers reflect the care and dedication of the people who make them and tell a story about how ekiben have evolved over time.”

 

Today, every prefecture boasts its own specialty ekiben, each reflecting the local flavors and culture. In part one of this feature, we’ll introduce ekiben from four major regions: Tokyo, Kyoto, Osaka and Hiroshima. 

 

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Tokyo

 

 

 

Chicken Bento – A Classic Loved by All Ages

 

📍 Available at JR Tokyo Station and others – ￥950

 

This long selling bento debuted with the launch of the Tokaido Shinkansen. Its retro packaging adds to its charm,  while the nostalgic flavors inside have remained unchanged: simple ketchup rice and crispy, spicy fried chicken. The tangy pickles on the side balance the savory combination of the rice and fried chicken. 

 

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Kyoto

 

 

Barazushi – A Local Delicacy Featuring Fluffy Mackerel Flakes

 

📍 Available at JR Kyoto Station – ￥1,188

 

Barazushi is a regional specialty of the Tango area featuring layers of vinegared rice topped with seasonal ingredients and oboro (fluffy minced flakes) made from Japanese mackerel. Torimatsu uses only high-quality domestically sourced mackerel caught in peak season and prepared with a sweet-savory glaze that evokes the comforting flavors of home cooking. 

 

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Osaka

 

 

Takoyaki Bento –A Two-Tier Feast Full of Good Fortunes 

 

📍 Available at JR Shin-Osaka Station – ￥1,620

 

One of Osaka’s most famous takoyaki shops created this must-try bento for fans of the iconic street food. The first tier features flavorful octopus rice; the second holds eight generously sized takoyaki cooked in dashi – with eight symbolizing good fortune in Japan. As a fun bonus, the lid’s seal doubles as an omikuji (fortune slip), adding a playful and memorable touch to your train journey.

 

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Hiroshima

 

 

Simmered Octopus Bento – The Original Takomeshi Loved Across Generations   

 

📍 Available at JR Mihara Station and others – ￥1,280

 

Hamakichi first sold this best-selling ekiben in 1953. The octagonal box nods to the octopus’s eight legs. A generous portion of tender, simmered octopus rests on a bed of mildly sweet rice mixed with chopped octopus. The rice, soaked in a flavorful broth, makes every bite a delightful experience.  

 

 

Conger Eel Bento (Standard Size) – A Beloved Classic for Over 100 Years

 

📍 Available at JR Miyajimaguchi Station (at 7-Eleven in front of the station) – ￥2,700

 

First sold in 1897 at the old Miyajima Station, this bento remains a true local favorite. The seasoned rice, simmered in a rich dashi broth, is topped with expertly arranged slices of grilled conger eel glazed with a traditional sauce passed down through generations. Even the packaging hints at its deep-rooted history. It’s especially popular during peak travel seasons, so making a reservation is highly recommended.  

 

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Feeling hungry yet? The next time you’re in Japan, be sure to leave yourself enough time to browse the ekiben shops before boarding your train. Trust me—you won’t want just one. With so many tempting choices, you’ll likely end up with a few. There’s truly nothing quite like enjoying a delicious ekiben while watching the scenery roll by. So, which ekiben would you pick at the station?

 

 

PC: Wataru Nishiyama 西山 航