Creative bento boxes from Japan’s stations — so fun, you’ll want to keep the containers!

Japanese train travel isn’t just about getting from point A to point B—it’s a full sensory experience, and nothing captures that better than ekiben, or station bento. While many travelers enjoy these meals for their delicious local flavors, some ekiben stand out for a different reason: their incredibly creative packaging. These bento boxes are so delightful, you’ll want to take them home as souvenirs. Here’s part 2 of our roundup of the most playful, surprising ekiben across Japan.

 

 

---

 

🐮 Matsusaka Beef Ekiben That Sings: “Moo-taro Bento” (Mie)

Famous for its premium Matsusaka beef, Mie Prefecture is also home to this unforgettable bento. When the lid, shaped like a black cow’s face is  opened, it plays “Furusato,” a nostalgic children’s song loved across Japan. As Japan’s first-ever musical ekiben, it makes a memorable impression.  Inside, you’ll find a generous serving of sukiyaki-style Matsusaka beef. It’s a feast for the eyes, ears, and stomach—a luxurious, entertaining meal that lives up to its nickname as the “No.1 Entertainer of Ekiben.”

 

📍 JR Matsusaka Station / ¥1,700 / Ekiben no Aratake 

 

---

 

🍑 Peach-Shaped Momotaro Sushi Ekiben: “Momotaro no Matsuri zushi” (Okayama)

Okayama is famous for Momotarō, the legendary “Peach Boy” hero.  The Momotarō no Matsurizushi celebrates this folklore with a peach-shaped container filled with colorful festival-style sushi. Generous toppings of seafood and vegetables rest on a bed of fluffy shredded egg. Festive, vibrant, and full of regional charm, it’s a joyful bite of Okayama’s heritage.

 

📍 JR Okayama Station & others / ¥1,200 / Miyoshino Honten 

 

---

 

🌰 Classic Chestnut Rice Ekiben: “Kuri Meshi”（Kumamoto）

First released in 1966, the Kuri Meshi (chestnut rice) is a beloved handmade ekiben from Kumamoto. Five large chestnuts sit atop seasoned rice mixed with finely chopped kanpyō (dried gourd). Hand-prepared sides like tamagoyaki (egg), simmered chicken, tofu, and hijiki seaweed complete this comforting taste of home.  Although flood damage suspended train service on the Hisatsu Line between Yatsushiro and Yoshimatsu, you can still pre-order this nostalgic bento at the station shop.

📍 JR Hitoyoshi Station store / ¥1,250 / Hitoyoshi Ekiben Yamaguchi 

 

---

 

🦀Crab Lovers’ Ekiben with Reusable Shell: “Echizen Kanimeshi” (Fukui)

This eye-catching red crab-shaped box holds a true crab feast. The Echizen Kanimeshi layers rice infused with female snow crab roe and kani miso (crab tomalley), then tops it with tender red snow crab flakes and juicy crab leg meat. The layered flavors and satisfying richness make this a must-try for seafood lovers.

 

📍 JR Fukui Station & others / ¥1,550 / Banjyo honten

 

---

 

🐙 Octopus Pot Ekiben with Limited Editions: “Hipparidako Meshi” (Hyogo)

A long-time favorite since 1998, this bento comes in a charming ceramic pot modeled after a traditional octopus trap used by local fishermen. Inside, you’ll find simmered octopus, conger eel, seasonal vegetables, and rice–  packed with umami and local flavor. Over the years, the makers have released many special editions, including a shiny gold version to mark 10 million sold, and even one inspired by the 500 series Shinkansen.

 

📍JR Nishi-Akashi Station & others / ¥1,380–1,680 / Awajiya

 

---

 

✨ Why You’ll Love These Ekiben

These ekiben are more than meals—they’re edible keepsakes of your journey. The creative packaging connects you to the region’s history, culture and character in a way that’s both fun and delicious. Many travelers collect the containers or repurpose them as bowls, organizers, or even plant pots. So next time you board a train in Japan, keep an eye out for these unforgettable bento boxes!

 

pc:Wataru Nishiyama