Trains run through every nook and cranny of Japan.
One of the fun things about going on a trip on a Shinkansen or limited express train is all the unique ekiben (station bento) available at the different stations around the country.
There’s something especially delicious about a bento lunch eaten on a train journey!
I’m going to be introducing some popular ekiben from around the country that are available in station shops, as well as on platforms and inside train carriages.
First up is Touge-no-Kamameshi, which is famous throughout Japan.
This extremely popular bento constantly comes in first in nationwide ekiben rankings.
Inside a Mashiko pot is rice packed with ingredients including chicken, great burdock, shiitake mushrooms, egg, and chestnuts.
You can purchase them at stations such as JR Yokogawa Station in Gunma Prefecture, and JR Karuizawa Station and Nagano Station in Nagano Prefecture.
Masu-no-Sushi is another famous ekiben; it’s a bento version of Toyama Prefecture specialty masuzushi.
It comes in a wooden box, with masuzushi wrapped in bamboo grass.
As well as its interesting and striking appearance, the taste is of course top-class, too.
They are available for purchase at stations such as JR Toyama Station and JR Shin-Takaoka Station in Toyama Prefecture.
The culinary treasure-trove of Hokkaido naturally also offers a wide and varied range of ekiben.
Especially popular is ika-meshi—squid stuffed with rice, with a salty-sweet flavor.
Its appeal lies in its simple but interesting taste.
Kakinoha-zushi, a local specialty from around Nara and Wakayama Prefecture, is also popular as an ekiben.
It contains fish, such as a mackerel and salmon, wrapped in persimmon leaves (kaki-no-ha).
It can be eaten with your hands, making it perfect as train food.
This unique cow-shaped Mootaro Bento ekiben uses premium Matsusaka beef.
What’s more, it even plays a Japanese nursery song when you open the lid! Sukiyaki, made with Matsusaka beef—what else do you need to know about the taste?
These ekiben are available for purchase at stations such as JR Matsusaka Station in Mie Prefecture.
The ekiben I’ve introduced here are only a small selection of the wide range available at stations around the country.
Make sure to have a look in the station shops if you’re traveling by train!
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