Ekiben: The Art of Japanese Station Bento Boxes

Ekiben, a portmanteau of “eki” (station) and “bento” (boxed meal), are an integral part of the Japanese rail travel experience. These delightful boxed meals showcase regional specialties and culinary artistry, making them a must-try for any train journey in Japan.

What Makes Ekiben Special?

• Regional Flavors: Each ekiben represents local ingredients and cooking styles
• Seasonal Offerings: Many ekiben change with the seasons, featuring fresh, timely ingredients
• Artistic Presentation: Carefully arranged to be visually appealing
• Convenient Packaging: Designed for easy eating on trains
• Collectible Containers: Often featuring unique designs or reusable materials

Popular Ekiben Across Japan

1. Tohoku Region

• Tōge no Kamameshi (Yokokawa Station, Gunma): Rice, vegetables, and chicken cooked in a small pot
• Hitomebore Sansai Okowa (Ichinoseki Station, Iwate): Rice with mountain vegetables

2. Kanto Region

• Shōnan Aji (Odawara Station, Kanagawa): Assorted seafood on rice
• Gyūniku Domannaka (Utsunomiya Station, Tochigi): Grilled beef on rice

3. Chubu Region

• Sake Harasu Bento (Toyama Station): Grilled salmon belly on rice
• Hida Beef Bento (Takayama Station, Gifu): Premium Hida beef on rice

4. Kansai Region

• Osaka Eki-Naka Bento (Osaka Station): Assorted Osaka specialties
• Kobe Beef Bento (Kobe Station): Luxurious Kobe beef dishes

5. Chugoku Region

• Anago Meshi (Miyajimaguchi Station, Hiroshima): Grilled conger eel on rice
• Izumo Soba (Izumoshi Station, Shimane): Cold buckwheat noodles

6. Kyushu Region

• Ekiben Sushi (Nagasaki Station): Pressed sushi with local seafood
• Tonkotsu Bento (Hakata Station, Fukuoka): Pork-based ramen-inspired bento

How to Enjoy Ekiben

1. Purchase your ekiben at the station or on the platform before boarding
2. Some trains also sell ekiben on board, but selection may be limited
3. Don’t forget to pick up chopsticks and wet wipes
4. Wait until the train is moving steadily before eating
5. Dispose of your trash properly in designated bins on the train or at stations

Ekiben Etiquette

• Be mindful of strong-smelling foods in crowded trains
• Eat quietly and neatly to avoid disturbing other passengers
• Don’t leave any trash or food remnants at your seat
• Some ekiben containers are meant to be returned – check for instructions

Ekiben Events and Festivals

For ekiben enthusiasts, there are several events throughout the year:

• Ekiben Matsuri at Keio Department Store (Tokyo, usually in February)
• Ekiben Grand Prix at JR Nagoya Takashimaya (usually in January)
• Ekiben Festival at Hanshin Department Store (Osaka, usually in January)

Tips for Ekiben Lovers

• Research popular ekiben before your trip
• Arrive at the station early to ensure you have time to choose and purchase
• Consider buying an extra ekiben to enjoy later – many can last a few hours unrefrigerated
• Collect ekiben containers as unique souvenirs
• Try seasonal limited-edition ekiben for a special treat

Ekiben are more than just a convenient meal – they’re a delicious way to experience Japan’s regional cuisines and a cherished part of train travel culture. Next time you’re on a Japanese train journey, don’t miss the opportunity to savor these boxed delights!