Eating Up Japan

The Delicious World of Ekiben

Exploring Japan's Iconic Train Station Bento Boxes

As the long Shinkansen train pulls into Tokyo station, I wait with a sense of high anticipation. Anticipation not only for the journey I am about to take but also for what is in the Ekiben I am carrying, carefully composed and packed into a bamboo bento box, covered with a colorful decorative wrapper, and suspended from the index finger of my right hand.

One of the great pleasures I look forward to when traveling by long-distance train in Japan is enjoying Ekiben.

Ekiben, literally 'station bento,' are boxed lunches traditionally sold at train stations throughout Japan and intended to be consumed on long train journeys.

The roots of ekiben go way back to the time before railroads when travelers would either pack their bento or purchase bento at one of the many teahouses set up along well-traveled routes.

Later, when the Kabuki theater became popular, theatergoers were sold Makunouchi Bento (lit. 'between the curtains bento') sold and consumed during the event and between the acts.

In the late 19th century, as train travel became available to the public, entrepreneurs began to make and sell the first boxed lunches at railway stations. An increase in the popularity of ekiben began after World War II when Japanese train travel became more widespread.

Today, ekiben can be found at almost every station in Japan serving long-distance trains, and there are over 3,000 different varieties available throughout the country.

But ekiben are not just any boxed lunch; they are cultural experiences.

Ekiben have become a quintessential element of Japanese food culture. They are not just tasty meals but also provide travelers with a sense of comfort and familiarity during a long train journey. Many Japanese people have fond, nostalgic memories of eating ekiben on family trips or school excursions and look forward to similar experiences in their current travels.

Many ekiben are unique and feature seasonal local ingredients, regional specialties, and traditional cooking methods, and travelers look forward to sampling local specialties as they pass waypoints along a journey.

For example, a traveler passing through Hyogo prefecture might be tempted to try the famous octopus bento, served in a reusable ceramic pot. Or a traveler stopping in Toyama might opt for the seafood bento featuring fresh trout and salmon. Some travelers even plan their routes so that they can try specific ekiben that they know of or have heard about.

Not only are the ingredients and flavors unique, but the packaging and presentation of ekiben are also carefully and creatively crafted. Many ekiben are presented in specially designed boxes or containers, featuring colorful traditional illustrations from the local area, scenes of local attractions, or even characters from Japanese pop culture.

Some of the larger train stations in Japan, such as Tokyo Station, have extensive selections of ekiben. These larger stations also have dedicated ekiben shops, where you can find many boxed lunches. Some, like Ekibenya Matsuri, offer bento from all over Japan. They even invite chefs and cooks from other locations to visit the facility and cook and offer their regional selections locally so that regional cuisine can be experienced on the spot.

In addition to train stations, ekiben can be found at certain department stores, convenience stores, and specialty shops throughout Japan. Some of these stores even offer online shopping and delivery services, making it easier for you to try different types of ekiben from your home.

Overall, finding and trying different types of ekiben is a fun and exciting way to explore Japan's diverse culinary culture, and plenty of options are available at train stations and other locations throughout the country.

Japanese ekiben are a testament to the country's culinary creativity and dedication to quality. They offer a unique opportunity to taste the local cuisine and culture of different regions of Japan while on the move.

Whether you are a local or a visitor to Japan, an ekiben is a must-try culinary experience that will leave you with a full stomach and a smile on your face.