Japanese Train Station Food: 10 Special Ekiben You Should Try
Japanese train station food is far more than a quick meal for the journey. At the heart of it is ekiben—regional bento boxes crafted to showcase local flavours, seasonal ingredients, and thoughtful presentation. Found at stations, platforms, and onboard long-distance trains, ekiben turns rail travel into a uniquely Japanese culinary experience.
A Brief History of Ekiben
Ekiben dates back to the late 19th century, when simple meals such as rice balls and pickles were sold to train passengers during Japan’s early railway expansion. As rail travel grew, ekiben evolved into a source of regional pride—promoting local produce, specialties, and culinary identity.
Today, Japan offers plenty of ekiben varieties, many of which change with the seasons and are eagerly collected by travellers.
Why Ekiben Is More Than Just a Bento Box
Regional Flavours in Every Box
Each ekiben reflects its place of origin, from gyutan (beef tongue) in Sendai and crab in Hokkaido to unagi (eel) in Shizuoka and soba-inspired bentos in Nagano. Eating ekiben allows travellers to taste different regions without leaving the train.
Designed for Travel
Ekiben is intentionally prepared to taste good without reheating. Rice stays flavourful when cool, pickles add balance, and proteins are lightly seasoned rather than overly sauced—practical design shaped by experience.
Thoughtful Presentation
Visual harmony is central to ekiben. Boxes often feature carefully arranged ingredients, seasonal colours, and packaging inspired by local culture. Some even showcase regional landmarks or illustrations, making the container part of the experience.
Seasonal Ekiben: Eating with the Seasons
Like traditional Japanese cuisine, ekiben changes throughout the year:
Spring: Bamboo shoots, sakura-themed designs
Summer: Lighter flavours and grilled fish
Autumn: Mushrooms, chestnuts, sweet potato
Winter: Hearty rice and simmered dishes
Seasonal ekiben reflects Japan’s deep appreciation for time, place, and mindful eating.
Where to Buy the Best Ekiben
Major stations such as Tokyo Station, Osaka Station, and Nagoya Station feature dedicated ekiben streets or food halls with an impressive range of regional options. Tokyo Station, in particular, is known for offering ekiben from across Japan in one convenient location.
Map of selected famous ekiben in Japan | ©Google Maps / Ekiben Museum / JR East
From iconic classics to regional specialties, here are 10 special ekiben that reveal why Japanese train station food is so beloved by travellers and locals alike.
(1) Toge no Kamameshi (Gunma)
(2) Masu no Sushi (Toyama)
(3) Shiumai Bento (Yokohama)
(4) Crab Ekiben (Hokkaido & Hokuriku)
(5) Gyutan Bento (Sendai)
(6) Unagi Bento (Shizuoka)
(7) Yonezawa Beef Bento (Yamagata)
(8) Tori-meshi Bento (Akita)
(9) Ebi Senryo Chirashi (Niigata)
(10) Daruma Bento (Gunma)
(1) Toge no Kamameshi (Gunma)
Source: Web Japan
One of Japan’s most iconic ekiben, Toge no Kamameshi is served in a traditional ceramic pot. Inside is seasoned rice topped with chicken, shiitake mushrooms, bamboo shoots, burdock root, chestnuts, and a quail egg. Hearty and comforting, it is designed to be enjoyed slowly while watching the scenery pass by.
Where to buy: Takasaki Station and other major Gunma stations along the Joetsu Line.
(2) Masu no Sushi (Toyama)
Source: Japan Rail Pass
Masu no Sushi features pressed trout laid over vinegared rice and wrapped in bamboo leaves. Simple yet refined, this ekiben reflects Toyama’s coastal heritage and is often sliced like a cake and shared. Its clean flavours make it especially enjoyable even when eaten cold.
Where to buy: Toyama Station and select stores in Toyama Prefecture.
(3) Shumai Bento (Yokohama)
Source: Kiyoko Main Store
A long-time favourite since 1954, Yokohama’s Shumai Bento centres around plump pork dumplings served with rice, fish cake, bamboo shoots, and pickles. Influenced by the city’s Chinatown history, it is one of the most widely recognised ekiben in Japan.
Where to buy: Yokohama Station and nearby ekiben shops.
(4) Crab Ekiben (Hokkaido & Hokuriku)
Source: Live Japan
Crab ekiben is a must-try in northern Japan, particularly the classic Sandai Kani Aji Kurabe Bento in Hokkaido. Generously topped with various crab meat such as snow crab, red king crab and horsehair crab, these bentos highlight the region’s seafood abundance. Sweet crab paired with lightly seasoned rice makes for a luxurious train meal many travellers seek out specifically.
Where to buy: Sapporo Station (Hokkaido) and Kanazawa Station (Hokuriku region).
(5) Gyutan Bento (Sendai)
Source: Food Sake Tokyo
Sendai is famous for gyutan, or grilled beef tongue, and its ekiben - Gokusen Sumibiyaki Gyutan Bento showcases this local specialty beautifully. Served with barley rice and pickles, the smoky, savoury meat adds depth and richness, making it one of the most popular meat-focused ekiben.
Where to buy: Sendai Station and selected local stores.
(6) Unagi Bento (Shizuoka)
Source: The Japan News
Known for its eel dishes, Shizuoka offers unagi ekiben featuring tender grilled eel glazed with sweet soy sauce over rice. Balanced and flavourful, it is especially popular on routes passing through the region.
Where to buy: Shizuoka Station and nearby railway shops.
(7) Yonezawa Beef Bento (Yamagata)
Source: Japan Rail & Travel
Made with premium Yonezawa wagyu, this ekiben - Gyuniku Dommanaka highlights one of Japan’s top beef varieties. Thinly sliced beef is simmered in a sweet-savoury sauce and laid over rice, creating a rich yet well-balanced meal that feels indulgent even when eaten cold.
Where to buy: Yonezawa Station on the Yamagata Shinkansen line.
(8) Tori-meshi Bento (Akita)
Source: The Japan News
A beloved local classic sold at Odate Station, Tori-meshi Bento features seasoned rice topped with tender chicken, often paired with pickles and simple side dishes. Its comforting flavours and affordability make it a favourite not just among tourists, but locals as well.
Where to buy: Akita Station and selected stations along the Ou Main Line.
(9) Ebi Senryo Chirashi (Niigata)
Source: Japan Rail Club
This visually striking ekiben combines vinegared rice with shrimp, eel, egg, and seafood toppings. Elegant yet filling, it reflects Niigata’s reputation for quality rice and coastal produce.
Where to buy: Niigata Station and specialty ekiben shops nearby.
(10) Daruma Bento
Source: Japan Rail Club
Daruma Bento is a playful and iconic ekiben from Gunma Prefecture, named after the daruma, a traditional Japanese good-luck doll. The bento is packed with seasonal mountain vegetables, chicken, and pickles, all arranged inside a daruma-shaped container that adds charm and a sense of occasion to the meal.
It’s not just tasty—it’s also visually delightful, making it a favourite for travellers who want both flavour and a unique souvenir from their journey.
Where to buy: Takasaki Station and other major stations along the Joetsu Line.
These ekiben are more than just boxed meals—they’re a way to experience regional Japan, seasonal ingredients, and Japanese craftsmanship, all while enjoying a scenic train ride.
Planning your journey? For the ultimate Japan travel experience, check out our guide: Japan by Rail: 10 Scenic Train Routes for Every Season—perfect for pairing stunning landscapes with your ekiben adventure.
Enjoyed reading our articles? Check out others below!
Hop on a train and discover ekiben, Japan’s iconic boxed meals that turn every ride into a taste of regional cuisine.