Five Delicious Ekiben to Savor During Your Journey from Tokyo Station
Unveiling the Captivating World of Ekiben: The Excellent Train Travel Bento in Japan
Embarking on a journey through Japan aboard the Shinkansen bullet train is a memorable experience in itself. But imagine enhancing this adventure with an exquisitely packaged box of culinary delights—a quintessential ekiben! This must-do experience offers rare oppor-tunity to savor regional specialties, all while admiring the vibrant scenery passing by.
Tokyo Station, a major travel hub, offers a plethora of these delectable ekiben to start your journey on a high note. Today, we delve into five must-try ekiben that are sure to elevate your Shinkansen trip.
What is Ekiben?
Ekiben, which translates to "station bento," is a treasured aspect of Japanese travel culture dating back to the 1880s. Dedicated to providing travelers with convenient, delicious meals on their journeys, these specially curated lunchboxes offer an accessible insight into Japan's diverse culinary delights. From fresh seafood in Fukui to Yonezawa beef in Yamagata, these culinary explorations are not to be missed!
Where to Find Ekiben?
Often situated in storefronts or kiosks within the station, ekiben vendors can be easily located during your transit.
Setting off from the bustling Tokyo Station, you will find a myriad of spectacular ekiben options. One highly recommended stop is Ekibenya Matsuri, just beyond the Marunouchi entrance, boasting a staggering range of over 200 bento varieties hailing from across the country. With its broad selection, including self-heating options and rotating guest chefs, Ekibenya Matsuri is the envy of all ekiben enthusiasts!
Platform Manners When Enjoying Ekiben Inside Trains
Eating onboard long-distance trains is not only acceptable but encouraged! In the spirit of enjoying this culinary tradition, follow these simple tips:
- Clean up after yourself and dispose of trash carefully; bins are clearly marked on board for burnable and recyclable waste.
- Keep noise levels reasonable (it's a train, not an izakaya!).
5 Recommended Ekiben at Tokyo Station
Among Tokyo Station's various ekiben shops, Ekibenya Matsuri stands out for its popular and top-rated bento selection. Here are our top five picks you won't want to miss!
1. Tokyo Bento
The iconic Tokyo Bento showcases delicacies from seven renowned Tokyo restaurants, offering a flavorful representation of the city. Inside the box, you'll find an assortment of Tokyo specialties, such as salmon, savory sweetened beef, bamboo shoots, tamagoyaki, and side dishes, making it a delightful culinary tour of the capital.
2. Gindara Makunouchi
If you prefer a lighter meal but still crave protein, opt for the Gindara Makunouchi ekiben, featuring grilled silver cod, savory fried chicken stew, citrusy yuzu-kosho fried chicken, plus assorted vegetable sides.
3. Unagi Kabayaki Bento
This traditional bento showcases grilled eel, a Japanese delicacy known for its rich flavor and energizing qualities. Savor the tender eel atop a bed of fluffy rice, complemented by thin egg strips, pickled vegetables, eel sauce, and a sprinkle of Japanese pepper.
4. Gyutan Bento
Experience innovative Japanese cuisine with the self-heating gyutan bento. This delicious, hot meal features grilled beef tongue and pickled vegetables, all at your fingertips. Simply pull the string, and the meal heats up with the latest technology available!
5. Hipparidako Meshi
Discover the essence of Nishi Akashi, in Hyogo Prefecture, with the delightful clay pot Hipparidako Meshi ekiben. Inside, you'll find flavorful rice cooked with locally caught octopus, along with seasonal vegetables, bamboo shoots, and shiitake mushrooms, offering a true taste of the region.
- As you traverse Japan on the Shinkansen bullet train, elevate your adventure by tasting regional specialties through the delightful train travel bento known as ekiben.
- Tokyo Station, a significant travel hub, provides an array of these coveted ekiben, promising a mouthwatering start to your Shinkansen journey.
- Ekiben, or station bento, is a cherished aspect of Japanese travel culture that originated in the 1880s, offering travelers convenient, delectable meals as they traverse the country.
- Ekiben ya Matsuri, conveniently situated beyond the Marunouchi entrance of Tokyo Station, offers over 200 unique ekiben varieties from across Japan, making it a must-visit for ekiben enthusiasts.
- To follow station manners while enjoying ekiben onboard trains, ensure you clean up after yourself and dispose of trash properly, and keep noise levels reasonable, as the train is not a bar (izakaya).
- During your exploration of Tokyo Station's ekiben shops, don't miss the chance to savor the iconic Tokyo Bento, featuring delicacies from renowned Tokyo restaurants, or the Hipparidako Meshi, boasting locally caught octopus and vegetables, offering a true taste of the Nishi Akashi region in Hyogo Prefecture.
