5 Ekiben You’ll Want to Try When You Travel from Tokyo Station

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There’s nothing like rushing via Japan aboard a modern Shinkansen bullet prepare, a steaming cup of inexperienced tea warming your fingers, and the colourful panorama speeding previous your window. Just one factor might make your journey even higher: a superbly packaged field full of culinary delights – an ekiben. These specifically curated bento packing containers, offered at prepare stations throughout Japan, are a culinary journey in themselves! This quintessential Japanese journey expertise, combining scenic views with scrumptious meals, is a must-do. 

For those who’re setting off from Tokyo Station and questioning what delectable ekiben to decide on, you’ve come to the fitting place! We’re about to unveil 5 must-try ekiben that may elevate your Shinkansen journey, and we’ll let you know all about these epic lunchboxes.

What’s Ekiben? 

Ekiben (which accurately interprets to “station bento”) is a quintessential a part of the Japanese journey expertise. In spite of everything, we eat on airplanes, so why not on long-distance trains? These specifically curated lunch packing containers, offered at prepare stations throughout Japan, are designed to be loved on lengthy journeys. Additionally they provide a scrumptious and handy strategy to pattern regional specialties, from freshly caught crab in Fukui to famed Yonezawa beef in Yamagata. Courting again to the Eighteen Eighties, ekiben have lengthy supplied an accessible window into Japan’s numerous culinary panorama. Consider them as the final word prepare traveler’s consolation meals! 

Whether or not you’re craving a character-themed bento or a style of regional delicacies, an ekiben transforms a easy prepare experience right into a scrumptious and memorable expertise. Tokyo Station, a serious journey hub, is not any exception, boasting a wide selection of unimaginable ekiben to kickstart your journey, so let’s discover out the place to get your fingers on one!

The place to seek out Ekiben? 

Inside Station 

Again within the previous days, ekiben distributors strolled up and down prepare platforms, providing their culinary wares to passengers via open prepare home windows. Whereas these charming scenes have gotten rarer, with most ekiben now offered in station retailers and kiosks, the custom of having fun with a particular meal in your prepare journey continues. 

For those who’re searching for the final word ekiben expertise in Tokyo Station, we suggest heading straight to Ekibenya Matsuri (駅弁屋 祭). Simply past the central Marunouchi entrance, this retailer boasts a staggering choice, providing 200+ bento varieties from throughout Japan. With native Tokyo specialties to regional delicacies, seasonal creations, and even self-heating choices, Ekibenya Matsuri is a one-stop store for exploring the various world of ekiben, making it the go-to place for first-timers and seasoned fans. They even characteristic rotating visitor cooks and in-store preparations, guaranteeing a recent and thrilling day by day choice.

Web site: Ekibenya Matsuri

Entry: Central passage between JR platforms #6 and #7

Enterprise Hours: 05:30 – 22:00 all days

Telephone#: 03-3213-4353（9:00～19:00）

Fee: Money, Credit score Playing cards, Suica, and e-money accessible

Shinkansen 

Whereas some trains provide onboard bento gross sales, the choice is usually restricted, and never all trains present this service. To keep away from disappointment and make sure you snag the right meal on your journey, buying your ekiben earlier than boarding is at all times greatest. For those who’re touring in Inexperienced Automobile or Gran Class, you would possibly discover a barely wider choice accessible onboard, however it’s nonetheless a good suggestion to verify your particular prepare route beforehand to see what shall be accessible. For those who didn’t have time to hit a retailer earlier than your journey, there are ekiben distributors on the prepare platforms, too.

Platform Manners When You Take pleasure in Your Ekiben Inside Trains 

Having fun with your ekiben on the Shinkansen is a must-do, however a couple of fast ideas will improve your expertise. 

• Consuming is completely acceptable on long-distance trains (similar to bullet and categorical trains), however keep away from it on native or commuter trains. 

• You should definitely clear up after your self and eliminate your trash appropriately, separating recyclables and burnables (bins are clearly marked on board). 

• Lastly, be at liberty to take pleasure in a beer or chuhai along with your ekiben. It’s a standard and accepted observe; simply hold the amount down (it’s a prepare, not an izakaya!). 

5 Beneficial Ekiben You Can Purchase at Tokyo Station 

Whereas Tokyo Station has different ekiben retailers, Ekiben-ya Matsuri’s recognition is well-deserved. It gives a number of the station’s most sought-after bentos, together with our high 5 picks under.

1. Tokyo Bento from Tokyo 

First up: the long-lasting Tokyo Bento. Immediately recognizable by its field emblazoned with Tokyo Station, this bento is a culinary tour of town. Inside, you’ll discover delicacies from seven famend Tokyo eating places. Assume salmon from Ningyocho’s Uokyu, savory sweetened beef, and bamboo shoots courtesy of Asakusa’s Imahan, completely layered tamagoyaki (rolled omelet) from Sushitama Aoki, and seasonal greens from Nihonbashi Daimasu, all complemented by an array of aspect dishes. For those who really feel overwhelmed by alternative, this traditional bento is a scrumptious and handy strategy to pattern the very best of Tokyo.

Worth: 2,000 yen

2. Gindara Makunouchi from Tokyo 

The Gindara Makunouchi ekiben is a protein-packed lunch. It options Gindara Yuzu Miso (grilled silver cod with yuzu miso), the well-known Edo Umani (a savory fried hen stew) from Nihonbashi Omasu, and Yuzu Kosho fried hen for a citrusy kick. Alongside these flavorful mains, you’ll discover a fluffy omelet, conventional kamaboko fish truffles, pickled eggplant, and a colourful array of soy-mirin seasoned greens (suppose butterbur, burdock, carrot, shiitake mushroom, and extra!). This ekiben is designed to be decrease in fats, making it a satisfying but lighter alternative.

Worth: 1,580 yen

3. Unagi Kabayaki Bento from Kanagawa 

Unagi, grilled eel, is a Japanese delicacy prized for its wealthy taste and reputed stamina-boosting qualities. This Unagi Kabayaki Bento from Kanagawa options uncommon, domestically caught eel, expertly grilled to realize that excellent stability of crispy pores and skin and melt-in-your-mouth tenderness. Generously laid over a mattress of fluffy white rice, the glistening eel is a feast for the eyes and tastebuds! Contained in the field, you’ll discover a pleasant mixture of flavors and textures, together with skinny egg strips, crisp Nara pickles, a savory-sweet broiled eel sauce, and a sprinkle of Japanese pepper for a delicate kick.

Worth: 2,980 yen

4. Gyutan Bento from Miyagi 

One minor disadvantage of ekiben is that they’re often served at room temperature. However in order for you one thing scorching, Japan’s modern spirit shines via with self-heating bento packing containers, simply noticed all through Tokyo Station. Simply pull a string, and your meal warms up, permitting you to really feel like Japan is really residing sooner or later! The gyutan (grilled beef tongue) bento is a main instance. Not solely is the self-heating characteristic cool, however the bento itself is extremely scrumptious. Gyutan is a Sendai specialty, and this ekiben gives a style, even for those who can’t make it to Miyagi. Thick slices of tender, salt-aged beef tongue are served over rice, providing a novel texture and wealthy taste, completely complemented by pickled greens.

Worth: 2,080 yen

5. Hipparidako Meshi from Hyogo

Searching for a tasty memento? Nishi Akashi, from Hyogo Prefecture, is thought for its scrumptious octopus, and its Hipparidako Meshi ekiben is a must-try. The ekiben is available in an enthralling clay pot formed just like the octopus traps used within the native waters. It’s as pleasant to have a look at as it’s to eat! Inside, you’ll discover flavorful rice cooked with Akashi octopus alongside seasonal greens, bamboo shoots, and shiitake mushrooms, providing a real style of the area.

Worth: 1,380 yen

*Whereas we attempt our greatest to be correct, costs are topic to alter

From lovable children’ bentos in collectible Shinkansen packing containers to limited-edition seasonal delights, the world of ekiben is huge and scrumptious. These 5 are simply a place to begin on your journey! So, seize an ekiben subsequent time you depart from Tokyo Station (or any Shinkansen station!). It’s the right strategy to savor native flavors, embrace a beloved Japanese custom, and elevate your Japan expertise. Which one will you attempt first? 

Japan Marvel Journey Excursions 

Japan Marvel Journey is a journey company that provides guided excursions all through Japan. 
From personal strolling excursions to scrumptious Meals and Drink excursions, we may also help you set up the very best excursions only for you! If you wish to discover Japan and be taught extra concerning the historical past and backstories of every space you’re visiting, our educated and pleasant English talking guides will fortunately take you to the very best spots! 
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