Ekiben, or “station bento,” is a type of Japanese bento box that is sold at train stations throughout the country. These bento boxes are typically made with local ingredients and feature a variety of flavors and styles that reflect the region they are sold in.
The word “ekiben” is a combination of “eki,” meaning “train station,” and “ben,” short for “bento,” which is a traditional Japanese lunch box. Ekiben are believed to have originated in the early 20th century, when train travel became popular in Japan and travelers needed a convenient and portable meal option.
Today, ekiben are enjoyed by millions of travelers each year and are considered a culinary highlight of train travel in Japan. Each station typically has its own unique ekiben, featuring local specialties such as seafood, meat, vegetables, and rice. Some popular examples include:
- Kaisendon: A seafood bowl with fresh sashimi, rice, and vegetables, popular in coastal regions.
- Oden bento: A hearty winter bento featuring stewed vegetables and protein such as fish cakes, tofu and boiled eggs in a savory broth.
- Nikumaki onigiri: Grilled rice balls wrapped with thinly sliced meat such as beef, chicken, or pork.
- Yakitori bento: A bento featuring grilled chicken skewers, rice, and vegetables, popular in many regions of Japan.
In addition to their delicious flavors and convenience, ekiben are also known for their beautiful packaging, which often features local motifs and designs that reflect the region they are sold in. Some collectors even travel from station to station to collect different ekiben boxes as a souvenir.
Whether you’re a local or a tourist, exploring the delicious world of ekiben is a must-try experience when traveling by train in Japan.
