Ekiben: Railway Bento
Bento box meals offer a quick, healthy, and affordable way to enjoy a satisfying meal. The term “bento” originates from Southern Song Dynasty slang meaning “convenience,” and it became popular during Japan’s Kamakura period (1185-1333) when cooked and dried rice, known as hoshi-ii, emerged. Historically, bento were carried in intricate wooden lacquer boxes to hanami (tea parties), and they remained popular until after WWII when standardized food replaced them in school lunches. Bento regained popularity in the 1980s.
The emergence of ekiben
Japan’s extensive network of ultra-modern high-speed trains and well-maintained local trains has given rise to a unique food culture: the ekiben (駅弁), or train station bento box. These boxed meals, designed for on-the-go eating, reflect Japan’s regionalized cuisine and make train travel an authentically Japanese experience.
Japan’s first railway opened in 1872, connecting Shimbashi in Tokyo with Yokohama, and train travel quickly caught on. Vendors began selling pre-made lunches packed in wooden boxes, walking alongside trains before departure. As new train lines opened, so did new, regionally-inspired ekiben. The growing popularity of train travel, combined with the slower pace of early rail journeys, created a demand for convenient, portable meals. Ekiben became the perfect solution for hungry travelers. Today, buying a bento box at a train station before embarking on a journey remains one of the quintessential Japan experiences.
The golden age of ekiben
The 1980s are often considered the “Golden Age” of ekiben, a time when they reached peak popularity. With air travel still costly, many tourists opted for train travel, and ekiben provided a fast and convenient way to enjoy a healthy meal on the go. These bento boxes come pre-packaged with everything you need to enjoy your meal. Once seated, simply unwrap your bento and savor your food as the Japanese countryside passes by, perhaps even through the very fields where the rice in your ekiben was grown.
Regional ekiben
Larger train stations often feature numerous shops selling ekiben from various regions, while smaller stations offer local specialties, usually sold from glass cabinets or nearby counters. Though the contents of pre-packaged ekiben may not always be visible, photos nearby typically showcase what’s inside. Prices range from under 1,000 yen for a simple meal of rice, local vegetables, and a main dish, to around 3,000 yen for gourmet ekiben featuring delicacies like Wagyu beef.
Some chefs have taken the tradition of localized ekiben further, using local ingredients to create packages that pay homage to their regional roots. These ekiben also serve as unique souvenirs for visitors, offering a taste of the region. Whether you’re looking for something practical or a bit quirky, there’s an ekiben style to suit everyone.
Traveling by train in Japan is a fantastic way to explore the country, and with ekiben bento boxes available at nearly every station, you never have to worry about going hungry. These delicious, healthy meals will keep you energized and satisfied as you journey through Japan.
