Have you heard of Ekiben? The word comes from EKI (station) and BEN (short for BENTO, or lunch box).
In Japan, opening an ekiben on the train is part of the travel experience.
Tokyo Station is one of the best places to find them, with options from all over the country.
In this article, I’ll share different types of ekiben you can buy before your journey.
In this article, I’ll introduce different types of ekiben you can buy at Tokyo Station.
If you are new to Tokyo Station, check my [Tokyo Station Guide]
Why Choose Ekiben Instead of a Restaurant?
Tokyo Station is full of restaurants, but when your train has a set departure time, it’s not always easy to sit down for a meal.
An ekiben is convenient: you can grab one quickly and enjoy it once you’re settled in your seat, watching the scenery pass by.
A Taste of Japan You Can Take With You
There is a surprising variety of ekiben available.
You’ll find all kinds of ekiben, such as:
- Makunouchi – a traditional style with rice, fish, egg, and side dishes
- Meat dishes
- Seafood dishes
- Regional specialties
At Ekibenya Matsuri, one of the most popular shops in Tokyo Station, you’ll usually find more than 200 kinds on sale.
Opening a small bento box on the train is an easy way to experience Japanese food culture during your journey.
Classic Makunouchi Bento at Tokyo Station
If you want to enjoy Japanese culture through ekiben, the Makunouchi bento is a great choice. This traditional style that combines small portions of fish, meat, egg, and vegetables. The colorful presentation and variety in one box make it especially appealing.
Tokyo Bento
Tokyo Bento is a Makunouchi-style bento that brings together specialties from seven long-established Tokyo restaurants.
Beautifully arranged, it reflects the food culture of Edo–Tokyo and lets you enjoy a variety of classic flavors in one box.
| Item | Details |
|---|---|
| Price | Around ¥2,200 |
| Portion size | Medium |
| Contents | Rice Grilled sablefish in sake marinade Simmered beef with bamboo shoots Japanese omelet Simmered vegetables and burdock root Soy-simmered clams Pickled radish Sweet potato jelly |
My personal favorite is the grilled sablefish — rich, tender, and full of flavor.
Meat Ekiben at Tokyo Station
Meat-based Ekiben are always popular.
Their seasoning is usually designed to be enjoyed even when eaten later, and they provide the kind of hearty satisfaction that makes long train rides more pleasant.
Beef Domannaka Bento
Made with Yonezawa beef, one of Japan’s top wagyu brands. This bento is consistently among the best sellers at Ekibenya Matsuri in Tokyo Station.
It’s a beef bowl–style bento topped with simmered beef and soboro (seasoned ground beef) cooked in a special sauce
| Item | Details |
|---|---|
| Price | Around ¥1,500 |
| Portion size | Filling |
| Contents | Rice Simmered beef Soboro (seasoned ground beef) Tamagoyaki (Japanese omelet) Pickles |
Plenty of beef with a bold, satisfying taste.
A dependable pick if you want something hearty for the train.
Chicken Bento
A long-selling ekiben for over 60 years since the Showa era. The retro package, crispy fried chicken, and tomato-flavored rice create a simple yet nostalgic taste.
Popular with both kids and adults, it ranks second in sales at Ekibenya Matsuri.
| Item | Details |
|---|---|
| Price | Around ¥950 |
| Portion size | Medium |
| Contents | Tomato-flavored rice Fried chicken (karaage-style) Scrambled egg Salad (carrot, red cabbage, and beets） Smoked cheese |
This karaage-style fried chicken is so popular that it’s even sold separately.
Seafood Ekiben at Tokyo Station
Japan is an island nation surrounded by the sea, so seafood has always been a big part of the local diet.
At Tokyo Station you can find many kinds of seafood bentos, from crab and salmon with ikura to pressed sushi and clams. It’s a great way to try the flavors of Japan’s coastal regions in one meal.
Salmon and Ikura (Salmon Roe) Bento
A colorful bento topped with grilled salmon and seasoned salmon roe. The rich, salty-sweet ikura matches perfectly with the soft salmon, making it a favorite for seafood lovers.
| Item | Details |
|---|---|
| Price | Around ¥1,700 |
| Portion size | Medium |
| Contents | Soy sauce–flavored rice Grilled salmon Ikura (salmon roe) topping Small side dishes |
Tips for Buying Ekiben at Tokyo Station
Tokyo Station has many shops that sell ekiben.
Here are a few convenient spots that travelers can easily use. Each place has its own character, so you can choose depending on your time and purpose.
Where to Buy Bento at Tokyo Station
There are four main areas where you can buy ekiben at Tokyo station.
Each one has different features, so it helps to know the options before your trip.
Ekibenya Matsuri (1F)
- Inside the ticket gates on the 1st floor, in the Gransta Tokyo area
- The largest ekiben shop with more than 200 kinds available every day
- Famous as a “theme park of ekiben,” gathering popular boxes from all over Japan
- Expect crowds, especially around lunchtime
Ekibenya Odori (1F)
- A small shop located right next to Matsuri
- Sells popular ekiben
- The selection is limited, but it is usually less crowded and easier to buy from
- A good alternative if Matsuri is too busy
Gransta Bento Area (B1F)
- A basement-level area inside the gates, filled with bento shops
- Offers a wide variety of bentos created by popular restaurants and specialty stores
- Recommended if you want something different from the classic choices or a more stylish option
Shinkansen Concourse Shops (1F)
- Small kiosks located inside the Shinkansen ticket gates
- The variety is limited, but very convenient right before boarding
- Useful as a last option when you don’t have much time
Best Time to Buy
You can find ekiben all day, but the variety and crowd levels change depending on the time. If you want a specific bento, timing makes a big difference.
- Morning (8:00–11:00): The best selection, including limited and special items.
- Noon (11:30–13:30): The busiest time. Popular bentos often sell out, and shops get crowded.
- Afternoon (14:00–16:00): Restocking time. Good variety and usually less busy.
- Evening (after 18:00): Fewer choices. Most popular bentos are already sold out.
In Summary: Enjoying Ekiben at Tokyo Station
Ekiben are a simple way to make your train journey more enjoyable.
Tokyo Station gathers choices from all over Japan, so it’s easy to find one that suits your taste.
Next time you pass through, take a few minutes to pick your favorite box and start your trip with a little taste of Japan.
If you plan to stay near Tokyo Station, check my →Tokyo Station Hotels Guide for convenient options.