Best Ekiben You Should Try in Japan

1. Kamameshi (釜めし) – A Taste of Tradition in a Pot

Kamameshi, or "kettle rice," is a warm, comforting meal cooked and served in a small metal or ceramic pot. One of the most famous versions is the Toge no Kamameshi from Yokokawa Station in Gunma Prefecture. The rice is flavored with soy sauce and dashi and topped with a variety of ingredients like bamboo shoots, mushrooms, chestnuts, chicken, and quail eggs. The best part? You get to take the cute pot home as a souvenir.

📍Where to find: Yokokawa Station, Gunma
🧡 Great for: Fans of traditional, slow-cooked meals

Kamameshi

2. Katsu Sandwich – Crunchy, Portable Perfection

While not a bento in the traditional sense, the katsu sando (pork cutlet sandwich) is a wildly popular ekiben item—especially for travelers in a hurry. Thick slices of juicy pork cutlet are coated in crispy panko breadcrumbs, fried to golden perfection, and sandwiched between soft white bread with tangy tonkatsu sauce. It's compact, mess-free, and deeply satisfying.

📍Where to find: Tokyo, Osaka, Nagoya stations and convenience stores nationwide
🧡 Great for: Quick bites, Western-style flavor lovers

3. Shokado Bento – Refined Flavors in Every Bite

Inspired by kaiseki, Japan’s elegant multi-course cuisine, the Shokado Bento transforms your train ride into a gourmet experience. Each compartment holds a carefully prepared dish—grilled fish, fluffy tamagoyaki (Japanese omelet), simmered vegetables, and other seasonal specialties. With its balance of colors, textures, and flavors, this bento is perfect for travelers who enjoy variety and sophistication in one beautifully arranged box.

📍Where to find: Kyoto Station and premium ekiben shops
🧡 Great for: Balanced meals, foodies seeking variety

Katsu Sando

4. Kakinoha Sushi (柿の葉寿司) – Preserved Elegance

Originating from Nara and Wakayama, kakinoha sushi is a unique regional specialty featuring bite-sized sushi wrapped in fragrant persimmon leaves. Typically made with cured mackerel or salmon over vinegared rice, the persimmon leaves help preserve the sushi, making it perfect for long journeys.

📍Where to find: Nara, Wakayama, Osaka stations
🧡 Great for: Sushi lovers, fans of delicate regional specialties

Kakinoha Sushi

5. Yakiniku Bento – Grilled Meat Goodness on the Go

Yakiniku means “grilled meat,” and this bento delivers just that—flavor-packed slices of beef, often marinated in a sweet and savory soy-based sauce, grilled to perfection. Served over white rice and accompanied by pickles and seasonal vegetables, the yakiniku bento is a satisfying and hearty option that gives you a taste of Japanese BBQ without needing a grill.

📍Where to find: Sendai, Tokyo, and Osaka stations
🧡 Great for: Meat lovers, bold and satisfying meals

Yakiniku Bento (Kyoto)

6. Tenmusu – The Best of Tempura and Onigiri

A specialty from Nagoya, tenmusu combines two beloved staples: tempura and rice balls. Shrimp tempura is wrapped inside lightly salted rice and nori (seaweed), creating a satisfying bite that’s both crunchy and chewy. It’s simple, tasty, and easy to eat with your hands.

📍Where to find: Nagoya Station
🧡 Great for: Snackers, fans of fusion comfort food

Tenmusu (Nagoya)

7. Yakisaba Oshi Sushi – Smoked Mackerel Delight

This pressed sushi (oshi-zushi) features slices of savory, slightly charred grilled mackerel atop seasoned rice. Popular in Fukui and the Hokuriku region, it offers a deep, smoky flavor and often comes wrapped in bamboo leaves for freshness. It's a hidden gem among Japan's many sushi ekiben.

📍Where to find: Fukui Station, Kanazawa Station
🧡 Great for: Bold flavors, seafood enthusiasts

Yakisaba Oshizushi

8.Kashiwa Meshi (かしわめし) – Kyushu's Chicken Rice Classic

A beloved ekiben from northern Kyushu, kashiwa meshi features flavorful rice cooked in chicken broth and topped with shredded seasoned chicken (kashiwa means chicken in old Japanese), thinly sliced egg crepe, and seaweed. It’s simple yet deeply comforting, capturing the homestyle essence of Fukuoka and its surroundings. This bento has a long history and is especially popular on the JR Kagoshima and Nagasaki lines.

📍Where to find: Kokura Station (Fukuoka), Hakata Station
🧡 Great for: Chicken lovers, travelers seeking local flavors of Kyushu

Kashiwa Meshi (Kyushu)

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Final Thoughts

Whether you're a seasoned foodie or just looking to enhance your journey with something local and delicious, ekiben are an essential part of the Japanese train travel experience. From delicate sushi wrapped in leaves to hearty grilled meats and regional rice specialties, each meal tells a story of the area it comes from.

Tip: Ekiben shops often run out quickly—especially popular ones like Kamameshi or Tenmusu—so try to arrive early at the station and grab your pick before boarding.

👉 You can check some of the ekiben available at Tokyo Station here:
https://shopping.jreast.co.jp/order/stores/M018-T001/?mode=take-out