Shinkansen Ekiben Guide | How to Choose and Popular Rankings
How to choose a Shinkansen Ekiben (Station Bento). We explain the criteria for choosing meat, light meals, or what to pick when you are unsure.
“Which Ekiben should I choose?” There are so many types of Ekiben (Station Bentos) for the Shinkansen that it’s easy to get lost. Moreover, you will be eating it “while traveling.” If you choose the wrong one, your satisfaction will drop significantly. This page outlines the “foolproof ways to choose an Ekiben” depending on your situation.
Basic Rules for Choosing an Ekiben
- Short travel time → Something light and easy to eat
- Long distance → Satisfying meat-based bento
- Worried about smells → Sandwiches or Sushi
① Hearty & Satisfying! Meat-based Ekiben
From Sendai’s Beef Tongue to Yonezawa’s Beef Domannaka, meat bentos designed to taste great even when cold are extremely satisfying. Perfect for long-distance travel or “when you really want a full meal.”
② Fresh Seafood! Seafood-based Ekiben
If you visit areas known for their seafood, like Hokkaido’s Crab Rice or Toyama’s Trout Sushi, you absolutely cannot miss these. Recommended when you want to feel the travel vibe or enjoy local flavors.
③ When in doubt! Classic Local Makunouchi
Classics from a specific region, such as Kiyoken’s Shumai Bento, are highly perfected and you never get tired of them. This is the most reliable choice as a “safe bet” when you can’t decide.
④ Common Mistakes
- Smells too strong, making it awkward to eat
- Portions are too large to finish
- Choosing something that is difficult to eat on a moving train
Conclusion: How to Choose When in Doubt
- Focus on satisfaction → Meat-based
- Travel vibe → Seafood
- Safe bet → Makunouchi
What if you want to take it home as a souvenir?
If you are choosing a gift to take home, we recommend souvenirs with a longer shelf life.
View Souvenir Guide