Journey through Flavor: Exploring the Delights of Ekiben

Railway bento (Ekiben) is a part of Japanese culture. It's an essential piece of the journey, easily obtainable at major train stations to quickly address dining needs. Railway bento, along with beer, embodies the emblematic pleasures of Japan's Shinkansen. The railway bento that can only be purchased 'here' serves as a symbol of the journey. Moreover, railway bento highlights local characteristics from ingredients to packaging, making a bento box a preview of the trip – the perfect fusion of travel and culinary delights. The Railway Bento Festival hosted by Tokyo Keio Department Store can even be described as a grand celebration of cuisine.

So, what should you buy before boarding the Shinkansen? Without a doubt, it's the ekiben!”

Introductions to Ekiben [Updated from time to time]

Hippari Takomeshi - Okayama version

from JR Okayama Station

"Hippari Takomeshi" was originally a local dish in Akashi City, Hyogo Prefecture. However, with the opening of the Akashi Kaikyō Bridge, it gained widespread recognition in Kobe City as well. Currently, the "Hippari Takomeshi" from Awajiya, available at Kobe Station, has become famous and is renowned as an ekiben (train station bento) known throughout the country. In the Okayama version, they use the local specialty "sawara" (Spanish mackerel). The wrapping paper depicts a Tancho crane from one of Japan's Three Great Gardens, "Korakuen," and Okayama Castle, also known as Ujo. The ceramic pot of the Hippari Takomeshi, inspired by the traditional octopus trapping method of Akashi, would make a great souvenir.