Researched guide · Checked on Nov 2, 2026
An ekiben is a boxed meal sold at train stations to eat on the train. Buying one before you board the Shinkansen is part of the fun of traveling in Japan, and Tokyo Station has ekiben from all over the country. Here is what to know.
Quick answer
What it is: a station bento box made to eat on the go, often with a regional specialty.
Where to buy in Tokyo: Tokyo Station, which sells ekiben from across Japan. Ekibenya Matsuri is inside the ticket gates in GRANSTA Tokyo.
Price: from under ¥1,000 for a simple box to about ¥3,000 for gourmet ones such as wagyu beef.
Where to eat: on the Shinkansen and limited express trains. Short local trains are not the place for a meal.
What is an ekiben?
Ekiben are boxed meals made for eating on the go. According to the Japan National Tourism Organization (JNTO), they grew up with train travel: Japan’s first railway opened in 1872 between Shimbashi in Tokyo and Yokohama, vendors sold boxed lunches on station platforms, and new regional ekiben often appeared when new lines opened. Many show off local food from the region they come from.
Where to buy ekiben in Tokyo
JNTO notes that Tokyo Station has a collection of regional ekiben from all across Japan. The best-known shop is Ekibenya Matsuri, inside the ticket gates on the 1st floor central passage in GRANSTA Tokyo, according to JR East. Because it is inside the gates, you need a ticket to get in, so buy your ekiben after you enter for your Shinkansen. Check the shop’s current hours before you go.
Allow time: Tokyo Station is big, and our Shinkansen guide suggests 15 to 20 minutes to reach the Shinkansen platforms from the subway or local lines. See also our Tokyo Station guide.
Prices and types
- Price: from under ¥1,000 for a simple meal to about ¥3,000 for gourmet boxes such as wagyu beef.
- Self-heating boxes: some ekiben warm themselves, such as a charcoal-grilled beef tongue bento from Miyagi.
- Boxes to keep: some come in containers you can take home, like a Daruma-shaped box from Gunma that doubles as a piggy bank.
- Vegetarian and allergies: vegetarian and vegan options are limited, but Tokyo Station has some, marked with pictograms. Gluten-free options are rare, and soy sauce is common, so check the label. See vegetarian, vegan and halal food in Tokyo.
Where you can eat it
JNTO says eating and drinking are fine on the Shinkansen and other express trains, and some have staff selling food and drinks. Short-distance local trains are not the right place for a meal: they get crowded, so keep to your space. For more on train manners, see trains in Tokyo.
FAQ
What is an ekiben?
A boxed meal sold at train stations to eat on the train, often featuring a regional specialty.
Where can I buy ekiben in Tokyo?
At Tokyo Station, which sells ekiben from all over Japan. Ekibenya Matsuri is inside the ticket gates in GRANSTA Tokyo.
How much does an ekiben cost?
From under ¥1,000 for a simple box to about ¥3,000 for gourmet ones.
Can I eat on the Shinkansen?
Yes. Eating and drinking are fine on the Shinkansen and limited express trains, but avoid meals on crowded local trains.
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Sources
Ekiben history, prices and manners come from the Japan National Tourism Organization; the shop location from JR East (checked November 2, 2026). Please check the shop’s current hours before you go.
