Riding a Shinkansen (bullet train) is a staple of any trip to Japan. Gliding past Mount Fuji at 320 km/h is an unforgettable experience—but do you know what makes it even better? Eating your lunch out of a miniature, highly detailed bullet train while you do it!
Welcome to the wonderful world of the Shinkansen Bento or Ekiben.
Part delicious meal, part amazing souvenir, these special ekiben (station bento boxes) are highly coveted by travelers and locals alike. If you want to get your hands on a miniature Doctor Yellow, Hayabusa, or Komachi train on your next trip, here is your ultimate guide on where to find them and how to buy them.
What exactly is a Shinkansen Bento?
In Japan, eating on long-distance trains is a beloved cultural tradition. Stations sell Ekiben (a portmanteau of eki meaning station, and bento meaning boxed meal).
While many ekiben highlight regional delicacies in beautiful wooden boxes, the Shinkansen bentos are designed specifically with train enthusiasts in mind. The containers are made of sturdy, reusable plastic or ceramic, perfectly molded and painted to replicate famous bullet train models.
What’s inside?
Because they are primarily aimed at children (though adults buy them just as often!), the food inside is usually very approachable. You’ll typically find a kid-friendly spread of fried chicken (karaage), an octopus-shaped hotdog, a small rolled omelet (tamagoyaki), fried shrimp, and rice or onigiri.
Where to Buy Your Bullet Train Bento
1. Ekibenya Matsuri (Tokyo Station)
If you are passing through Tokyo Station, this is your best bet. Ekibenya Matsuri translates to “Festival of Station Bentos,” and it lives up to the name. Located on the 1st floor (inside the ticket gates) of the Central Passage, this massive shop sells over 200 varieties of ekiben from all over Japan.
- Pro-Tip: They have a dedicated section for character and train-shaped bentos. Look for the colorful boxes stacked high!
2. PLUSTA Bento & Major Shinkansen Stations (Shin-Osaka, Kyoto, Nagoya, Hakata)
You don’t have to be in Tokyo to find these. Almost every major bullet train hub will have large souvenir and bento shops both inside and outside the Shinkansen ticket gates. One of the most reliable options is PLUSTA Bento, a popular chain with shops conveniently located right inside the ticket gates at major Tokaido Shinkansen stations like Tokyo, Shinagawa, Nagoya, Kyoto, and Shin-Osaka.
- Shin-Osaka Station: Check out the “Ekibenya”, “Entree Marche”, or the PLUSTA Bento shop located inside the Central Ticket Gate.
- Kyoto Station: Look around the SUVACO area or visit the PLUSTA Bento directly inside the Shinkansen concourse.
3. Railway Museums
If you are planning to visit one of Japan’s incredible train museums, you are in luck. Both the Railway Museum in Saitama (near Tokyo) and the Kyoto Railway Museum sell exclusive train-shaped bentos at their on-site cafes and restaurants. Sometimes, they even have limited-edition models you can’t find at the stations!
4. Department Store “Depachika” Food Halls
Occasionally, especially during “Ekiben Fairs” (often held in January/February), the basement food halls of major department stores like Takashimaya, Daimaru, or Hankyu will import famous station bentos from across the country, including the Shinkansen varieties.
🚄 The Most Popular Models to Look For
Keep your eyes peeled for these fan favorites:
- E5 Series “Hayabusa” (Green): The sleek, iconic green train that runs up to Hokkaido.
- E6 Series “Komachi” (Red): The striking crimson train that runs to Akita.
- Doctor Yellow: The legendary, bright yellow diagnostic train. Spotting the real one is considered good luck, but buying the bento is almost as good!
- 0 Series: The classic, original bullet train with the round nose. A nostalgic favorite.
💡 Top Tips for Bento Hunters
- Go Early! The Shinkansen bentos are wildly popular. If you are catching an afternoon or evening train, there is a very high chance they will be sold out. Try to buy yours before 10:00 AM.
- Wash and Keep: The price of these bentos (usually between 1,200 and 1,500 JPY) includes the container. Take it back to your hotel, wash it out, and you have a fantastic, durable souvenir to take home. They make great pencil cases or display items!
- Check the Display: Stations usually have a plastic display replica of what is inside the bento. Make sure the food appeals to you before you buy!
- No Microwave Needed: Like almost all Japanese ekiben, these meals are designed to be eaten and enjoyed cold/at room temperature. Do not try to microwave your plastic train!
Happy travels, and enjoy your bullet train bites! 🇯🇵✨
