Ekiben

Ekiben (Japanese駅 弁) are a specific type of Japanese bento meals that are sold in Japan in railway trains and at railway stations. At that time it was a simple dish of rice balls stuffed with umeboshi, which were packaged in a bamboo leaf.

The first Ekiben sold on Utsunomiya train station in 1885.

Today one can find many types Ekiben in the station building, buy on the platforms or on the train. You are, to the extent necessary for consumption, disposable chopsticks enclosed. Often hot or cold tea is offered to it.

Ekiben containers can be designed very expensive plastic, wood or ceramics. Different stations are known for their tasty Ekiben of local specialties.