Is It Possible to Bring Food with You on the Shinkansen in Japan?

Yes, bringing your own food and drinks is perfectly acceptable on the Shinkansen in Japan. Whether you're traveling for business or leisure, you can bring your own meals and enjoy a comfortable journey without worrying about limited food options.

Bringing Your Own Meals

Passengers often bring their own meals or snacks to enjoy during their journey. Japanese trains, including the Shinkansen, have tables on which you can eat. It is common to see passengers, especially during business trips, having ekiben, which are special bento boxes designed for train journeys. These bento boxes are not only convenient but also offer a taste of local cuisine.

Alternatives for Train Food

If you prefer not to bring your own meal, there are several options available. You can buy food from a kiosk on the platform or from takeaway vendors at the station. Additionally, there are carts selling food and drinks on board the Shinkansen. These carts offer a variety of options, from hot meals to snacks, accommodating different tastes and dietary preferences.

Ekiben: A Must-Try Delicacy

One of the joys of traveling on the Shinkansen is trying ekiben, specially prepared boxed lunches that can be enjoyed on the train. It is a contraction of ekibento, with eki meaning station and bento referring to a boxed take-out meal. Ekiben often come in beautiful containers and can be found at many train stations near Shinkansen stops. They are not only tasty but also a great way to support local businesses and explore different regional dishes.

Personal Experience: My First Shinkansen Journey

Back in July 2000, I was about to embark on my first long-distance Shinkansen journey from Shin-Osaka to Tokyo. I was traveling on a Hikari super express, which has a journey time of just under 3 hours for the 515 km distance. Food was indeed an issue on this trip. At the Shin-Osaka station, I visited a station food shop and purchased an ekiben before boarding the train.

With my ekiben in hand, I had a seat on the Hikari super express. This journey was particularly exciting as I was about to arrive in Tokyo by Shinkansen for the first time. However, an hour into the trip, hunger set in, and I found myself contemplating whether to open my ekiben. I noticed other passengers, many of them busy businessmen, taking out their ekiben as well. Eventually, I decided to join them and enjoyed my lunch.

Key Learning Points: Bringing your own food can save you money and allow you to enjoy a more personalized meal. Before boarding, taking a bit of time to visit a station shop and buy an ekiben is highly recommended. However, if you don't want to bring your own, there are ample options available on and around the station, as well as on the Shinkansen itself. The sandwiches, while available, are not recommended given their limited quality compared to other options.

Conclusion

Whether you're a seasoned traveler or planning your first trip on the Shinkansen, bringing your own food or enjoying lokal delicacies like ekiben can be a delightful experience. The Shinkansen offers a comfortable and efficient way to travel, and with proper planning, you can make the most of your journey both in terms of convenience and enjoyment.