Why Tokyo Station’s ekiben are special (quick guide)
Tokyo Station is often called “the holy ground of ekiben.” Inside the gates, the 1F shop “Ekibenya Matsuri” alone carries 150+ varieties and opens from 5:30–22:00. You’ll also find “Ekibenya Odori” and the 2024-opened “Ekibenya Matsuri Select,” so you can grab hits quickly before your train. Limited items (including Gransta-only bentos) are another big draw for Japan travel fans looking for local food and traditional gifts to enjoy on the go.
Tokyo Station ekiben: independent popularity ranking TOP 10
- 1st:
Gyuniku Domannaka (Shinkineya) — ¥1,480 — Ekibenya Matsuri / Ekibenya Odori (inside gates). A perennial No.1 classic. - 2nd:
Meat Mix Curry B Type (Aubergine) — ¥1,696 — Gransta Tokyo B1 (inside gates). Famous as a TV/film crew lunch. - 3rd:
Gransta Tokyo Beef Bento (Asakusa IMAHAN) — ¥1,512 — Gransta Tokyo B1. Premium kuroge wagyu simmered in a signature sauce. - 4th:
Chicken Bento (JR East Cross Station / Nihonbashi Daimasu) — ¥980 — Ekibenya Matsuri / Ekibenya Odori. A 60-year bestseller. - 5th:
Gyutan Bento Yuzu-Kosho Flavor (Date no Gyutan Honpo) — ¥1,920 — Gransta Tokyo B1. Thick-cut beef tongue with a citrus-chili kick. - 6th:
Gransta-Only 5-Flavor Inari Assortment (Mameda) — ¥979 — Gransta Tokyo B1. A little of everything—gomoku, wasabi, yuzu, and more. - 7th:
Charcoal-Grilled Style Gyutan Bento (Nihonbashi Daimasu) — ¥1,380 — Ekibenya Matsuri / Ekibenya Odori. Often top-selling; comes in a self-heating box. - 8th:
Maguro & Ikura Bento (Nihonbashi Daimasu) — ¥1,580 — Ekibenya Matsuri / Ekibenya Odori. A go-to seafood favorite. - 9th:
Fukagawa-meshi (Nihonbashi Daimasu) — ¥1,100 — Ekibenya Matsuri / Ekibenya Odori. A classic Edo-style local dish as ekiben. - 10th:
Ebi Senryo Chirashi (Shibata Sanshinken) — ¥1,580–1,690 (varies by set) — Ekibenya Matsuri / Ekibenya Odori. A beauty with toppings hidden beneath thick tamago.
MUST TRY Top 3 — bento you shouldn’t miss at Tokyo Station
Gyuniku Domannaka (Shinkineya) Steamed Yamagata “Domannaka” rice topped with sweet–savory simmered beef and crumbled beef—an icon of station bentos. The soy glaze aroma and tender beef stay delicious even when cool. A perfect first pick if you’re new to Tokyo Station ekiben. Using Ekibenya Odori’s mobile pre-order helps you pick up smoothly before departure.
Meat Mix Curry B Type (Aubergine) A beloved European-style curry in ekiben form from Aubergine, known in TV/film circles. Three meats—beef, pork, and chicken—are slow-cooked in a buttery, gently spiced sauce for a mellow, rich finish. Flavorful yet not heavy, easy to enjoy on the train. It’s a Gransta-only special that heightens that “things to do in Japan” travel mood; it can sell out after noon, so grab it early.
Ebi Senryo Chirashi (Shibata Sanshinken) Lift the fluffy thick omelet to reveal shrimp, ikura, anago, kohada, crab, and pink denbu over vinegared rice—a playful “treasure box” of seafood. Fragrant yet refined, it’s considerate for the train environment. With bright colors and balanced flavors, it’s a memorable choice for Japan travel food lovers and a tasteful edible souvenir.
Summary
Tokyo Station uniquely brings together limited-edition bentos and regional specialties in one place. Based on recent sales trends and on-the-ground picks, meat lovers should look to Domannaka, Aubergine’s curry, and IMAHAN’s beef; seafood fans can’t go wrong with Ebi Senryo, Maguro & Ikura, or Fukagawa-meshi. Short on time? Head for Ekibenya Odori or Select; if you want to browse, try Ekibenya Matsuri and Gransta’s limited items. For Japan travel planners searching “things to do in Japan,” “souvenirs,” “local food,” or “traditional gifts,” these ekiben are tasty, portable highlights to start your journey.