Does the Shinkansen Have Food?

Food on Shinkansen
If you’ve traveled by train in Japan, or if you’re planning a journey, one of the questions that might come to mind is, “Does the Shinkansen offer food onboard?” Let’s dive into the recent updates and what passengers can expect.

Shinkansen Onboard Offerings: A Glimpse into the Past

Is there food on the shinkansen? Traditionally, the type of food and drinks available onboard the Shinkansen varied based on the company and the specific train service. On the Tokaido and Sanyo Shinkansen lines, travelers could indulge in a range of options, from bento boxes and sandwiches to coffee, soft drinks, and alcoholic beverages. Apart from these, travelers could also purchase ice creams, snacks, and regional specialty products, perfect as souvenirs or treats for the journey.

However, a significant change has been announced.

Major Changes Starting October 2023

JR Tokai, responsible for the Tokaido Shinkansen, has decided to terminate the onboard sales in their ‘Nozomi’ and ‘Hikari’ trains by the end of October 2023. This decision has been influenced by feedback from passengers seeking a quieter onboard environment and potential future challenges such as labor shortages.

On the other hand, the Tohoku, Joetsu, and Hokuriku Shinkansen lines, managed by JR East, have been offering a limited range of items, such as:

• Snack items, chocolate confections, and sweet bread.
• Traditional Japanese snacks like Kaki no Tane (rice crackers), mixed nuts, and Cheese Tarako (cheese cod roe).
• Beverages including green tea, mineral water, canned coffee, and cola.
• Alcoholic choices like canned beer, canned highball, canned chuhai, and sake.

These services are set to continue. However, note that substantial meals like bento boxes or sandwiches are not on the offering list for these lines.

A Twist for Tokaido Shinkansen (JR Tokai) Green Car Passengers

While the news that Tokaido Shinkansen will be ending onboard sales might have alarmed many, it’s essential to highlight that this won’t impact the Green Car (First Class) passengers as much. While the traditional food cart will no longer make its way through the aisles starting November 2023, Green Car passengers can still enjoy onboard food and beverage service. The catch? A change in the ordering method.

Instead of the food cart, passengers will use a Mobile Order system. It’s simple: each seat in the Green Car will be equipped with a QR code. Passengers just need to scan this code with their smartphone and place their order. Once the order is confirmed, the onboard staff will deliver the items directly to their seat.

Exploring the World of “Ekiben”

If you’re traveling on the Shinkansen and worried about missing out on onboard food sales, there’s a delectable tradition that not only ensures you won’t go hungry but also offers a culinary journey through Japan: the Ekiben.

What is Ekiben?

“Ekiben” is a portmanteau of two words – “eki” (station) and “bento” (boxed meal). These are special bento boxes sold at train stations and are specifically designed to be consumed during train journeys. What makes Ekiben fascinating is that different regions and stations often offer unique bento boxes that showcase their local cuisine. So, as you travel from one part of Japan to another, the Ekiben allows you to taste a bit of each place even before you step off the train!

A Must-Visit: Tokyo Station’s Ekibenya Matsuri

If you’re looking to immerse yourself in the vast world of Ekiben, there’s no place better than Ekibenya Matsuri located inside Tokyo Station. This store offers a dizzying array of Ekiben from all over Japan. Whether you’re craving seafood from Hokkaido, beef from Kobe, or something vegetarian from Kyoto, there’s an Ekiben for every palate.

The store’s popularity isn’t just because of the range they offer but also the experience. Browsing through the beautifully packaged bento boxes, each telling a story of its origin, is nothing short of delightful. So, even if your Shinkansen journey starts from Tokyo, you can taste specialties from distant parts of Japan right from your seat!

Savoring Ekiben Onboard

Of course, Ekibens are made for train journeys. Once you’ve chosen your bento at the station, hop on the Shinkansen, find a comfortable spot, and unpack your meal. As the Japanese landscape rushes by, savor the flavors of the region you’re tasting. It’s an experience that combines the joys of travel with the delights of local cuisine, making your journey all the more memorable.

In Conclusion

Whether it’s the change in onboard services or the timeless allure of Ekiben, traveling on the Shinkansen is as much about the journey as it is about the destination. So, on your next trip, make sure to dive into the world of Ekiben and let your taste buds travel too!