Eating on the Train in Japan: A Guide for Food-Loving Travelers

The End of the Food Cart

Unlike many European trains, there are no dining cars in Japan. For decades, traveling on the Shinkansen (high-speed train) was punctuated by the quiet passage of a food cart pushed by the staff.

As of 2023, JR Central has officially eliminated the food cart in standard class on the Tokaido Line ( the Tokyo–Nagoya–Osaka corridor). From now on, only passengers in the Green Car (first class) can enjoy a similar service: ordering food or drinks via a QR code located near their seat.

It’s worth noting that passenger behavior has changed, as virtually all travelers now purchase their snacks before boarding.

Almost every station has its own specialty (fish, beef, vegetables, etc.), and the larger stations offer a dizzying array of choices. Tokyo Station is particularly famous for its ekiben, with boxed meals from many regions across the country!

The price of a meal can range from 1,000 to several thousand yen for a gourmet version (such as one featuring Kobe beef). Some bento boxes even come with a built-in heating system: you pull a string, and a few minutes later, the bento is warm.

You can also put together your own “bento.” A salmon onigiri, a few crackers, a dessert, and some green tea make for a light meal without having to choose a full lunch box.

This is also a good strategy for early morning departures: konbini often open before other stores. So buying something to go ensures you won’t be traveling on an empty stomach!

For 90 seconds, the machine grinds the beans, injects hot water, and dispenses the liquid drop by drop with Swiss precision. It’s a captivating spectacle, but then the hammer falls: the Shinkansen pulls into the station. In Japan, a train won’t depart ten seconds late just to wait for you. The golden rule is absolute: buy your coffee at least ten minutes before departure—or don’t bother.

On a local train or the subway, however, it’s best to avoid it. The cars are designed to carry many passengers, not to turn every seat into a dining table.

The rule is simple: the longer the trip, the more acceptable it is to eat. But if the train is like a subway or a commuter train, keep your onigiri in your bag.