Everything I Ate On Bullet Trains in Japan for 6 Days! 2024 Edition

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Everything I Ate On Bullet Trains in Japan for 6 Days! 2024 Edition

Konnichiwa, style seekers! Journeying through Japan is an experience in itself, a visual feast of minimalist aesthetics, ancient temples, and, of course, cutting-edge technology. But beyond the sights, it's the culinary adventures that truly steal my heart, especially when those adventures unfold on the iconic Shinkansen – the bullet trains! For six days, I lived the dream, hopping from city to city, fuelled by a delicious array of train-station delicacies. Join me as I share everything I ate on those magnificent bullet trains, a 2024 edition, curated for the design-conscious palate and the aesthetically inclined traveller.

The Shinkansen isn't just about getting from A to B; it's about the experience. It's about the sleek, futuristic design, the comfortable seating, the punctuality…and, yes, the food! The options range from pre-purchased bento boxes (ekiben) bursting with local flavors to convenient on-board snacks and drinks. It's all designed for effortless enjoyment, allowing you to soak in the scenery without sacrificing a single morsel of deliciousness.

Day 1: Tokyo to Kyoto – An Ode to the Classics

My journey began in the bustling metropolis of Tokyo, destined for the cultural heart of Kyoto. Armed with my Japan Rail Pass and a healthy dose of excitement, I made my way to Tokyo Station. The sheer variety of ekiben was overwhelming, a beautiful testament to Japanese culinary artistry.

Breakfast: I opted for a classic – the Makunouchi Bento. This isn't just a bento box; it's a curated collection of Japanese comfort food. Think perfectly seasoned rice, grilled salmon, delicate tamagoyaki (sweet egg omelet), crisp tempura vegetables, and pickled plums (umeboshi) for that signature tart kick. The presentation was impeccable, each element carefully arranged like a miniature edible landscape. It was a harmonious start to my culinary train adventure.

Lunch: For my midday meal, I couldn't resist the lure of the Ebi Fry Sandwich. This isn't your average fried shrimp sandwich. The plump, juicy shrimp were encased in a light, crispy batter, nestled between slices of fluffy, perfectly toasted shokupan (Japanese milk bread). A smear of tangy tartar sauce completed the picture. The contrasting textures and flavors were simply divine.

Snack: Throughout the journey, I nibbled on Matcha Kit Kats. A quintessential Japanese treat, the slight bitterness of the matcha balanced beautifully with the sweetness of the chocolate. It was the perfect little pick-me-up as the scenery whizzed by.

Day 2: Kyoto – Exploring Local Flavors

Kyoto, with its serene temples and traditional machiya houses, is a feast for the senses. I spent the day exploring its hidden gems, and while I didn't spend much time on the Shinkansen, my food experiences were still train-adjacent, so to speak.

Breakfast: Although technically not eaten on the train, I grabbed a Kitsune Udon from a small restaurant near Kyoto Station before a short local train ride. The thick, chewy udon noodles in a light, savory broth were topped with a generous piece of aburaage (deep-fried tofu), simmered in a sweet and salty sauce. It was a comforting and authentic Kyoto experience.

Lunch: I indulged in a Kaiseki Bento from Isetan department store in Kyoto Station. Kaiseki is a traditional multi-course Japanese dinner, and this bento offered a condensed, but equally exquisite, version. Tiny portions of seasonal delicacies, beautifully arranged in a lacquered box, showcased the artistry of Kyoto cuisine. It was a splurge, but worth every yen.

Snack: While exploring the Gion district, I treated myself to some Yatsuhashi. These triangular mochi cakes, flavored with cinnamon and often filled with red bean paste, are a Kyoto specialty. Their delicate texture and subtle sweetness made them the perfect afternoon treat.

Day 3: Kyoto to Hiroshima – A Journey of Reflection

Today's journey took me to Hiroshima, a city that holds a profound place in history. The atmosphere on the train was understandably more subdued, a reflection of the city's past. My food choices, however, were designed to provide comfort and sustenance for the journey.

Breakfast: Back at Kyoto Station, I grabbed a Salmon Onigiri (rice ball) and a cup of hot green tea. The onigiri was simple yet satisfying, the salty salmon providing a burst of flavor in the fluffy rice. The green tea was warming and grounding, a perfect start to a day of reflection.

Lunch: I opted for the Hiroshima-style Okonomiyaki Bento. Okonomiyaki is a savory pancake, and the Hiroshima version is layered with noodles, cabbage, pork, and a special okonomiyaki sauce. This bento allowed me to sample this local specialty even before arriving in Hiroshima. It was hearty and flavorful, providing ample energy for the afternoon ahead.

Snack: I treated myself to a Momiji Manju. These maple leaf-shaped cakes, filled with red bean paste, are a Hiroshima souvenir staple. Their delicate sweetness and symbolic shape made them a thoughtful treat as I contemplated the city's history.

Day 4: Hiroshima to Osaka – Indulging in Street Food on Wheels

From Hiroshima, I travelled to the vibrant city of Osaka, known for its bustling street food scene. I decided to embrace the spirit of Osaka by incorporating some of its iconic flavors into my train journey.

Breakfast: Before boarding the Shinkansen, I picked up a couple of Takoyaki (octopus balls) from a stall near Hiroshima Station. These savory balls, filled with tender octopus, tempura scraps, pickled ginger, and green onion, are a quintessential Osaka street food. They were slightly messy to eat on the train, but the burst of flavor was worth it!

Lunch: For lunch, I indulged in a Kushikatsu Bento. Kushikatsu are deep-fried skewers, and this bento offered a variety of options, including pork, vegetables, and seafood. Dipping them in the sweet and savory tonkatsu sauce was an absolute delight. It was like having a mini Osaka street food festival on the train!

Snack: I sipped on a can of Calpis Water, a refreshing and slightly tangy yogurt-based drink that is a Japanese favorite. It was the perfect palate cleanser after the rich flavors of the kushikatsu.

Day 5: Osaka to Kanazawa – A Taste of the Sea

Kanazawa, a city on the Sea of Japan, is known for its fresh seafood and preserved samurai district. I was excited to experience the culinary delights of this coastal city, starting with my train journey.

Breakfast: I started my day with a Seafood Donburi Bento. This bento featured a bed of perfectly seasoned rice topped with a generous assortment of fresh seafood, including salmon roe, crab, and shrimp. The vibrant colors and delicate flavors of the seafood were a true delight. It was like having a little piece of the Sea of Japan on the train.

Lunch: I tried a Crab Cream Croquette Sandwich. The creamy, flavorful crab filling was encased in a crispy, golden-brown croquette, nestled between slices of soft bread. It was a comforting and indulgent lunch option.

Snack: I sampled some Hokuriku Crackers. These savory rice crackers, seasoned with local flavors like seaweed and soy sauce, were the perfect crunchy snack to enjoy as the scenery transformed from urban landscapes to coastal vistas.

Day 6: Kanazawa to Tokyo – A Farewell Feast

My final Shinkansen journey took me back to Tokyo, marking the end of my six-day culinary adventure. I decided to make it a memorable one with a final feast of train-station delicacies.

Breakfast: I opted for a Wagyu Beef Bento. This luxurious bento featured thinly sliced Wagyu beef, known for its marbling and melt-in-your-mouth texture, served over a bed of perfectly cooked rice. It was an indulgent and unforgettable start to my final train journey.

Lunch: I chose a Sushi Bento. This bento included a variety of nigiri sushi (fish on rice) and maki rolls (rolled sushi), showcasing the artistry and precision of Japanese sushi chefs. The freshness and quality of the fish were exceptional. It was a fitting finale to my culinary explorations.

Snack: For my final snack, I enjoyed a Melon Pan. This sweet bread, with its crispy, cookie-like crust and soft, fluffy interior, is a Japanese bakery staple. It was the perfect sweet ending to my Shinkansen food adventure.

Final Thoughts: Eating on the Shinkansen is more than just sustenance; it's an integral part of the Japanese travel experience. It's an opportunity to sample regional specialties, appreciate the art of bento presentation, and simply savor the moment as you glide through the beautiful Japanese countryside. Each bento, each snack, each sip of tea told a story, connecting me to the local culture and enhancing my overall journey. So, the next time you find yourself on a bullet train in Japan, be sure to embrace the culinary adventure that awaits! You might just discover your new favorite Japanese dish. Sayonara for now, and happy travels!