[A popular spot in Tokyo station] A special on the eki bento shop [Matsuri]! Part 1
Tokyo station, considered the center of Japan, has gathered together all the different delicacies from around the nation. Inside the station there is one shop that is exceptionally crowded and popular; that shop is the eki bento shop [Matsuri].
Eki bentos are bentos that can be bought inside train stations or onboard trains, originally, only with the intent of eating on trains. However, nowadays eki bentos are considered to be popular gourmet food which are simple to get and eat, and allow one to taste delicious dishes originating from various parts of Japan. Tokyo station houses many different eki bento shops but without a doubt [Matsuri] is the most popular among them. This time we will be introducing the secret to the popularity of [Matsuri] in 2 parts.
Where is it?
The shop is relatively easy to find; it can be found in between the track 3 and 4 platform, and the track 5 and 6 platform. To get there, enter Tokyo station from the central marunouchi exit and keep going straight on your right. The area is quite crowded so keep your eyes peeled for the shop.
What is available?
There are many different types of eki bento available at [Matsuri] and because each one is chosen to be sold for its popularity across the country, all of them are really delicious!
As shown in the picture, there are mountains of eki bentos available in the shop!
At the refrigerated corner, you will be able to find many seafood themed bentos.
On the top shelf, in the picture below, are bentos packaged in the shape of the shinkansen; I am sure that children who like trains will love the bento♪
On the side of the shop there is a small space where you can view live preparations of the bentos; while I was there, the staff were in the midst of preparing [Kani sushi] a local specialty of Tottori prefecture♪. All bentos prepared at the small space can be bought on the spot once they are finished. It is quite rare to be able to eat eki bentos that are freshly made and warm, so it will be quite the treat!
The shop also has a drinks corner.
Teas are a given, but you can also buy other common drinks in Japan such as beer and shochu, and limited edition beers only available at Matsuri.
The most popular Eki Bento!
The lineup of bentos available at Matsuri changes periodically but the numbers are constantly kept at around 170. Among the various bentos, the most popular bento is the one below!
[Beef domannaka]
Price：1250 yen（Tax Excl.）
The Beef domannaka is an eki bento from Yamagata prefecture; a generous serving of both simmered and ground beef is spread over the [domannaka] rice from Yamagata prefecture. The beef is slightly sweet with its soy sauce base and it has quite the strong flavor so it is perfect when paired together with the rice, making it utterly delicious! Depending on the day, this bento maybe sold out by evening, so it is recommended to go to Matsuri earlier for those who want to try the bento.
This eki bento special will be continued in part 2.
Part 2 will include popular seafood eki bentos and limited edition eki bentos that can only be bought at Tokyo station, so please make sure to check out part 2 as well!
Written by LINA