Best bento boxes in Tokyo | Time Out Tokyo (2024)

Takaben Daruma Bento

Gunma, ¥1,080

Packed with a healthy selection of mountain vegetables including takenoko (bamboo shoots), shiitake mushrooms and burdock, this cute bento comes in a traditional daruma doll-shaped container – understandable, as Gunma prefecture is home of the Takaben Daruma Bento and Japan’s leading producer of daruma dolls. After you’re done eating, the box can be used as a piggy bank, thanks to the thin (coin) slot that doubles as a mouth.

Jiraiya Hana Temari

Nagoya, ¥950

The highlight of this bento are the tenmusu, or fried shrimp fritters wrapped up in rice and nori (seaweed), served alongside an omelette, meatball and assorted vegetables. They’re the perfect finger food: neat and easy to eat. Tenmusu is a delicacy of Nagoya, and these small rice balls come in a variety of stuffings and flavours. You’ll often find them at stations as part of a bento box or wrapped up snugly inside a leaf for easy travel.

Izasa Chaya Izasazushi Bento

Nara, ¥1,080

Originally from Nara, this picture-perfect bento box is a great option if you’re looking to get a taste of classic Japanese flavours. The box is segmented into a grid of nine, each featuring a different item, including pickled veggies, various types of rice, seafood and a sweet mochi ball filled with anko (red bean paste) to end your meal.

Kiyouken Siu Mai Bento

Yokohama, ¥860

Found all over Tokyo Station, this tasty Chinese-style ekiben consists of five pieces of siu mai (traditional Chinese dumplings), eight balls of rice plus a selection of small bites including egg, pickles and fish cakes. Originating in Yokohama, this bento comes from the long-established shop Kiyouken, which started out back in 1908. If you happen to pass by Yokohama Station, they actually have a restaurant you can dine in – but this bento is a convenient option for those in Tokyo and hungry.

Abe Tottoridou Kanimeshi

Tottori, ¥1,350

You can’t mistake what’s inside this adorable bento thanks to the crab-shaped box it comes in. Simply filled with kanimeshi (crab rice), this bento from Tottori prefecture is a wonder for those who don’t have the patience to dig out all that juicy meat from the shell. Topped with two perfectly shaped claws, this is one indulgent lunch for the seafood-lover.

Sasahachi Temarizushi Bento

Nara, ¥900

This bento from Nara is almost too pretty to eat: the tiny round nigiri sushi, otherwise known as temari, is the perfect bite-sized option if you’re craving sushi on the go. Also containing a selection of sides including a tamago egg roll, a piece of bamboo shoot and a mushroom, this bento has everything you need for a well-balanced meal.

Ishikari Shakemeshi

Sapporo, ¥1,150

Hailing from Sapporo, this seafood ekiben is filled with fine flakes of salmon topped with ikura (salmon roe).

Ujiie Kakimeshi

Hokkaido, ¥1,080

Hokkaido is known for its seafood, and this rice bento featuring plump oysters is filling and deliciously moreish.

Kobayashi Gyutan Bento

Miyagi, ¥1,500

Simply grilled gyutan (beef tongue) on rice, this hearty bento from Miyagi prefecture is perfect as a protein-packed lunch.