Snack and food sales have been a mainstay on the Shinkansen, or bullet train, since it began running in 1964, the year Japan hosted the first Tokyo Olympics, a railway spokesperson said, but it was not clear when the cart services began.

Yes, food is widely available on the Shinkansen (Japanese bullet train), though the method of sale has changed recently. On many major lines, such as the Tokaido Shinkansen (Tokyo to Osaka), traditional trolley service where a staff member pushes a cart through the aisles has been phased out in favor of enhanced station-side options and, in Green Car (First Class) carriages, mobile ordering via QR codes. The most iconic way to eat on a bullet train is the "Ekiben"—a portmanteau of eki (station) and bento (lunchbox). These boxes are sold at nearly every major Shinkansen platform and feature high-quality, regionally specific delicacies, such as Kobe beef in Hyogo or seafood in Hokkaido. On board, many trains also feature vending machines for drinks and small snacks. It is a deeply ingrained part of Japanese travel culture to purchase an elaborate bento box and a drink before boarding, then enjoy the meal while watching the countryside blur past at 300 km/h. While the "cart lady" may be less common now, the culinary experience of the Shinkansen remains a highlight for every traveler.