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.
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Any journey on the Shinkansen – Japan's bullet train – is the perfect opportunity to enjoy an ekiben, the iconic bento filled with an assortment of delicacies tucked into a container and eaten in bite-size pieces. The term comes from the Japanese words for station (eki) combined with ben for bento (or “lunchbox”).
Japan established high-speed service in 1964. Now they have over 2,700 kilometers of lines with maximum speeds of 240 to 320 km/hour. The toilets on board are similar to airline toilets.
Bringing Your Food AboardYou may bring your own food and beverages onboard for consumption at your seat or private Sleeping Car accommodations. However, you can only consume food and beverages purchased in Dining and Lounge Cars in those cars.
There's also no cultural relevance that prohibits people from eating while walking. As long as you are following TPO guidelines, you should be good. While it's okay to eat while eating, it's not a common practice. Japanese people are mindful of having cleanliness and respect for public spaces.
There's more than enough legroom, and reclining the seat won't bother the person behind you. You can stand up and walk around to stretch your legs, or just to get a better view out one of the windows. The Tokyo-Kyoto Route hugs the sea, and the other side of the train gets a spectacular view of Mount Fuji.
WiFi access is now available on most trains on every Shinkansen line. Additionally, all major stations and many smaller stations also have free WiFi available to passengers. All trains on the following lines have free WiFi available: Tokaido shinkansen.
Thankfully, an invention born in the 80s lets some bento be heated up with just a pull of a string. You'll find many of these around the station, and they are easily noticeable.
Eating and drinking while walking in Japan is generally frowned apon. The reason of this is varied, but it is mostly because people usually drop or spill food while walking, making the footpaths dirty.
From full meals to more informal café service, many trains have one or more options for onboard dining. If you're not hungry now, you might hear your stomach rumbling after looking at our menus.
Exclusive to First-Class PassengersOnce onboard, you'll enjoy complimentary at-seat meal and beverage service provided by our onboard staff of First Class attendants. Selections include freshly prepared chef inspired entrees as well as alcoholic and non-alcoholic beverages.