Tasty Bites While Waiting for the Train! The Ekinaka Station Food Guide
Ekinaka are the all-in-one hubs you can depend on when inside the train station gates. Banked with a full smorgasbord of dining, these foodie centers are an easy way to drop in for authentic Japanese eats as you set off or make your way back via the bullet train. From quick bites like soba and ramen to izakaya offering a wide range of drinks, there’s even restaurants serving full-course meals to ensure a delight of tastes, no matter what the occasion.
Step up and browse like a local with exclusive, seasonal fare to try. With so much available, we know it may be hard to know where to start, so keep scrolling for our savvy roundup of ekinaka eats, best goodies and spots to try.
Table of Contents
- Ramen Made to Shake the World and Locals Alike
- Soba and Udon: the Ekinaka Staple Delights of Working Locals
- Curry: A Unique Evolution Loved by All Ages in Japan
- Ekinaka Sushi Shops: Kaiten Sushi Haneda Ichiba Gransta Tokyo
- A drink at the Station call for Ekichika Izakaya Nomono Izakaya Kayohiji Ueno
- Pause and Break from Travels at BECK'S COFFEE SHOP
- Dining Tips and Etiquette for your Next Ekinaka Moment
- Frequently Asked Questions About Ekina-ka Gourmet
- Wrap-up
Ramen Made to Shake the World and Locals Alike
Many head to ekinaka knowing it’s no stranger to full-on, authentic ramen experience. You can find many stations flanked with tasty bowls, but here are two special favorites you won’t want to miss below.
When in town, get around with these top-notch ramen flavors.
Tokyo Tonkotsu Base Made by Ippudo
Hakata Ippudo is the viral brand that hails from the Hakata area to Japan and worldwide. Brimming with rich, smooth tonkotsu (pork bone) broth, sit down and get ready for the unmatched flavor developed in collaboration with Ippudo. The stylish interior features a color scheme of white, red, and black, matching the shop's ramen bowls.
This particular ramen brand stands firmly under its credo of "Varied Tonkotsu Ramen Varieties”, meaning there are even unique "Tokyo-style" ramen options to try. The classic "Tonkotsu Ramen" is praised for its straightforward yet delicious flavor, capturing the essence of wonderfully good ingredients. The broth is a special delight featuring no gamey tastes and nothing but savory, sweet delicious goodness.
Other notable menu items include Miso Tonkotsu Ramen, an unbeatable thick miso and tonkotsu to whet your appetite, or "Miso Shoyu Ramen," featuring a double broth of rich seafood flavors and pork bone umami.
Key Stations with Tokyo Tonkotsu Base Made by Ippudo:
- JR Shinagawa Station
- JR Airport Terminal 2 Station
- JR Ikebukuro Station
T's Tantan
This famed brand is the go-to spot for vegan noodle eats, all free of meat, seafood, eggs, and dairy products. The menu features colorful and vibrant dishes packed with plenty of vegetables, offering a rich and savory taste that makes you forget it's made without animal products.
The "Golden Sesame Tantanmen" is particularly popular, known for its rich and creamy broth enhanced with peanut cream. Customers can also switch from the default "wheat noodles" to "Uruhada konnyaku noodles," which are said to delight the skin.
Key Stations with T's Tantan:
- JR Tokyo Station
- JR Narita Airport Station
- JR Ueno Station
- JR Ikebukuro Station
Soba and Udon: the Ekinaka Staple Delights of Working Locals
For Japanese people, "soba" and "udon" are synonymous with ekinaka eats. It's a common sight to see busy salarymen grabbing a quick breakfast or lunch at soba and udon shops in train stations. These dishes are perfect for a quick meal when traveling or when pressed for time. Some shops offer not only convenience but also authentic and delicious soba and udon. If you want to enjoy tasty soba or udon even when short on time, the following shops are great names you won’t want to miss.
Irorian Kiraku
Irorian Kiraku is a soba chain with approximately 80 locations across the Kanto region. The bright and relaxed atmosphere of the restaurants makes them welcoming and easy to enter, even for solo diners and hungry lady patrons.
Among the many menu items, the "Kakiage Soba," featuring homemade kakiage (vegetable and seafood fritter) prepared in the in-house kitchen, is particularly popular. The crispy kakiage pairs perfectly with the broth, which is carefully crafted with dashi and kaeshi. The restaurant is well-regarded for offering freshly boiled soba noodles in a convenient setting.
Key Stations with Irorian Kiraku:
- JR Tokyo Station
- JR Ueno Station
- JR Otsuki Station
- JR Oji Station
Soba Ichi
Soba Ichi is known for serving fresh-made soba at reasonable prices. Extra-quick service makes this an ideal spot for a quick bite between trains. In terms of tastes, expect smooth soba noodles paired with a broth that sings with a glorious blend of bonito and mackerel flakes.
Among the various menu items, the "Sayama Satoimo Croquette Soba" is particularly popular. The sweet, creamy croquette made from Sayama taro pairs beautifully with the carefully crafted broth, creating an addictive flavor combination.
Key Stations with Soba Ichi:
- JR Tokyo Station
- JR Akabane Station
- JR Ikebukuro Station
- JR Kanda Station
- JR Shinjuku Station
Curry: A Unique Evolution Loved by All Ages in Japan
Unlike the legendary origins of Indian curry, Japan’s curry cousin takes a flavor of its own.
Characterized by its thick, rich "curry roux”, Japanese curry is typically served over rice. The ingredients and spices used vary widely, resulting in different flavors depending on who makes it or where it’s served. It's a beloved dish enjoyed by people of all ages and is a staple in many households.
Given its popularity, it's no surprise that curry shops are also found in ekinaka areas, meaning you can count on finding a tasty plate to eat while on the go. If you're curious about Japanese curry, be sure to check out the following recommended shops.
Curry House Rio
Founded in Yokohama in 1960, Curry House Rio has fully expanded into the ekinaka scene. Their curry keeps a flavorful chicken broth based and a blend of 17 carefully selected spices, sweetened with vegetables, mango chutney and a mild infusion of coconut milk that’s loved by both adults and children alike.
Customize your curry with a variety of toppings, such as croquette bites or cheese. Many travelers opt for the "Rio Sangen Pork Cutlet Curry," which features a perfect pairing of their unique curry sauce with a crispy pork cutlet. This hearty dish is sure to satisfy both your hunger and your taste buds.
Spice Factory
Spice Factory is the go-to spot for varied curries in a range of spices. Choose from two types of sauces: "Spicy Chicken Curry" and "Rich Umami Curry”, with the option to pick and choose toppings to perfect your dish.
The most popular is the Spicy Chicken Curry, features the sweetness of slowly sautéed onions and a kick of spices, making it a standout item. The main menu includes "Spicy Chicken Curry," "Ethnic Curry," and "Keema Curry." You can also choose between white rice and multigrain rice, and add cabbage to your meal if you prefer.
Key Stations with Spice Factory:
- JR Shinagawa Station
- JR Osaki Station
Ekinaka Sushi Shops: Kaiten Sushi Haneda Ichiba Gransta Tokyo
Sushi, now a globally popular dish, is one delight to expect in ekinaka areas. Of all the popular names, Kaiten Sushi Haneda Ichiba Gransta Tokyo, located in the Gransta Tokyo retail hub of Tokyo Station is one you won’t want to miss. Step inside for fresh seafood tastes delivered direct by bullet train.
Many foodie fans love this spot for its "aka shari," rice seasoned with red vinegar, a kept tradition of old Tokyo style, Edomae sushi. Enjoying fresh seafood from various regions of Japan atop a bed of "aka shari" is a unique experience only Tokyo can offer. The convenience of ordering via touch panel is another feature to love.
One of the most popular dishes is the luxurious 3-Piece Nigiri Honmaguro, underpinned by the luxe flavors of otoro, chutoro, and kamime bites of sumptuous rich, flavorful tuna.
A drink at the Station call for Ekichika Izakaya Nomono Izakaya Kayohiji Ueno
Many stations keep a repertoire of izakaya kept onsite, promising a drink right up before your train or heading out to where you’re going. Sip like a local and dip your toes at full-on, coveted spots like Nomono Izakaya Kayohiji Ueno, located in Ueno Station.
This unique establishment is a collaboration between Nomono, an antenna shop showcasing the charms of East Japan's food, and the izakaya Kayohiji. The menu features Japanese dishes made with ingredients from various regions of East Japan, paired with local sake and shochu.
One must-try is the Kayohiji Junmai Ginjo, a special sake crafted by a brewery in Yamagata Prefecture specifically for this izakaya.
Pause and Break from Travels at BECK'S COFFEE SHOP
BECK'S COFFEE SHOP offers select coffee and housemade paninis. Enjoy freshly brewed coffee made from beans sourced from around the world ground on site for you to enjoy. In addition to paninis, the menu features a variety of plates, including curry and sweets.
A hidden gem on the menu is the Tender Pork Curry with 30 Spices. This dish boasts a curry roux made with 30 spices, fruits, and vegetables, creating a delightful sweetness. The tender pork, perfect via sous-vide for nine hours, is simply exquisite.
BECK'S COFFEE SHOP can be found at many JR stations, making it a perfect spot to relax and recharge during your travels.
Dining Tips and Etiquette for your Next Ekinaka Moment
When eating at Ekinaka shops, basic dining etiquette remains the same. It's important to note that the eateries introduced in this article are for eat-in only; takeout is not available, and eating within the station premises is not allowed. Additionally, to enter dining establishments located inside the ticket gates, you need to purchase an entrance ticket even if you don't plan to board a train.
While it's uncommon to eat on regular trains, enjoying a bento (boxed meal) on special express trains or the Shinkansen is a recommended experience. Savor your meal while watching the ever-changing landscapes go by.
Frequently Asked Questions About Ekina-ka Gourmet
Q
What is Ekina-ka?
Ekina-ka refers to commercial spaces and facilities located inside train stations.
Q
Are Ekina-ka dining establishments located inside the ticket gates?
It depends on the station and the restaurant. Some are located inside the ticket gates, while others are outside.
Wrap-up
Here wraps up our latest, greatest hacks to getting good eats at ekinaka hubs like the locals do. During your next Japan travels, take your tour of favorite destinations to the next level with a stop at an ekinaka.
To be sure, check out the article below for what’s to love from ekinaka.