
In Japan, the bento box is a beloved symbol of convenience and creativity. Filled with rice, side dishes, and endless charm, bento boxes—from simple to chara-ben art—are an essential part of daily life. Let’s take a closer look!
About the Origin of Bento

Bento’s origins lie with rice balls called onigiri, as well as the development of dried rice. During times of economic depression, it was common for bento to feature nothing but a pickled plum on top of white rice but today, bento are as colorful and rich in nutrition as can be, featuring a variety of different main and side dishes, created to offer a well-balanced and delicious meal.
The Typical Bento of Japanese Households

In Japan, it is common for school children to leave the house with a bento made by their parents. On special occasions, those boxed lunches often increase in size and ingredients to keep the kid properly fed for an entire day.
What is a charara-ben?

In recent decades, the so-called “kyaraben” (or "chara-ben") trend has gained a lot of popularity, which refers to the art of creating popular characters from TV shows and games with the ingredients of a bento – a lot of those look incredibly elaborate!
Bento don’t only vary in looks but also in what is inside. Special themed bento are rather plentiful, some emphasizing a healthy meal, others offer thermal insulation, and some are soups.
What is an Ekiben? About the Traveler’s Delight

Ekiben refers to boxed lunches that are sold at train stations around Japan, usually designed to be eaten on the train. They often feature specialties of the region they are sold in, making them a unique and affordable treat to savor an area’s distinctive dishes. In the past, there often was a saleswoman selling the boxed lunches directly on the platform but nowadays, ekiben are usually sold in shops inside the station.
Where to Buy Bento

Bento are readily sold in a lot of places all around Japan, first and foremost at supermarkets and convenience stores. Available in all kinds of varieties, those bento can be eaten right on the spot and thus are made to be delicious even when enjoyed cold. Certain stores offer lunch box reservations, preparing a bento for a customer’s order – these kind of places are especially popular in city centers when people come and pick up their lunch box during noon.
How to Make a Bento

Making bento is not hard. While store-bought boxed lunches often look fancy and can seem intimidating to hobby chefs, bento originated from making to-go lunches at home. Unless you want to make an adorable kyaraben as shown above, making a bento is surprisingly simple. It follows the three basic rules of having to be tasty and filling, using the right food, and being properly balanced. An important aspect to remember is that a bento doesn’t have be made up of Japanese ingredients. Simply work with what you like and even beginners can make a bento quickly and easily.
Read More About Bentos:

- Category
*Prices and options mentioned are subject to change.
*Unless stated otherwise, all prices include tax.
Recommended places for you
-
Jukuseiniku-to Namamottsuarera Nikubaru Italian Nikutaria Sannomiya
Izakaya
Kobe, Sannomiya, Kitano
-
Menu
ISHIDAYA Hanare
Yakiniku
Kobe, Sannomiya, Kitano
-
Goods
Yoshida Gennojo-Roho Kyoto Buddhist Altars
Gift Shops
Nijo Castle, Kyoto Imperial Palace
-
Kamesushi Sohonten
Sushi
Umeda, Osaka Station, Kitashinchi
-
Kambei Sannomiyahonten
Yakiniku
Kobe, Sannomiya, Kitano
-
Appealing
Rukku and Uohei
Izakaya
Sapporo / Chitose
-
2025 Japan Cherry Blossom Tours: Best Spots and Travel Packages
-
6 Must-Stay Ryokans in Nagano for a Traditional Japanese Escape
by: Himanshi Shah
-
Welcome Suica Mobile Launches March 6! Japan's Suica & PASMO IC Card Sales Resume
-
We Checked Out Japan’s Only Squid Game Pop-Up in Tokyo—A Must-Visit for Fans!
-
10 Must-Visit New Spots in Tokyo in 2025: Exciting Openings in Harajuku, Ginza & Toyosu
by: Miyu Shimada
-
Experience the Taste of Spring in Japan! 2025 Limited-Time Sakura-Flavored Drinks at Popular Cafes
-
Ekiben Excellence: Japan's Most Fascinating Train Station Bentos!
-
Osaka Koreatown: In Search of the Best Eats in the Korean Roots of Osaka's Tsuruhashi Market
-
The Ins and Outs of Everyone’s Favorite Train Bento
-
12 Fun Things to Do Near Otaru Canal: Art, History & More
-
Try Tokyo’s Brand-New Anime Bento, Sold at Samurai Hostel in Asakusa!
-
The Big Bento Study: What Do Japanese People Eat For Lunch?
- #best sushi japan
- #what to do in odaiba
- #what to bring to japan
- #new years in tokyo
- #best ramen japan
- #what to buy in ameyoko
- #japanese nail trends
- #things to do japan
- #onsen tattoo friendly tokyo
- #daiso
- #best coffee japan
- #best japanese soft drinks
- #best yakiniku japan
- #japanese fashion culture
- #japanese convenience store snacks