Ekiben(駅弁,Ekiben?) (Railway boxed meal) are a specific type of bento boxed meals, sold on trains and train stations in Japan. First sold in 1885 at Utsunomiya Station (north of Tokyo), they were then, a simple meal of rice balls, with umeboshi filling, wrapped in a bamboo leaf.citation needed Today, many types of ekiben can be purchased; at stands in the station, on the platform, or on the train itself. They come with disposable chopsticks (when necessary), and tea, hot or cold, is frequently available with the meal. Ekiben containers can be very attractive: made from plastic, wood, or ceramic. Many train stations have since become famous for their especially tasty ekiben, made from local food specialties. [1]
