Travel like a local with an Ekiben
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Travelers heading to farther locations, like Tokyo, can spend the train ride admiring the outdoor scenery and indulging in an ekiben. Ekiben, using the Japanese words “eki” for station and “bento” for lunch box, is a packaged meal designed for the train. Each bullet train station in Japan offers their own seasonal and local delicacies. The Hachikaku Bento is the most popular option offered in Kansai. Deep fried tofu with grilled and boiled vegetables seasoned with Kansai spices make this lunchbox a healthier option.
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For a seafood based option, check out Hipparidako Meshi. This bento offers octopus cooked in multiple different ways and is served in a porcelain jar. The small jar is packed with rice and octopus, grilled, fried and boiled.
Bentos can be purchased at or near Shin Osaka Station. The Hachikaku Bento costs 1,131 yen and the Hipparidako Meshi bento costs 1,080 yen.
Eat inside the ticket gates at Eki Marche
Matsuba Have extra time before catching the train? Grab a quick bite at the many restaurants offered in Eki Marche. For a last minute taste of Osaka fried goodness, stop by Matsuba, a famous kushikatsu shop with only 3 locations in Osaka. Fried skewers are dipped in communal dressing (absolutely NO double-dipping allowed!), with a glass of draft beer. The bar seating recreates the casual atmosphere of downtown Osaka. The kushikatsu is fried on the spot and served hot. Matsuba is open from 9:30AM to 10PM.View this post on Instagram
Matsuba Osaka Stores
Take home a local dessert
Rikuro Ojisan no Mise Rikuro Ojisan no Mise is a sweets shop that has been selling desserts since the 1960s. Their baked cheesecake is the most popular menu item. The fluffy cake is inspired by Danish baking. The cake is made from eggs, milk and cheese to create a lightly textured and rich tasting dessert. Every cheesecake contains a layer of raisins, adding a special flavor to this Osaka treat. Rikuro is only offered in Kansai, so be sure to grab a cake before getting on the train!View this post on Instagram
Rikuro Ojisan no Mise Osaka Stores
Kiyasu SohonpoMitarashi dango, a skewer of petite mochi rice balls grilled and topped with sweet soy sauce, are a local favorite in Osaka. The dango is best served hot and on the street, however, visitors can also take home the domestic dessert. Kiyasu Sohonpo is a famous manju shop serving mochi rice based desserts since 1948. They have locations around Osaka but their Osaka Station location is the best for take out. The dango skewers are grilled fresh and topped with the sticky signature dressing right before packaging. Mitarashi dango can be taken home to share or eaten right on the spot. A box of ten Mitarashi Dango skewers costs 980 yen. Kiyasu Sohonpo is located on the third floor of Eki Marche in Shin Osaka station and in the East and West exit souvenir shops. There are also multiple locations around Osaka. Eki Marche Kiyasu Sohonpo is open from 9AM to 9:30PM.View this post on Instagram
Kiyasu Sohonpo Osaka Stores
(Cover Photo source: Eki Marche Official Website)