“Ekinaka” (駅ナカ) is a general term for commercial spaces and service facilities located inside train stations. Ekinaka not only has shops but also numerous dining options where you can enjoy Japanese cuisine before or after taking a train, or during a layover while waiting for the Shinkansen. There’s everything from quick and easy soba and ramen to izakayas where you can sample various famous sakes, as well as restaurants offering authentic dishes. You can choose a suitable eatery based on the occasion and your preferences. Many shops also offer limited-time seasonal menus, attracting many Japanese customers who come specifically for them.
However, with so many shops in Ekinaka, it can be difficult to decide which one to choose or what to order. This article is especially for those who have such concerns, introducing popular Ekinaka foods and recommended restaurants favored by Japanese people.
Table of Contents
- Ramen: Loved by Japanese and Foreigners Alike
- Soba & Udon: A Favorite Ekinaka Meal for Japanese Office Workers
- Curry: Evolved into a Uniquely Japanese Style, Loved by All Ages!
- And Authentic Sushi Too! “Kaiten Sushi Haneda Ichiba GRANSTA Tokyo”
- Enjoy a Drink at the Station! “nomono Izakaya kayohiji Ueno Branch”
- Take a Break at a Coffee Shop When You’re Tired! “BECK’S COFFEE SHOP”
- Dining Etiquette to Know Before Eating at Ekinaka Restaurants
- Frequently Asked Questions About Ekinaka Dining
- Conclusion
Ramen: Loved by Japanese and Foreigners Alike
Did you know that you can also enjoy authentic ramen inside Ekinaka?
Various ramen shops have set up in different Ekinaka locations, and these two are particularly recommended.
If you happen to get off at the stations where these ramen shops are located, be sure to stop by and taste their delicious offerings.
TOKYO Tonkotsu BASE MADE by Ippudo
This shop is a concept planned by “Hakata Ippudo,” a famous restaurant chain that has promoted Hakata ramen, a local specialty of Fukuoka Prefecture, throughout Japan.
The broth, jointly developed with Hakata Ippudo, is known for its rich yet mild flavor, which is key to its popularity.
The shop has a stylish interior based on the same white, red, and black colors as the tableware used in their main restaurants.
With the theme of “various selectable tonkotsu ramen,” they offer a diverse range of unique “Tokyo-born” ramen combinations.
Their classic “Tonkotsu Ramen” is the original and basic flavor of Hakata ramen, and its deliciousness is exceptional. Completely free of any fishy smell, you can directly savor the essence of the tonkotsu broth’s umami and sweetness, which has earned high praise.
You can also try various broth combinations, such as the “Miso Tonkotsu Ramen,” where rich miso and tonkotsu intertwine to create an appetite-whetting flavor, and the “Miso Soy Sauce Ramen,” which features a double soup base of rich seafood flavor and the savory aroma of tonkotsu.
Main Stations Where TOKYO Tonkotsu BASE MADE by Ippudo is Located
- JR Shinagawa Station
- JR Airport Terminal 2 Station
- JR Ikebukuro
T’s Tantan
Here you can enjoy ramen dishes that are completely vegan, containing no meat, seafood, eggs, or dairy products.
The meals use a large amount of vegetables, are visually colorful, and have a rich flavor despite not using any animal-based ingredients, which often surprises people.
The shop’s signature dish, “Golden Sesame Tantanmen,” owes its deliciousness to the broth, which has a rich flavor enhanced by peanut butter.
What’s great is that you can even substitute the standard “wheat noodles” with “skin-beautifying konjac noodles,” which are beneficial for your skin.
the main stations where T’s Tantan is located:
- JR Tokyo Station
- JR Narita Airport Station
- JR Ueno Station
- JR Ikebukuro Station
Soba & Udon: A Favorite Ekinaka Meal for Japanese Office Workers
For Japanese people, “soba” (buckwheat noodles) and “udon” (thick wheat noodles) are synonymous with dining in Ekinaka.
You can often see busy office workers quickly grabbing breakfast or lunch at soba or udon fast-food style restaurants.
These are also the most convenient Ekinaka dishes to eat when you’re traveling and pressed for time.
It’s worth noting that some Ekinaka establishments not only offer quick service but also allow you to taste more carefully prepared and authentic soba and udon.
We particularly recommend the following two shops.
IRORI-an KIRAKU
“IRORI-an KIRAKU” is a soba noodle chain with approximately 80 locations in the Kanto region.
The bright and calm atmosphere inside makes it comfortable even for solo diners, and it is very popular with female customers.
Among the extensive menu, the most beloved item is the “Fried Oyster Soba,” featuring homemade fried oysters cooked in the shop’s kitchen.
The crispy fried oysters paired with the broth and special sauce are an exceptional combination.
It is highly praised for allowing you to easily enjoy freshly cooked soba noodles.
Main stations where IRORI-an KIRAKU is located:
- JR Tokyo Station
- JR Ueno Station
- JR Otsuki Station
- JR Oji Station
SOBA ICHI
At “SOBA ICHI,” you can enjoy freshly cooked soba noodles at reasonable prices.
Its biggest selling point is the quick service, allowing you to have a meal quickly during a short layover.
The rich texture of the raw buckwheat noodles, paired with a broth that combines the umami of bonito flakes and dried mackerel, is its greatest characteristic.
Among the many dishes, the most popular is the “Sayama Taro Croquette Soba.”
The smooth texture and sweet flavor of the taro croquette, along with the carefully prepared broth, make it an addictive dish.
main stations where SOBA ICHI is located:
- JR Tokyo Station
- JR Akabane Station
- JR Ikebukuro Station
- JR Kanda Station
- JR Shinjuku Station
Curry: Evolved into a Uniquely Japanese Style, Loved by All Ages!
Different from the flavors of India, where curry originated, Japanese curry has evolved into its own unique style.
A characteristic of Japanese curry is the thick and rich “curry sauce” served over rice.
Using various different ingredients and spices, the flavor also varies depending on the person and the restaurant.
It’s not only a common dish at home but also a popular food enjoyed by people of all ages in Japan.
Therefore, you’ll also find curry shops in Ekinaka, allowing travelers to enjoy Japanese-style curry during their travel breaks.
If you love Japanese curry, you should definitely try the shops introduced below.
Curry House RIO
“Curry House RIO,” which opened in Yokohama in 1960, also has branches in Ekinaka.
Their curry is based on chicken broth and uses 17 carefully selected spices.
The sweetness of the curry is brought out with vegetables and Indian mango chutney, and coconut milk is added for a richer flavor, making it a dish loved by both adults and children.
Various toppings are available to choose from, such as croquettes and cheese, allowing you to customize your curry to your liking.
Their best-selling dish is the “RIO Premium Pork Cutlet Curry.” The exclusive curry sauce paired with the crispy coating of the fried pork cutlet is an exceptional combination.
The generous portion size is sure to leave you feeling satisfied.
SPICE FACTORY
“SPICE FACTORY” offers curry made with a variety of different spices.
You can choose between two types of sauce: “Spice Chicken Curry” and “Rich and Mellow Curry.” The meals come with side dishes, allowing you to enjoy a personalized curry combination tailored to your taste.
The most popular dish, “Spice Chicken Curry,” features the sweetness of slowly sautéed onions and a mildly spicy flavor, making it an addictive delight.
The main menu includes three types of curry: “Spice Chicken Curry,” “Exotic Curry,” and “Keema Curry.”
What’s great is that you can choose between white rice and multigrain rice, and you can also add cabbage to your liking.
As the meals come with side dishes, you can enjoy a personalized curry combination.
Main stations where SPICE FACTORY is located:
- JR Shinagawa Station
- JR Osaki Station
Dining Etiquette to Know Before Eating at Ekinaka Restaurants
Dining at restaurants within Ekinaka (inside train stations) generally follows the same basic dining etiquette as regular restaurants.
The restaurants introduced in this article are all for dine-in only and do not offer takeout, so please remember that eating and drinking is not allowed within the station premises outside of the restaurants.
Also, please be aware that to enter restaurants located inside the ticket gates, you will need to purchase a train ticket even if you are not traveling by train.
Furthermore, while eating and drinking is not allowed on local trains, it is recommended to try the wide variety of ekiben (station bento boxes) when traveling on limited express trains or the Shinkansen (bullet train).
You can enjoy a delicious meal while watching the scenery fly by outside the train window.
Above, we’ve introduced recommended Ekinaka restaurants and their signature dishes that are very popular among Japanese people.
When you travel to Japan, in addition to the various sightseeing spots, why not take a stroll through Ekinaka during your travel breaks?
If you’d like to learn more about the appeal of Ekinaka in depth, please refer to the article below.
