Shinkansen Must-Eat Railway Bento: Retro-Style, Superb Eel Rice Packed with Flavor

Photo & Text / Excerpted fromHop on the Shinkansen: The Right Way to Travel Japan!: A Culinary Journey Through 25 Cities and 60 Bento Boxes

Clam Eel Rice – Premium Star Eel Rice from a Long-Established Shop

When it comes to eel rice, I’m sure everyone has their own go-to spot and can talk at length about where to find the best. But here in Miyajima, the hometown of eel rice, nearly every restaurant serves both clam eel rice and grilled oysters—so finding the very best takes some effort. However, our mission this time was bento, so no distractions allowed. After browsing around JR Miyajima Station, we zeroed in on this retro-style clam eel rice bento. It may look plain and simple, just plain soy-sauce rice topped with chunks of eel, but at first glance, it seems quite ordinary. However, once you take a bite, you'll realize just how extraordinary this bento really is.The eel has a slightly grilled flavor, a bit drier than what you might be used to, which gives it a refreshing twist.The more you eat, the more nostalgic it feels—especially when enjoying it in front of the iconic torii gate of Miyajima, where it evokes a real sense of old-world charm.

Tasting Report
Sunny: The rice tastes good.
Main: The eel doesn’t have an overly saucy or soft texture—it actually has a slightly grilled flavor that becomes more aromatic the more you chew.
Side: A few slices of pickled radish that are almost unnoticeable.
Barley Rice: The aroma and chewiness of the eel are top-notch, and there’s no off taste even after the bento has been sitting for a while—it’s definitely worth trying.

Bento Profile
Sold by: Ueno, Miyajima Station
Price: ¥1470
Type: Seafood Bento
Sunny’s Rating: ★★★★