Food travel
Every Japanese city has a signature dish, and the shinkansen network turns the whole country into one giant tasting menu. A JR Pass is the cheapest way to chase regional specialties across the main island.
Each major shinkansen station sells its own ekiben lunch box with local ingredients. They are designed to be eaten cold on the train and are a delicious way to taste a region you are only passing through.
Quick answers to common questions.
Yes if you stick to the Tokaido and Sanyo shinkansen corridor. Adding Sapporo or Fukuoka comfortably needs a 14 day pass.
No. The pass only covers transport. Budget 3,000 to 8,000 yen per day for food depending on style.
On the platform or in station shops before boarding. Tokyo station has the famous Ekibenya Matsuri with over 150 varieties.
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