Wanna go hunting for the best bento in Osaka? Osaka Localized has curated the best lunch boxes in Osaka and where you can find them.
Bento is a traditional meal preparation in Japan. Typically, it is a single-serving ready-to-eat meal, often consisting of rice or noodles as carbs sources accompanied by protein sources like fish, eggs, or meat. Think of it as a lunch box with all the extras.
Bento boxes are so popular in Japan that there’s even what we call “ekiben,” which means “railway bento” or “station bento.” These are a specific type of bento meals sold at train stations in Japan, perfect for snacking or as a full meal while on long-distance train rides.
Many train stations have become popular for their ekiben, usually made from local food specialties. Since they are designed as on-the-go meals, they come with disposable chopsticks or spoons. Ekiben containers can be made from plastic, wood, or ceramic, depending on the bento shop.
Without further ado, here are our top recommendations for the best bento in Osaka:
1. Sushi Bento at Kakisen
Located inside Hankyu Department Store Umeda Main Store, Kakisen is your go-to deli for some delicious bento. Their sushi and smoked fish bento are a must-try.
Price: From 800 yen
Hours: 10 AM - 8 PM
Phone: +81 6-6361-1381
Address: 8-7 Kakudacho, Kita Ward, Osaka, 530-8350, Japan
2. Tonkatsu Bento at Kushikatsu Daruma
This famous chain of kushikatsu (deep-fried skewers) restaurants in Osaka sells a selection of ready-to-eat bento. The main shop in Shinsekai is the best one to get their pork loin katsu sandwich, which can be cut into 8 to make it more snackable.
Price: From 680 yen
Hours: 11 AM - 10:30 PM
Phone: +81 6-6645-7056
Address: 2 Chome-3-9 Ebisuhigashi, Naniwa Ward, Osaka, 556-0002, Japan
3. Hakkaku Bento at Suiryoken
Hakkaku bento has been sold in almost all stations in Osaka for 40 years, selling typical Kansai cuisine. Instead of deep-fried food typical of bento, this bento uses grilled fish and vegetables
Price: From 1,100 yen
Hours: 6 AM - 9 PM (Monday/Tuesday/Thursday/Friday) | 12 NN - 1 PM, 6 - 9 PM (Wednesday/Saturday) (closed on Sunday)
Phone: +81 6-6358-7497
Address: 3-chōme−1−2 2F Tenma Kita ward, Osaka, 530-0043, Japan
4. Temarizushi
Inside Eki Marché Shin-Osaka you can find a bunch of temarizushi, an assortment of ball-shaped sushi. One you should try is oshizushi or pressed sushi, which is Osaka’s specialty.
Price: From 1,500 yen
Hours: 5:30 - 11 PM (Monday to Friday)
Phone: 81 80-5707-2903
Address: 5 Chome-8-7 Nishinakajima, Yodogawa Ward, Osaka, 532-0011, Japan
5. Takoju at Kukuru
If you are in Osaka, you can’t miss takoyaka, Osaka’s specialty. This takoyaki chain in Osaka sells takoju, a bento box of takoyaki, which you can also find at bento shops inside ticket gates of stations.
Price: From 1,030 yen
Hours: 11 AM - 9 PM (Monday to Friday) | 10 AM - 9 PM (Saturday/Sunday)
Phone: +81 6-6212-7381
Address: 1 Chome−10−5, Dotonbori, Chuo Ward, Osaka, 542-0071, Japan
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