Spotlight on these unique bento boxes with a twist！～Awajiya

▲©san-X

　One of the joys of a train journey is enjoying a bento filled with local specialties, carefully prepared for travelers. These days, it’s not just about what’s inside the bento but also the container, many of which are designed in collaboration with popular characters. Awajiya, a long-established bento shop, offers a variety of unique bento boxes. Some are available only through pre-order, so it’s recommended to reserve them in advance.

Here are some of their top recommendations.
■「Hello Kitty Shinkansen Bento」　in collaboration with the popular character: 1,500 yen （including tax, same below）

　This fun bento comes in a ceramic lunch box shaped like a Shinkansen (bullet train), complete with a Hello Kitty fish cake and Kobe-style sukiyaki, served with sweet and savory rice. It’s a meal that will lift your spirits even before you take the first bite.　

■The cute container is soothing and can also be used as a piggy bank: "Tontonbyoshi" 1,380 yen

　This bento was re-released with the hope of bringing smiles to people’s faces during the gloomy days of the global coronavirus pandemic. It features a Taiwanese-style lu rou fan, an addictive dish with a unique flavor.

■The unique lunch box 「JR Cargo Container Lunch Box Kobe Sukiyaki Edition」 1,580 yen

　Inspired by JR freight containers, this bento box stands out with its distinctive design. The first in the series is the 「Kobe sukiyaki edition,」 packed with sweet and savory sukiyaki. Other versions include the 「Kyoto chicken rice edition」 and the 「Akashi sea bream rice edition,」 making a total of three varieties to choose from.
　
■「Kiiroitori Kamameshi」 filled with the world of the character 「Rilakkuma」 1,680 yen

▲©san-X

　This bento fully embraces the world of the character 「Rilakkuma.」 The Kiiroitori-shaped fish cake, sweet potatoes, and chestnuts represent Kiiroitori’s coin-collecting hobby. The ingredients are carefully chosen to reflect the Rilakkuma universe, all packed into a charming kamameshi container.

■Awajiya's popular product, the gold version of Hipparidako rice, "Golden Hipparidako Rice" 1,580 yen

▲Left-Left）Golden Hipparidako Rice、Left-Right）Hipparidako Rice　　Right）There is also Hipparidako Rice, a collaboration with the police.

To celebrate the sale of 10 million Hipparidako bento boxes, Awajiya released this special golden version. The ceramic container is shaped like a traditional octopus pot and is filled with rice, tender simmered sweet and savory octopus leg, conger eel, seasonal vegetables, and more. In addition to this golden edition, there are over ten different variations, including collaborations with pandas and even with the police.

■A message to visitors to Japan
　Since the first bento was sold in 1903, Awajiya has preserved its traditional flavors. Their seasonal bento offerings are carefully crafted to reflect the changing tastes of the season, ensuring there's always something new to enjoy. In addition to the delicious food, Awajiya collaborates with various companies to create unique bento box designs.
　Some of the bento varieties may not be available in stores, so pre-ordering is recommended.

■Pre-order information for featured bento boxes
　To get one of these featured bento boxes, pre-ordering is possible, and they can be picked up at the following stores. For more details, please check the Awajiya website.
　・Pre-order available stores（other stores may offer pre-orders as well, so please check the Awajiya website for details.)
　　　Osaka area：Umeda Hanshin store (Inside Hanshin Umeda main store)
　　　　　　　　　　Phone: 06-6345-1201 Hours: 10:00 AM - 8:00 PM
　　　　　　　　 Osaka Takashimaya store (Inside Osaka Takashimaya)
　　　　　　　　　　Phone: 080-3823-5079 Hours: 10:00 AM - 8:00 PM
　　　Kobe area：Kobe Daimaru store (Inside Kobe Daimaru)
　　　　　　　　　　Phone: 078-571-1682 Hours: 10:00 AM - 8:00 PM