Synopsis

A journey across Japan by train is rarely complete without an *ekiben*: a meticulously packed boxed meal sold at stations, brimming with the distinct flavors of the region. These culinary companions have existed alongside Japan's railways for nearly a century, evolving with the times. Today, they even contribute to bolstering local economies. Our guest today, travel writer Shinobu Kobayashi, has dedicated the past two decades to sampling twenty different *ekiben* each week during her travels thr