The word bento is used in both Japanese and English today, yet the original “OBENTO” (obentō) embodies far more than a simple “lunch box.” Its history stretches back over a millennium to the Heian period, when portable dried rice (hoshii) served as nourishment for travelers and hunters. Over time, it evolved alongside the vibrant culture of Edo, and later, with the rise of rail travel in the Meiji era, it gave birth to the unique tradition of the ekiben.
photo by ©FASHION HEADLINE
An OBENTO—known globally as bento—is defined not only by its convenience but by its meticulous sense of harmony: neatly arranged rice, a main dish, seasonal vegetables, and delicately prepared sides.The care taken in color, balance, and composition reflects the very essence of Japanese aesthetics. To many international visitors, this compact box appears almost like a form of edible art, capturing the spirit of Japanese craftsmanship and appreciation for seasonality.
Isetan Shinjuku is one of Tokyo’s finest destinations for discovering the depth of OBENTO culture in a single place. Time-honored establishments and contemporary brands stand side by side, offering a rich and diverse array of beautifully crafted bento.
photo by ©FASHION HEADLINE
Just a short walk away lies Shinjuku Gyoen National Garden, a vast green sanctuary in the heart of the city. Carrying your OBENTO—your bento—to the lawn, sitting down in the gentle breeze, and opening the box beneath spring blossoms, fresh summer foliage, or autumn leaves transforms a simple meal into an experience where scenery and food blend into one moment. For visitors, it offers a fresh perspective on Japanese daily life; for locals, it evokes a familiar sense of nostalgia.
FASHION HEADLINE turned its attention to five distinctive OBENTO—bento—selections available at Isetan Shinjuku, exploring the stories and sensibilities behind each.
Kanda Shinodazushi — “Sappari Sanshoku-maki”
Created by a long-established Edo-style sushi house, this three-color roll is defined by its vivid hues and delicate balance of ingredients. The finesse of knife work and the gentle flavor of the seasoned rice come through in every bite, making it a refined yet approachable choice—perfect for a morning stroll or a relaxed lunch in the park.
photo by ©FASHION HEADLINE
Kameido Masumoto — “Noriben”
The noriben is an essential part of Japan’s bento heritage, and Kameido Masumoto’s version is among its most iconic expressions. Fragrant nori layered over tender rice, accompanied by side dishes imbued with the depth of dashi, creates a flavor that is at once simple and profoundly comforting. A single box captures the warmth of everyday Japanese home cooking.
photo by ©FASHION HEADLINE
Benmatsu Sohonten — “Namiroku Shiromeshi Bento”
Beloved in Tokyo since the Meiji era, Benmatsu Sohonten has long been cherished for its unwavering dedication to traditional flavors. The “Namiroku Shiromeshi Bento,” with its neatly arranged white rice, simmered vegetables, teriyaki fish, and sweet rolled omelette, embodies the archetypal balance of Japanese home-style cuisine. Its gently seasoned dishes evoke a quiet, nostalgic warmth that transcends generations.
photo by ©FASHION HEADLINE
Kiyoken — “Shiumai Bento”
A long-standing favorite known throughout Japan, Kiyoken’s “Shiumai Bento” is synonymous with the country’s ekiben culture. Its signature pork-and-scallop shiumai, accompanied by delicately prepared side dishes and perfectly cooked rice, offers a comforting, familiar flavor. Easily purchased in Shinjuku, it is an ideal companion for a journey—or for a relaxed meal in your hotel room.
photo by ©FASHION HEADLINE
Yushoku — “Kyofu Irodori Barazushi”
Yushoku is renowned for its refined approach to Japanese cuisine, and its “Kyofu Irodori Barazushi” is like a small treasure chest. Colorful ingredients are artfully scattered over gently vinegared rice, creating a dish that reveals a new nuance with every bite. Its elegance and delicate balance embody the refined sensibility often associated with Kyoto—a style that resonates deeply with international visitors.
photo by ©FASHION HEADLINE
How to Enjoy OBENTO in Japan
Once you’ve chosen your OBENTO—your bento—at Isetan Shinjuku, bring it with you as you step into the city. In the sweeping lawns and serene gardens of nearby Shinjuku Gyoen, opening your bento becomes a moment of quiet luxury. In Japan, enjoying food outdoors is more than a matter of convenience—it is a way of letting the season, the landscape, and the meal quietly enrich one another.
On days when the weather is less forgiving, taking time to savor your bento in the calm of your hotel room—perhaps placing it neatly on a plate and pairing it with warm tea—offers another gentle and restorative way to experience this tradition.
photo by ©FASHION HEADLINE
A Box That Carries the Memory of a Journey
The small thrill you feel when lifting the lid of an OBENTO is universal: a moment when color, aroma, and delicate flavor reveal themselves all at once. In Japan, this simple act becomes a quiet ritual. More than food, a bento carries the culture and spirit of a place within a single, beautifully arranged box.
photo by ©FASHION HEADLINE
The five signature bento found at Isetan Shinjuku are each imbued with their own history and character. Enjoyed under the trees of Shinjuku Gyoen or in the tranquility of your hotel room, they invite you to experience Japan in an intimate, unhurried way—
a small box that holds the memory of a journey.
[Interview cooperation]
Isetan Shinjuku Store
Tel: +81-3-3352-1111
https://www.mistore.jp/store/shinjuku.html
Interview and photography conducted in November 2025.
Menu items may vary depending on season and weather conditions.
photo by ©FASHION HEADLINEAn OBENTO—known globally as bento—is defined not only by its convenience but by its meticulous sense of harmony: neatly arranged rice, a main dish, seasonal vegetables, and delicately prepared sides.The care taken in color, balance, and composition reflects the very essence of Japanese aesthetics. To many international visitors, this compact box appears almost like a form of edible art, capturing the spirit of Japanese craftsmanship and appreciation for seasonality.
Isetan Shinjuku is one of Tokyo’s finest destinations for discovering the depth of OBENTO culture in a single place. Time-honored establishments and contemporary brands stand side by side, offering a rich and diverse array of beautifully crafted bento.
photo by ©FASHION HEADLINEJust a short walk away lies Shinjuku Gyoen National Garden, a vast green sanctuary in the heart of the city. Carrying your OBENTO—your bento—to the lawn, sitting down in the gentle breeze, and opening the box beneath spring blossoms, fresh summer foliage, or autumn leaves transforms a simple meal into an experience where scenery and food blend into one moment. For visitors, it offers a fresh perspective on Japanese daily life; for locals, it evokes a familiar sense of nostalgia.
FASHION HEADLINE turned its attention to five distinctive OBENTO—bento—selections available at Isetan Shinjuku, exploring the stories and sensibilities behind each.
Kanda Shinodazushi — “Sappari Sanshoku-maki”
Created by a long-established Edo-style sushi house, this three-color roll is defined by its vivid hues and delicate balance of ingredients. The finesse of knife work and the gentle flavor of the seasoned rice come through in every bite, making it a refined yet approachable choice—perfect for a morning stroll or a relaxed lunch in the park.
photo by ©FASHION HEADLINEKameido Masumoto — “Noriben”
The noriben is an essential part of Japan’s bento heritage, and Kameido Masumoto’s version is among its most iconic expressions. Fragrant nori layered over tender rice, accompanied by side dishes imbued with the depth of dashi, creates a flavor that is at once simple and profoundly comforting. A single box captures the warmth of everyday Japanese home cooking.
photo by ©FASHION HEADLINEBenmatsu Sohonten — “Namiroku Shiromeshi Bento”
Beloved in Tokyo since the Meiji era, Benmatsu Sohonten has long been cherished for its unwavering dedication to traditional flavors. The “Namiroku Shiromeshi Bento,” with its neatly arranged white rice, simmered vegetables, teriyaki fish, and sweet rolled omelette, embodies the archetypal balance of Japanese home-style cuisine. Its gently seasoned dishes evoke a quiet, nostalgic warmth that transcends generations.
photo by ©FASHION HEADLINEKiyoken — “Shiumai Bento”
A long-standing favorite known throughout Japan, Kiyoken’s “Shiumai Bento” is synonymous with the country’s ekiben culture. Its signature pork-and-scallop shiumai, accompanied by delicately prepared side dishes and perfectly cooked rice, offers a comforting, familiar flavor. Easily purchased in Shinjuku, it is an ideal companion for a journey—or for a relaxed meal in your hotel room.
photo by ©FASHION HEADLINEYushoku — “Kyofu Irodori Barazushi”
Yushoku is renowned for its refined approach to Japanese cuisine, and its “Kyofu Irodori Barazushi” is like a small treasure chest. Colorful ingredients are artfully scattered over gently vinegared rice, creating a dish that reveals a new nuance with every bite. Its elegance and delicate balance embody the refined sensibility often associated with Kyoto—a style that resonates deeply with international visitors.
photo by ©FASHION HEADLINEHow to Enjoy OBENTO in Japan
Once you’ve chosen your OBENTO—your bento—at Isetan Shinjuku, bring it with you as you step into the city. In the sweeping lawns and serene gardens of nearby Shinjuku Gyoen, opening your bento becomes a moment of quiet luxury. In Japan, enjoying food outdoors is more than a matter of convenience—it is a way of letting the season, the landscape, and the meal quietly enrich one another.
On days when the weather is less forgiving, taking time to savor your bento in the calm of your hotel room—perhaps placing it neatly on a plate and pairing it with warm tea—offers another gentle and restorative way to experience this tradition.
photo by ©FASHION HEADLINEA Box That Carries the Memory of a Journey
The small thrill you feel when lifting the lid of an OBENTO is universal: a moment when color, aroma, and delicate flavor reveal themselves all at once. In Japan, this simple act becomes a quiet ritual. More than food, a bento carries the culture and spirit of a place within a single, beautifully arranged box.
photo by ©FASHION HEADLINEThe five signature bento found at Isetan Shinjuku are each imbued with their own history and character. Enjoyed under the trees of Shinjuku Gyoen or in the tranquility of your hotel room, they invite you to experience Japan in an intimate, unhurried way—
a small box that holds the memory of a journey.
[Interview cooperation]
Isetan Shinjuku Store
Tel: +81-3-3352-1111
https://www.mistore.jp/store/shinjuku.html
Interview and photography conducted in November 2025.
Menu items may vary depending on season and weather conditions.
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