About Shokado BentoShokado bento/box lunch

Create Your Own Unique Shokado Bento
with a Variety of Vibrant Japanese Flavors

Shokado Bento is one of the most elegant forms of Japanese cuisine, emphasizing a perfect balance between visual appeal and taste.
Here, we explain its unique features and history.

Shokado Bento

About Shokado Bento

Features of Shokado Bento

The hallmark of Shokado Bento is its divided square box.
Typically made of wood or lacquerware, these boxes are partitioned into four or more sections.
Each section contains a different dish, emphasizing both visual beauty and a harmonious balance of flavors.
Diverse Cuisine Enjoy a variety of Japanese dishes, including rice, grilled items, simmered dishes, sashimi, fried foods, and vinegared items, all in one meal.
Seasonal ingredients are commonly used, adding vibrant colors to the presentation.
Artful Presentation Each dish is meticulously arranged, with great attention paid to color and placement.
The presentation offers a sense of artistic satisfaction, akin to enjoying a culinary masterpiece.

Introduction to Shokado Bento

History and Name Origin

The name "Shokado Bento" originates from Shokado Shojo, a monk and cultural figure from the Edo period.
He was renowned for his calligraphy and paintings, and the divided box he used inspired the bento's design.
The concept gained popularity in the early Showa period when Kyoto's famous restaurant "Kitcho" adopted this style, making it a refined form of Japanese cuisine enjoyed nationwide.

Ingredients and Preparation

Enjoying Shokado Bento

Visual Appeal First Experience the beauty of the arrangement as soon as you open the box.
The dishes are thoughtfully prepared to reflect the colors of the seasons.
Balanced Meal The small portions allow you to enjoy a variety of flavors, promoting a healthy and satisfying dining experience.
The bite-sized servings make it especially popular among women and older adults.

Cooking Process

Shokado Bento in Modern Times

Shokado Bento is not limited to high-end restaurants; it is also served at inns, special events, and select Japanese restaurants.
The menu changes with the seasons, offering a new experience each time.
Shokado Bento embodies the traditional Japanese aesthetic of "pleasing the eyes and satisfying the palate," making it a cherished part of Japan's culinary culture.

Food Presentation

Gallery | Photos of Japanese Cultural Experiences

Tea ceremony experience in Kyoto, enjoying traditional tea Ikebana (flower arrangement) experience in Kyoto, learning traditional Japanese flower arranging Japanese calligraphy experience in Kyoto, using brushes to learn about Japanese culture Origami experience in Kyoto, discovering traditional Japanese paper folding Koto music experience in Kyoto, enjoying the performance of the koto Hanafuda experience in Kyoto, learning a traditional Japanese card game Decorative sushi roll-making experience in Kyoto, learning the art of kazarimaki Nigiri sushi-making experience in Kyoto Shokado Bento-making experience in Kyoto Kaiseki cuisine experience in Kyoto Shojin Ryori (Buddhist vegetarian cuisine) experience in Kyoto