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Himeji Castle, a UNESCO World Heritage Site, attracts countless visitors who step off the train at Himeji Station to admire its stunning white facade.
But there’s a hidden gem that only some travelers know about—a “soul food” experience found right at the station.
Maneki no Ekisoba
For over 70 years, this beloved station eatery has been a part of Himeji’s food culture. A unique combination of light Japanese dashi broth and Chinese-style noodles makes for a distinctive taste. The quick and casual stand-up dining style adds to its appeal. And above all, its presence is felt throughout Himeji Station.
In fact, stumbling upon Maneki no Ekisoba might just be one of the most unexpected highlights of your trip. Whether you’re waiting for your train or taking a break from sightseeing, this simple bowl of noodles could turn into an unforgettable travel memory.
Let’s dive into the world of Maneki no Ekisoba and discover what makes it special.
Maneki no Ekisoba is a standing noodle eatery operated by Maneki Shokuhin, a company based in Himeji, Hyogo Prefecture. It is especially famous for its location inside JR Himeji Station.
Maneki Shokuhin Official Website
The shop itself is called “Maneki,” and its specialty dish is “Ekisoba.”
For example, you might ask:
“I’d like to try Ekisoba—where is the nearest Maneki store?”
This is how the name is commonly used.
The most unique feature of Ekisoba is its fusion of Japanese dashi broth with Chinese-style noodles!
A light Kansai-style dashi pairs perfectly with slightly soft, alkaline-infused noodles, creating a one-of-a-kind experience.
Despite being called “Ekisoba” (station soba), it looks more like thin udon. Yet, because it uses Chinese-style noodles, some might even classify it as ramen.
In fact, alongside Ekisoba, the menu also offers ramen, udon, and traditional soba, proving that Ekisoba truly stands in a category of its own.
Maneki no Ekisoba offers a variety of toppings, with tempura (shrimp or vegetable fritters) and kitsune (fried tofu) being the most popular.
Other options include chicken tempura, squid tempura, burdock root, cheese, kimchi, and slow-cooked beef tendon.
Depending on the location, you may also find rice dishes such as inari sushi, rice balls, oyakodon (chicken and egg rice bowl), katsudon (pork cutlet rice bowl), and chashudon (braised pork rice bowl).
Since menu variations exist across different locations, it’s best to check in advance or enjoy the surprise when you arrive!
| Menu | Price |
|---|---|
| Tempura Ekisoba | ¥480 |
| Kitsune Ekisoba | ¥480 |
| Burdock Tempura Ekisoba | ¥530 |
| Chicken Tempura Ekisoba | ¥610 |
| Menu | Price |
|---|---|
| Tatsuno Shoyu Ramen | ¥780 |
| Tonkotsu Ramen | ¥910 |
| Chashumen | ¥1,080 |
| Menu | Price |
|---|---|
| Katsudon | ¥730 |
| Oyakodon | ¥630 |
| Chashudon | ¥570 |
| Mini Katsudon | ¥520 |
| Mini Oyakodon | ¥420 |
| Inari Sushi | ¥200 |
| Sukeroku Sushi | ¥200 |
| Maki Sushi | ¥200 |
| Rice Ball | ¥180 |
| Menu | Price |
|---|---|
| Ekisoba & Chashudon Set Tempura or Kitsune | ¥950 |
| Ekisoba & Mini Katsudon Set Tempura or Kitsune | ¥900 |
| Ekisoba & Mini Oyakodon Set Tempura or Kitsune | ¥800 |
| Menu | Price |
|---|---|
| Tatsuno Shoyu Ramen & Chashudon Set | ¥1,250 |
| Tatsuno Shoyu Ramen & Mini Katsudon Set | ¥1,200 |
| Tatsuno Shoyu Ramen & Mini Oyakodon Set | ¥1,100 |
Maneki no Ekisoba has multiple locations throughout JR Himeji Station.
From local train platforms to the Shinkansen concourse, souvenir areas, and the station front, you’ll find a store conveniently located no matter where you are.
For example, here’s a shop on the local train platform:
And here’s one inside the “Piole Himeji Souvenir Hall.”
If you’re visiting Himeji, chances are you’ll pass through JR Himeji Station. Having access to a local specialty right within the station is a delightful perk for travelers.
Maneki also has locations in other parts of the Kansai region, primarily in Osaka and Hyogo.
Maneki Shokuhin first introduced Ekisoba in 1949, shortly after World War II, in response to food shortages that made it difficult to obtain buckwheat flour for traditional soba.
Since then, it has become a beloved local dish, enjoyed by both Himeji residents and visitors alike.
Tourists heading to Himeji Castle, locals commuting to work or school, and business travelers stopping by on their journey—all find comfort in a bowl of Maneki no Ekisoba.
For over 70 years, this dish has stood the test of time, offering an irreplaceable taste of Himeji’s history.
If you visit Himeji, don’t miss this soulful bowl of Ekisoba—a local classic that has warmed the hearts of travelers for generations.
