When you mention "bento" to ex-pats in Japan, most will think of 399 yen fried chicken boxes at the local convenience (and there are many!). Yet, there is a whole different level to bento, the traditional kaiseki bento. Like a kaiseki meal, these bento usually include items that are prepared in a variety of ways: raw (sashimi), boiled, fried, pickled, etc... This one pictured above sells for 2,800 yen from Rakusei Okada in Western Kyoto. Definitely no "conbini" bento" No plastic here. All real ceramic ware delivered and picked up later. A feast for the eyes and mouth!