Discover the best back-to-school bento box ideas with these easy, healthy, and kid-friendly lunches. From food safety tips to creative decoration ideas, my guide has everything you need to make bento packing simple, fun, and stress-free.

Bento box filled with delicious foods.

As a parent, I know how challenging it can be to pack lunches your kids will actually eat. That’s why Japanese-style bento boxes are such a lifesaver—they make packing nutritious, colorful, and balanced meals both easy and fun.

Having packed bentos for my children for over 16 years, I’ve learned how to turn this daily routine into an enjoyable, stress-free habit.

In this post, I’ll share easy bento ideas along with practical tips on food safety, smart packing, and creative presentation.

Namiko Hirasawa Chen

Why I Like Japanese Bento?

A Japanese bento isn’t just a lunchbox—it’s a well-balanced meal packed with care and thought. Here’s why it’s so good:

  • Balanced nutrition. Rice, protein, and vegetables in one box!
  • Healthy portions. Small servings of many foods.
  • Variety. You get to enjoy different flavors and textures.
  • Beautiful. My kids always look forward to opening the bento I made for them.
  • Convenience. Easy to take anywhere!

I hope you have fun packing bento for your children after this post. Looking for more ideas? Check out our Japanese Bento Recipes collection.

Questions or feedback? Leave a comment at the end of the post—we’d love to hear from you. Now let’s get started!

Back-to-School Easy Bento Box Ideas & Recipes

1. Your Guide to Bento Box Lunch

Tutorial of how to make bento.

New to making Bento? I recommend starting with this post. You’ll find helpful tips and tools to make packing healthy, colorful lunches much easier.

read the guide

2. Chicken Meatball Bento

Bento box filled with delicious foods.

My kids were always thrilled whenever I packed this bento for their school lunches!

Juicy teriyaki chicken meatballs take center stage, paired with fluffy steamed rice, a cute ham flower, fresh fruits, crab salad, egg, and broccoli—all neatly arranged in a stylish bento box. It’s a guaranteed lunchtime win!

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3. Karaage Bento

Shio Koji Karaage in the bento box.

Here’s a little treasure chest filled with your child’s favorite bites: crispy Japanese fried chicken (karaage), fluffy tamagoyaki, bright broccoli, juicy tomato, savory sautéed spinach, and onigiri rice balls.

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4. Egg Salad Sandwich

Egg salad sandwich and fruits in the bento box

Busy week ahead? This simple and tasty egg salad sandwich bento comes together in minutes! Make a few hard-boiled eggs over the weekend, and you’re ready for quick, stress-free assembly.

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5. Sanshoku Bento

Ground chicken, egg, and salmon over rice in a wooden bento box.

This protein-packed Sanshoku (tri-color) Bento isn’t just healthy—it’s a feast for the eyes! The bright colors and artful arrangement make lunchtime the highlight of your child’s school day.

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6. Honey Soy Sauce Chicken Bento

Honey Soy Sauce Chicken Bento

In this bento, I’ll show you how I turned my 4-ingredient honey soy sauce chicken leftovers into a quick and nutritious school lunch.

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7. Onigiri (Japanese Rice Balls)

An oval plate containing 3 pieces of Onigiri (Japanese Rice Balls) placed on a bamboo leaf.

Besides steamed rice, onigiri is another great carb option for bento lunches. Their portability makes them perfect for packing one or two for after-school snacks. I’ll show you how to make onigiri with all kinds of tasty fillings your kids will love.

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8. Onigirazu

Spam Onigirazu

Looking to mix things up? Then you have to try onigirazu! These nori-wrapped Japanese rice sandwiches are a fun and tasty addition to any school lunch in my bento-making routine.

Here are some of my favorite fillings:

9. Piggy Spam Musubi Bento

Piggy spam musubi in the two tier bento box.

This Hawaiian-inspired Piggy Spam Musubi Bento is cute, fun, and sure to bring a smile at lunchtime! Be sure to pack in some colorful veggies and tropical fruits for a bright, balanced meal.

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10. How to Pack Bento in 15 Minutes (6 Lunch Ideas)

A Zojirushi lunch jar containing steamed rice, chicken meatballs, asparagus tempura, and hijiki salad.

The ultimate guide to packing Japanese-style bento in just 15 minutes each morning! In this post, I’ll walk you through every step, sharing useful tips and secrets I’ve learned over the years.

read the guide
Blanched broccoli in the glass container.

There are endless okazu (side dishes) you can pack into a bento lunch box. To create a wholesome and visually appealing bento, I like to focus on balanced nutrients, vibrant colors, and meal-prep–friendly dishes.

Here are a few of my go-to favorites:

Protein

Sides

Vegetables

Additional Resources & Tips

1. How to Make Bento Video Tutorial

This bento video tutorial gives you plenty of helpful tips and tools on how to make healthy and colorful Bento Boxes.

2. Food Safety Tips for Bento

There are a few essential tips to pack your bento properly. Follow these simple tips for food safety.

Editor’s Note: This post was originally published on August 11, 2019. It was republished with more helpful information on September 3, 2025.