Japan, like a lot of Asia, is not a country that’s big on breakfast, but if you're looking for a bit of variety we've got you covered. The standard fare of miso soup, rice, and a bit of fish and vegetables is the average get-up-and-go meal for most of the country. This can be great, but travelers rise early and need a hearty meal, and sometimes just want something a little different.
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At a hotel?
If you’re staying in a hotel or ryokan you will most likely have breakfast included in your stay, or at least available to you. Outside of the cities your options outside of the hotel will be quite limited as well, so it’s best to enjoy what they have on offer. If you’re having trouble with Japanese breakfast it never hurts to grab something at a convenience store to keep with you.
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In the City
Of course, if you’re in a Japanese city your breakfast options will be much more open, but your biggest enemy is the opening hours of shops and cafes. Many don’t open until at least 9 or 10am, so you may need to explore a bit. Unless they’re 24 hours, supermarkets tend to be the same as well, and aren’t open early in the morning.
![In the City]()
In the City
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Sit-down
If it’s a proper sit-down breakfast you’re looking for, you’ll need to do some research ahead of time. Finding a restaurant offering breakfast from early hours is quite rare, but not impossible. Just don’t go out into the city expecting to find it or you’ll likely be disappointed.
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Quick Eats
Like we showed in our fast food article, there are a lot of fast choices for food in Japan. For breakfast in particular you’ll always have a Yoshinoya or Sukiya somewhere near you, and can get a traditional Japanese breakfast on the cheap.
![Quick Eats]()
Quick Eats
Otherwise, convenience stores now have plenty of options for a quick and dirty breakfast on the go. Aside from a selection of pre-made meals and breads, many now carry fresh-made donuts and nearly all now produce order-made coffee. The only issue you’ll have is finding somewhere to eat, but if you’re on the go you’ll figure out something.
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Brunch!
Though usually done by Western-style restaurants, brunch can be found on weekends if you look hard enough.
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Our favorite breakfasts:
– Ivy Place (Daikanyama, Tokyo)
– Conbini donut and coffee
– Yoshinoya breakfast set: Natto, raw egg, rice, and fish with miso soup
– Thrush Cafe at Happo-en (Shirokanedai, Tokyo)![favorite breakfasts]()
favorite breakfasts
- IVY PLACE
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- Tokyo Shibuya-ku Sarugakuchou 16-15
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Sheraton Miyako Hotel Tokyo
1-1-50 Shirokanedai, Minato-ku Tokyo
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