11 Popular Breakfasts in Japan & Where to Find Them

Japanese breakfasts are rich in history and culture, having survived the test of time. But many people now opt for quicker, more modern options. Read on to explore the wonderful traditional and delicious contemporary Japanese breakfasts on offer, including the traditional Japanese breakfast.

Traditional Japanese breakfast requires roasting the fish, preparing the soup and steaming the rice to perfection, which takes quite a bit of work and time — a luxury that not everyone can afford first thing in the morning. 

So, what is a typical Japanese breakfast today?

As Japan’s economy rebounded after the war, most people were busy, leaving early, working long hours and coming home late, so quicker Western options became more available, such as eggs, toast, pancakes, coffee and bacon. 

However, on the weekends, chic cafes offer renditions of standard brunch sets, with handmade scones served with fresh cream, high-quality cured meats, raw cheesecakes and specialty coffee. 

Without further ado, let’s dig into some breakfast in Japan!

While traditional breakfasts are still popular, many Japanese people opt for a DIY version, pairing leftover miso soup they have at home with a side of natto, egg and some steamed rice. 

Others prefer a more western option called a “morning set,” which usually includes eggs, either scrambled or boiled, buttered toast possibly with jam, and a coffee. A more luxurious morning set might include a small side salad, and either some small hotdogs or a  slice or two of Japanese bacon, which is similar to Canadian ham, if slightly thicker. 

Some people also prepare vegetable and fruit smoothies, preferring to prioritize health and save time.

Traditionally, Japanese breakfasts were filling, rich in vitamins and nutrients, and designed to support those laboring long hours. In the Edo Period, up to 70% of the population were commoners and they traditionally ate a full 3 meals per day. 

This nutritious breakfast became popular as more peasants in Edo were able to afford white rice, while people in the countryside were still eating millet or barley. As the lower economic class boomed, breakfasts began to take on more and more stylish aspects. 

Today, a traditional Japanese breakfast typically includes miso soup, grilled fish — with various kinds like mackerel, sardine or salmon — pickles, steamed egg, natto, nori seaweed, and green tea, which can be poured over ingredients as ochazuke. 

Rich in protein and omega oils from the fish, full of probiotics in the miso soup and pickles, and with the antioxidant properties of green tea, a traditional Japanese breakfast is one of the healthiest in the world. Some of the best traditional breakfasts featuring the best seasonal ingredients can be found in ryokan, or traditional Japanese inns.

Often made of “shokupan” or Japanese white bread, toast has been a morning staple since the end of the war. It is often very thick cut and fluffy, and is usually paired with butter, jam or azuki (Japanese red bean). 

From standard corn flakes and brown rice flakes or modern granola to a very traditional puffed brown rice, cereals are eaten frequently for breakfast in Japan. While usually paired with regular cow’s milk, you can find soy milk in nearly every grocery store, or if you stop by a specialty store, you can also find anything from oat milk to almond milk as well.

As well as a regular pancake recipe, a common style of pancake in Japan are souffle pancakes that are made to order. These delicate, wiggly pancakes are often paired with seasonal fruits and fresh cream.

Similar to Western standards, Japanese brunch foods include scones, sandwiches, fruit sandwiches and you can even find high-tea style brunches offered at upscale hotels.

Japanese breakfast options also include thick, fluffy toast made from shokupan (Japanese milk bread), diverse cereals and souffle pancakes. Many bakeries offer a range of sweet and savory baked goods, including unique items like melon pan and nikuman.

The strong bakery culture in Japan offers everything from sweet to savory, and common favorites are nikuman (meat buns), anpan (sweet red bean buns), as well as curry pan (curry buns). 

You can also find french toast, bagels and the classic melon pan. While this bread actually has no melon in it, it’s shaped to look round like a melon, and it’s so popular that you can find high schoolers lining up at the convenience store in the mornings before school just to get one.

Japan has a great variety of health-conscious protein bars for busy people. Some of the most popular are Calorie Mate and In bars. You can also find a good selection of protein drinks like Savas, as well as nomuyoguruto (drinkable yogurt).

Another, slightly more traditional quick breakfast is onigiri. Students and workers alike often eat this on the way to school or work as it’s easy to eat with your hands. These rice balls can include protein such as fish, vegetables or pickles, like umeboshi or pickled plum. Some of the most popular are tuna mayonnaise and salmon.

One of the quickest and simplest breakfasts, with ingredients everyone has at home. A bowl of steamed rice with a raw egg or two cracked over top and then whisked in quickly to lightly cook the egg. It’s often enjoyed with soy sauce and is a favorite of busy people or with children who prefer milder tastes.

For another traditional option, you can stand shoulder to shoulder with the business people starting their day and slurp a quick, hot bowl of tachigui soba, or standing noodles. 

These noodles are made from buckwheat and the broth is a rich fish dashi. They often are accompanied by some tempura vegetables, a sweet deep fried tofu and green onions. This is one of the fastest ways to get breakfast on-the-go.

That’s right, the iconic Japanese ramen is also becoming a morning trend. A lot of ramen places are open until 4 or 5 am and are often the last stop after a night of bar-hopping, making it a popular choice for a Japanese breakfast. Some younger people are starting their days with “asa-ra,” a hearty bowl of morning ramen. 

For an iconic traditional Japanese breakfast experience featuring miso soup and delicious grilled fish, visit Nihonbashi Asada in the Mitsui Garden Hotel. 

This restaurant has been operating using traditional cooking styles and ingredients from Kanazawa since 1867. Everything is seasonal with great presentation and this style of cooking is rare, so it’s an experience worth trying.

When you’re looking for that little bit of Melbourne feel with avocado toast and the best coffee, stop by Latte Graphic Jiyugaoka. They offer a great range of breakfast and lunch, and the coffee is good all day long.

For a more French take on breakfast, stop by Boulangerie Seiji Asakura to get the freshest croissants or a ham and brie baguette.

If you’re looking for a classic New York-style bagel breakfast, Maruichi Bagel is the spot. It’s best to come early as the bagels sell out quickly, but it’s worth it to try the supposed best bagel in Japan.

Centre the Bakery is the perfect place to try out a simple toast breakfast and they offer Japanese, North American or English style options. It’s great if you’re looking to get the real Japanese milk bread experience.

Located in a posh and very traditional neighborhood in Tokyo’s Taito City, Think bakery, which offers new takes on more traditional hard breads, featuring innovative flavors like chocolate and fig or butter and soy sauce baguette.

Royal Host is a Japanese family restaurant that offers everything from the simplest breakfasts to the more complex breakfasts. You can find the classic morning set here, or even a simple plate of simple buttered toast.

A lesser-known, but extremely popular cafe with the locals is Paddler’s Coffee in Hatagaya. They have great coffee, good sausage sandwiches, as well as small pastries, and often have small gallery events. 

There’s also a dog-friendly patio which is really great during cherry blossom season.

While billed as Hawaiian, Eggs’n Things is a great place to get a hearty, Western-style diner experience with just the right touch of Japanese influence. They offer standard brunch options like pancakes, eggs and more Hawaii-inspired options like Loco Moco.

For a more down-to-earth, local experience, stop by Steppin’ in Hatagaya, just west of Shinjuku. The owner is from Hokkaido and specializes in European-style breads, from German and French to Danish, and has some of the only Danish rye bread in Japan.

Now that you have a good idea of what a typical Japanese breakfast includes, whether traditional or modern, you can get your day started! 

Check out our post about where to stop for breakfast if you’re in Tokyo. For more location-specific options, the Shibuya area or Shinjuku have plenty of options, or for something a bit more elevated, check out our list of Ginza breakfast spots.

A typical Japanese breakfast, whether traditional with miso soup, grilled fish, and pickles, or more contemporary with eggs, toast and coffee, wonderfully showcases Japan's rich culinary diversity and cultural heritage.

A traditional Japanese breakfast, with its combination of miso soup, grilled fish, steamed vegetables, pickles and green tea, offers a harmonious blend of proteins, probiotics and antioxidants, creating a nourishing start to the day.