WHERE TO EAT

10 Best Breakfast Spots in Ginza

By Megumi Koiwai
Updated: October 4, 2024

Breakfast is often one of those meals where you don’t feel the need to research much about where to eat, and you’ll just "decide along the way". But after walking around on an empty stomach, you end up going into the nearest coffee shop to avoid becoming hangry — does this sound familiar?

We're here to change that, starting with the best Ginza breakfast spots — consider it our ode to the versatile Japanese breakfast experiences we just can’t get enough of. 

Whether it’s your first time traveling in Japan or not, Ginza is probably on your list of places to visit. While Ginza is a Tokyo fashion hotspot, it’s also known for being one of the best places to eat.

Tokyo has a huge range of cafes and breakfast places, and Ginza is no exception. From a bite of nostalgia in a retro aesthetic setting to a European-style eatery to savor your breakfast experience—this list has you covered.  

Top 10 options for breakfast in Ginza

A person eating a healthy Japanese breakfast set of rice, grilled fish, vegetables and miso soup

Here is a list of some of our favorite places to eat breakfast in Ginza.

1. bills Ginza

Fluffy pancakes at bills in Japan

bills, originally from Sydney, has been described as “The best breakfast place in the world”. When it came to Tokyo in 2016, it took the breakfast and brunch scene by storm, and it's still one of the most popular places to have breakfast in Ginza.

You’ll notice immediately how spacious and bright it is, with the morning sunlight shining through the restaurant interior—so inviting that you already suspect that you might stay longer than anticipated.

Their famous Ricotta Hotcakes—a dense and fluffy stack of cakes—is a must-try. They also serve afternoon tea, if that’s something you fancy later in the day. More details.

2. Ginza Saisho

Chef Saisho shows a visitor how to prepare sushi

Want to explore the famous Tsukiji Market with a professional chef and make your own sushi for breakfast, near Ginza? Then Ginza Saisho might be just the place for you!

Ginza Saisho is owned by the super-friendly Chef Saisho, and he will take you through the ins and outs of the Tsukiji (an overwhelming place without a guide, in my opinion). After cruising around the market, you can learn how to make sushi first hand, and eat it for breakfast! What a treat! More details.

3. The City Bakery—Tokyu Plaza Ginza

The City Bakery—Tokyu Plaza Ginza

Don’t have much time and just need a quick bite and a coffee? Head to The City Bakery for breakfast near Ginza Station, for a delicious flaky pastry or a sandwich. My personal favorite is their blueberry scones, but there are many to choose from … it might not end up as a quick stop after all! More details.

4. Aux Bacchanales Ginza

Exterior of Aux Bacchanales Ginza

We get it, why would you go to a French brasserie when you are in Japan, you might ask. A black chalkboard with the menu of the day, red decorative chairs and glasses clinking away at the bar counter—breakfast in Ginza never looked more French.

But who doesn’t want to start their day with some freshly squeezed orange juice, a croissant set, oh and I can’t leave out the Echire butter set meal—spreading that rich creamy butter across bread of your choice?! Getting hungry? Bon appetitMore details.

5. Rose Bakery Japan

Rose Bakery Japan

If you are in need of an aesthetically pleasing photo for Instagram, with tasteful (and tasty) sweets, this place is for you.

Step inside and you'll see a slick silver kitchen styled with wooden tables and chairs, and an array of desserts showcased on the counter—now look for it: the most popular thing on the menu is their carrot cake. You wouldn’t expect it to be the shape that it is—round and … tall? But oh, how sweet it is! More details.

6. Ginza Tricolore

Ginza Tricolore

A classic Japanese-style kissaten that has been around since 1936, Tricolore is a place to enjoy a nice cup of hand-drip coffee and forget about your day for a minute or two. 

You are welcomed by a brick building and a brown wooden door (we are still in Ginza, right?) and once you step into the kissaten, you feel like you have time-travelled somewhere you don’t recognize.

What to order? While their homemade pies are not to be missed, their “morning set" (moningu) is a beloved choice by the locals. A thick piece of shokupan (white bread) with jam and butter, and a cup of strong coffee? Yes please. More details.

7. Ginza Choshoku Lab

Ginza Choshoku Lab

Choshoku means breakfast in Japanese. Ginza Choshoku Lab opened in 2021, aiming to change the game of Japanese breakfast, buffet style.

All of the food is made by a chef who has mastered the art of both Japanese and Western food, and everything is delicious. You can taste the complexities of dashi, and enjoy different seasonal ingredients at this restaurant. Pick and choose from any kobachi, a small traditional Japanese dish, and make your own breakfast set. More details.

8. Cafe France-ya Ginza

This isn’t actually a French eatery, but another chic kissaten where you can enjoy your breakfast in Ginza with locals before they head to work.

Ginza is known for its fancy vibe and higher price points, but France-ya, located just behind Ginza Matsuya, has long been appreciated by its regular customers for affordable pricing (ever since it opened in 1980).

Welcoming you with a giant chandelier in the middle of the room, the place screams retro. Their waffle sandwiches are especially popular—plain, fruit or a savory kind, your pick! Ice-cream floats are among the nation’s finest desserts, and if you spot someone sipping on a green drink with ice cream bobbing around … maybe it’s a sign that you should try one too. More details.

9. Buvette Tokyo 

Buvette Tokyo

Buvette is another great place to have breakfast near Ginza. Introduced from New York, it bustles with locals chatting away about their day, and solo customers finishing up their breakfast in time to rush into work.

The big espresso machine behind the bar makes you want to order a coffee immediately to get your day started. Their breakfast dish “Breakfast Formule” is available from 8am to 11am, and it is a steal. Your choice of eggs and a croissant or a slice of bread with coffee, for only 800 yen. It’s a great spot for brunch in Ginza as well—recapping the night with a cute mimosa? Sign me up! More details.

10. World Breakfast All Day Ginza 

World Breakfast All Day Ginza

We can’t talk enough about how diverse the breakfast restaurants in Ginza are. Do I just want eggs and toast? A classic English breakfast? Korean style? Or gosh, I don’t know, Croatian-style breakfast?

Whatever you are feeling, World Breakfast All Day Ginza has you covered. The owner wants to teach you about the world through breakfast and frankly, I can’t think of a better way to learn about different cultures. Welcoming you with pastel yellow doors and friendly staff, choose your breakfast from any country you please and go seize the day! More details.

Even if you are not a huge breakfast person, most of the places listed here also have an extensive lunch and dinner menu available. And don’t be overwhelmed by all the other places you can eat in Ginza—three meals a day doesn’t apply when you are on vacation, right? Enough reading and talking, it’s time to eat! 

We strive to be as accurate as possible and keep up with the changing landscape of Japan's food and travel industries. If you spot any inaccuracies, please send a report.
0
Click clap if you like this post
Megumi Koiwai
Megumi Koiwai is a freelance writer based in Tokyo. She likes to write essays about her life and curate cultural recommendations on her Substack newsletter, love or not to love. She's either always eating and/or traveling. Always out on the lookout for the best outdoor drinking spots in the city.
Stay in the Loop!
Be the first to know about the latest foodie trends.
Sign up for insider tips & sneak peeks into the diverse world of dining in Japan