How do you start your day? Some of you may like waking up with the aroma of freshly brewed coffee. Some may like having a big breakfast with meat and eggs. Some may just want to take it slow and meditate immediately after getting out of bed. There are so many kinds of morning habits that we consciously and unconsciously do. But whatever they may be, we guarantee that you will find a good spot in Tokyo to actualize your morning routine.
We have compiled some spots for the best breakfast in Tokyo, perfect for those who are looking for something other than the usual and the ordinary.
If you search “Japanese breakfast” on Google, you will most likely find pictures of “washoku set” consisting of rice, a main dish such as grilled fish, a side dish like pickled vegetables, and a bowl of soup. This is the traditional Japanese breakfast but it does not necessarily mean that most households in Japan eat this every day. You'll also find a variety of breakfast places that also serve Western-style dishes.
One of the cool things about Tokyo is that because it is such a big city, there are so many breakfast options to choose from that will definitely not disappoint! Keep reading for early morning breakfast options in Tokyo.
Looking to break your fast closer to lunchtime? Check out our list of the best brunch places in Tokyo.
Top 8 Places for the Best Breakfast in Tokyo
Here are some of the best breakfast places in Tokyo to jumpstart your day! We hope you find time in your Tokyo itinerary to explore the neighborhoods as well.
- Cafe Rostro
- Eggs n’ Things
- Shinpachi Shokudo Shinjuku
- Le Pain Quotidien
- Yoyogi breakfast and Shinjuku Gyoen morning walk
- Tsukiji Fish Market tour with breakfast
- Refreshing morning walk and brunch around Meiji Shrine
- Japanese home cooking class in Setagaya
1. Cafe Rostro
This might come as a surprise to you, but many Japanese people are used to having a “morning” (mōningu) for their breakfast instead of the usual washoku set. So, what is a “morning”? It is a shortened term for “morning service” which usually refers to a Western-style breakfast consisting of toast, coffee or tea, and a hard-boiled egg for a bargain price.
You can get one in most Japanese cafes in Tokyo but I recommend you to have it in Cafe Rostro in Shibuya and enjoy the best Tokyo coffee experience. For only ¥800, you can have a set of toast, boiled egg, salad, yogurt, and coffee or tea. You can also change the toast to a plain bagel.
What makes this cafe special is that you can opt for a personalized pour-over blend specifically customized based on your “mood.” The staff will ask you what you’re in the mood for at the moment ー Do you want something sweet and not acidic? Bitter and strong? Maybe something that has a fruity aroma? After evaluating your answer, they will start preparing your cup: hand-grinding the beans that were personally selected and roasted by the owner, brewing it in the meticulous pour-over style, and finally serving it in one of their beautiful and unique cups that you can even purchase if you fall in love with it.
Come visit this quaint cafe if ever you feel like unwinding from a hectic schedule of travel or work. If you visit on a warm day, we recommend you sit on the terrace beneath some trees and enjoy the laid-back vibe of the neighborhood.
2. Eggs n’ Things
Serving the spirit of Aloha since 1974, this Hawaiian and family-friendly restaurant has been included in countless lists of the best breakfast places in Tokyo.
Eggs n’ Things has several branches nationwide and is a must-try for anyone with a sweet tooth. They offer pancakes in a variety of flavors, such as chocolate chips, blueberry, and coconut, among others. Plus you can order additional toppings of your choice. Whipped cream, mangoes, extra chocolate sauce ー you name it! The strawberry, whipped cream, and macadamia nut pancake plate is the most popular ones, so be sure to give it a try!
The pancake plate comes with 4-5 pancakes, so you can definitely share with a group of friends. But don’t worry, no one will judge you if you get a plate only for yourself.
Complement it with a cup of Kona coffee and you’ll certainly get transported to the sunny mornings of Hawaii.
For those who want a more Japanese-style breakfast, we recommend the Uji matcha, whipped cream, and red bean pancake.
Not in the mood for sweets? Get a plate of spam and eggs over rice. Yum!
While you're in the area, check out some other spots for breakfast in Ginza, too!
3. Shinpachi Shokudo Shinjuku
Welcome to the best traditional Japanese breakfast in Shinjuku! At Shinpachi Shokudo, you will find traditional washoku sets that will surely leave you satisfied and feeling like a true local without hurting your pocket! The price ranges from ¥700 to ¥1,000 ー very reasonable for high-quality and delicious food!
Shinpachi Shokudo offers a fish menu and a meat menu. Although their Buta Shogayaki (grilled pork and ginger) set looks tempting, we suggest you opt for the fish menu and dine in the most traditional way. The grilled cultured and dried saba (mackerel) is a fan favorite so be sure to give it a try! If you feel like having a heavier meal, get the grilled salmon belly and enjoy all the healthy fats and oils that your body needs.
The only slight downside is that you’ll have to wait for your meal a little longer because the chefs grill the fish upon ordering. Aside from this, the overall service quality is great, and some staff can even cater to you in English if your Japanese is a bit rusty.
This is the best breakfast in Shinjuku for those on a budget who still want to experience an authentic traditional Japanese breakfast.
4. Le Pain Quotidien
Locals are very fond of bread and pastries, even though rice is the common staple for Japanese breakfasts. If you are into pastries and a more European-style breakfast, we recommend you to go to Le Pain Quotidien! It’s a bakery restaurant from Belgium that’s loved worldwide. It has several branches in Tokyo, including one in Shiba Park, where you can have a view of Tokyo Tower as you dine.
Picture this: Maybe it’s a chilly winter morning, its and you just want something to warm you up. You enter Le Pain Quotidien in Shinjuku and order a cup of their hot Belgian chocolate. You take a seat at the communal table and enjoy the cup with an almond croissant on the side. You then get comfortable with the rustic vibe of the place and appreciate the gentle air filled with people’s conversation and laughter as you slowly forget about the time. You won’t notice that it’s almost noon, and you are getting in the mood for a heartier meal. You smile and decide to reward yourself with their Butcher’s Brunch (a set which has assorted bread, ham, roast beef, soft boiled egg, Gruyere cheese, and mini granola parfait that comes with orange juice, coffee or tea) and enjoy an extended breakfast routine. No doubt, this is one of the places with the best breakfast in Shinjuku.
Breakfast experiences in Tokyo
Want to eat breakfast in Tokyo with a side of local culture and history? Join one of these experiences and chat with a local while getting a taste of traditional Japanese breakfasts.
5. Japanese breakfast and Shinjuku Park morning tour
Showing you a calmer side of Tokyo, this morning tour of Shinjuku Park will first take you to the traditional Japanese breakfast dishes of Gohanzen Tambo in Yoyogi. You’ll chat with Yutaka, your local expert, while savoring the flavors of a meat or fish-based main, rice, soup and a side dish.
You’ll then take a wander through Shinjuku Gyoen to walk off breakfast, saving space for a break of coffee or tea and sweets, all found in the cafe at the center of the park. For a breakfast in Tokyo that you won’t forget any time soon, you need to join this tour.
Join this Shinjuku breakfast and walking experience.
6. Tsukiji Fish Market tour with breakfast
Discover the vibrant heart of Tokyo’s culinary scene with the Tsukiji Fish Market Tour. This unforgettable morning adventure (which does come with coffee) takes participants through the lively stalls of Tsukiji Outer Market, brimming with fresh seafood, unique local products, and expert vendors. Learn about the market’s rich history and cultural significance as they navigate through its bustling alleys. The tour culminates with a delicious Japanese breakfast at a local eatery, offering the freshest flavors Tokyo has to offer. Perfect for food enthusiasts eager to experience an authentic slice of Tokyo’s dynamic food culture.
Book this morning Tsukiji Fish Market tour on byFood.
7. Refreshing morning walk and brunch around Meiji Shrine
Experience the tranquility of Meiji Shrine and the vibrant culture of Harajuku on this refreshing morning walk. Begin your day with a guided stroll through the serene grounds of Meiji Shrine, absorbing its spiritual energy and lush surroundings. Conclude with a delightful brunch in Harajuku, Tokyo’s fashion hub, where you’ll explore its unique blend of tradition and modernity. Don’t miss this chance to immerse yourself in the heart of Tokyo’s diverse offerings. Book your spot now and enjoy a perfect blend of nature, culture, and cuisine!
Ready for an unforgettable morning? Book your experience!
8. Healthy Japanese home cooking class in Setagaya, Tokyo
Starting from 8:30 am, this Japanese cooking class in Setagaya can also double as a unique breakfast experience, teaching you how to cook traditional Japanese dishes that are enjoyed in homes across the country every morning.
Using natural ingredients for a flavorful breakfast, get hands-on experience in crafting a Japanese omelet, seasonal vegetable dish, miso soup or osumashi (a Japanese clear soup with seasonal vegetables), onigiri rice balls and a dessert.
Join this healthy Japanese cooking class in Tokyo.
Some people say that breakfast is the most important meal of the day. Debatable? Maybe. But I think we can all agree that having a good breakfast will not do us harm. It might even bring us the positivity and energy that we need to fully enjoy the day. We hope you get to experience the best breakfast in Tokyo and tackle the city like a local.
FAQs on breakfast in Tokyo
Is it easy to find breakfast in Tokyo?
While Tokyo certainly doesn't lack breakfast-adjacent options (we're looking at you, donuts and pancake specialty shops), the biggest challenge you'll face is finding restaurants or cafes that open before 10am.
If you're staying in central Tokyo, we hope one of the options on our list is close to your accommodation. If not, rest assured. Japanese convenience stores are sure to be open, where you can grab an egg sandwich and a coffee to go, and coffee chains like Starbucks, Dotour, Excelsior and Tully's are usually open from 7 or 8 in the morning (though you'll miss out on a truly Japanese breakfast experience).
Still on the hunt for the best breakfast in all of Japan? Check out our other breakfast in Japan guides:
- Best breakfast in Ginza
- Best breakfast in Shinjuku
- Best breakfast in Shibuya
- Best breakfast in Kyoto
- Best breakfast in Osaka
This blog post was originally written by PH Chua. It was updated by byFood staff in July 2024 with new information about breakfast in Tokyo.
