WHAT (AND WHERE) TO EAT FOR BREAKFAST IN JAPAN
Waking up calls for breakfast, so what does that typically look like in Japan? Here is your guide on what to expect for the day’s first meal and where to eat in some of Japan’s most popular destinations.
What to Eat for Breakfast in Japan
A traditional Japanese breakfast is a set meal consisting of a soup and a side dish or two. This style of breakfast often features rice with miso soup and a side of ohitashi (boiled vegetables), natto (fermented beans), pickles or grilled fish.
Lighter breakfast fare, such as pastries, have grown in popularity thanks in large part to the rise of coffee shops. Sweet breads filled with flavored creams and fillings are common, like anpan, a roll filled with sweetened bean paste.
Popular amongst those without time for a full, sit-down breakfast are dishes like tamago kake gohan (egg on rice), or natto (fermented soybeans), and of course, miso soup. Tamago kake gohan is served with a raw egg atop warm rice, sometimes drizzled with soy sauce. Similarly, natto is served over a bowl of rice for a quick morning dose of protein.
Your Guide to Japanese Breakfast Menus
- Gohan: Steamed rice or porridge
- Shirumono: Miso soup
- Okazu: Main dish and 2 side dishes composed of vegetables, tofu or fish
- Kouno mono: Pickled vegetables
Where to Eat Breakfast in Japan
Tokyo
Tsumugi
Serving up an 18-dish traditional style Japanese breakfast, Tsumugi offers just 30 servings on weekdays and 50 servings on weekends. Those fortunate enough to get a table enjoy an unobstructed view of the breathtaking 400-year-old Tsukiji Hongan Temple.
3-15-1 Tsukiji, Chuo-ku, Tokyo 104-0045
World Breakfast All Day
Perhaps the most unique breakfast hotspot is World Breakfast All Day. What makes it stand out is the rotating cast of countries represented. Every two months the country (and therefore the entire menu) changes. Meals from England, Lebanon, Tahiti, Mexico and Finland have all had their breakfast fare featured.
Kyoto
Tamakitei
Baker Jun Tamaki has created 90 types of breads and pastries that keep locals and tourists coming back time and time again. Tamaki represented Japan and baked baguettes at the bakery world cup — Coupe du Monde de la Boulangerie.
57-14, Gokasho Hirano, Uji, Kyoto 611-0011
Hokkaido
KOKO
Those looking to fuel up before a day on the slopes will enjoy KOKO. Offering coffee, matcha lattes, juices and hot chocolate, the café is open from 7:30am to 12:00pm (except on Wednesdays). KOKO is popular for its wide selection of freshly baked bread, pastries and cakes.
190-13 Aza Yamada, Kutchan Town, Hokkaido 044-0081
Nagasaki
Japanese Restaurant URARAKA Uraraka
Nagasaki is perhaps most famous for champon, a type of noodle dish that features fried pork slices, seafood and vegetables amid a thick, creamy broth. For breakfast, however, savor a traditional set breakfast at Japanese Restaurant Uruaraka with views of the Nagasaki Sea.
1-3277-7 Ioujima-machi Nagasaki City, Nagasaki, 851-1201
Sapporo
Northern Kitchen All Day Dining
Offering delicious dishes both unique to northern Japanese cuisine and found throughout the country, Northern Kitchen All Day Dining is a buffet replete with options. It is an excellent option for those looking to sample the best of Japanese breakfast items.
Sapporo Chuo-ku Minami 2-jo Nishi 5-chome 26-5 La’gent Stay Sapporo Odori 2F
Breakfast En Route to Japan
ANA is proud to offer delicious meals crafted by chefs in the air and on the ground. Travelers enjoying breakfast in the ANA SUITE LOUNGE at Haneda Airport in Tokyo will be offered dishes such as french toast, grilled yellowtail with Saikyo miso, tasty tidbits, steamed rice, miso soup and Japanese pickles.
Those traveling with dietary restrictions and preferences have more options than ever on ANA. Still prioritizing ANA’s commitment to excellent in-flight dining, vegan, vegetarian and gluten free options are now available upon request.
