Breakfast in Japan

They say that breakfast is the most important meal of the day. 

And for many visitors to Japan, breakfast presents one’s first real encounter with local cuisine. 

While international hotels reliably serve familiar Western breakfast options, experiencing a traditional Japanese breakfast offers unique insights into the country's food culture and daily life. The morning meal in Japan varies significantly depending on where you stay, from luxury hotels to traditional inns, business hotels and local restaurants.

In this edition of the Japan Travel Pros blog, we’ll cover your options for eating breakfast in Japan.

The Hotel Breakfast Experience in Japan

Hotels in Japan are the most popular place for visitors to eat breakfast.

Why’s that?

Well for practical purposes, other than hotels, not many restaurants are serving breakfast. 

Most hotels in Japan recognize that guests have varying preferences for their first meal of the day. 

International hotels typically feature extensive breakfast buffets that cater to multiple tastes, offering both Western and Japanese options. These spreads usually run for several hours each morning, accommodating both early risers and those who prefer to sleep in.

Japanese-style hotels, particularly traditional ryokan inns, approach breakfast differently. Here, meals typically come at set times and feature carefully planned seasonal menus. The focus remains squarely on Japanese cuisine, though some properties now offer Western alternatives upon request. These breakfasts often arrive as beautiful set meals, with each component thoughtfully arranged and presented.

Business hotels, which cater primarily to domestic travelers, strike a practical balance. Their breakfast services typically include simple but satisfying buffets with both Japanese and Western items. These establishments prioritize efficiency, understanding that many guests need to head out early for meetings or sightseeing.

Hotel breakfasts are a great option for families traveling in Japan, as well as for honeymooners.

Understanding Traditional Japanese Breakfast

A traditional Japanese breakfast centers around steamed white rice, miso soup & grilled fish. 

While this might seem unusual to Western palates accustomed to sweeter breakfast foods, these savory morning meals provide sustained energy throughout the morning. The rice comes properly cooked and hot, the miso soup typically contains small pieces of tofu or seaweed, and the fish is usually a simple salted variety, grilled until perfectly done.

Supporting these main items, you'll find several small side dishes that round out the meal. A rolled omelet called tamagoyaki offers a slightly sweet counterpoint to the savory fish. Small portions of vegetables might include spinach dressed with sesame, sweet simmered pumpkin or fresh daikon radish. Nori seaweed, pickled vegetables and perhaps a small portion of fish roe complete the spread. Green tea is the traditional accompaniment to the Japanese breakfast, though coffee is now widely available even with traditional breakfasts.

Some hotels serve natto, fermented soybeans famous for their strong flavor and sticky texture, separately. This allows guests to try this traditional food without affecting other items on their plate. While many Japanese people enjoy natto for breakfast, its unique characteristics make it a love-it-or-hate-it kind of dish for many international visitors.

Local Breakfast Restaurants in Japan

Beyond hotels, Japan offers some other breakfast options worth exploring. 

Admittedly, not a lot of restaurants in Japan are open for breakfast. But the ones that are can be satisfying and worth seeking out.

Coffee shops in Japan frequently serve "morning sets" that pair coffee with toast, eggs and small side dishes at reasonable prices. These sets present an interesting hybrid of Japanese and Western breakfast concepts, popular with local business people and students alike.

Fish markets in port cities often house sushi restaurants that open early, offering fresh seafood for breakfast. While eating sushi for breakfast might seem unusual, starting the day with impeccably fresh fish has its own appeal. 

Other Breakfast Options in Japan

Besides hotels and restaurants, breakfast options in Japan include bakeries, convenience stores and a handful of fast food restaurants.

Japan has some of the best pastry in the world. Bakeries have varying hours, and if the one you like doesn’t open until 8 or 9 or even 10am, you can buy something the evening before and enjoy it the next morning for breakfast.

Convenience stores, aka “konbini,” are very popular among visitors to Japan. Most are open 24/7, and their breakfast options include onigiri (rice balls), packaged pastry and breads, as well as hot foods such as nikuman (meat buns).

Fast food breakfast options in Japan include the ubiquitous McDonald’s and Starbucks, as well as local chains such as Dotour (coffee and pastry); Yoshinoya, Sukiya & Matsuya (for gyudon beef bowls), and local/regional coffee shops & quick service restaurants.

Navigating Breakfast Customs in Japan

Japanese breakfast customs reflect broader cultural practices around dining. 

In traditional settings, guests often sit on tatami floors at low tables, removing their shoes before entering the dining room. Many hotels and restaurants provide oshibori (hot towels) for cleaning your hands before eating. These small rituals enhance the dining experience and help guests transition into the day.

Timing plays a crucial role in Japanese breakfast service. Many establishments start serving quite early, sometimes as early as 6:30 AM, but they also tend to finish service earlier than Western visitors might expect. Traditional hotels often request that guests select specific breakfast times during check-in to ensure efficient service and proper food preparation.

Special Dietary Considerations for Japanese Breakfast

Hotels increasingly accommodate various dietary requirements, though advance communication remains important. 

Vegetarian options require particular attention, as fish stock (dashi) forms the basis of many Japanese dishes, including miso soup. Large international hotels generally handle special requests most easily, while traditional establishments might need more time to adapt their set menus.

Regional variations add another layer of interest to Japanese breakfast. Coastal areas might serve locally caught fish, while mountain regions could feature local vegetables or preserves. These regional specialties offer insight into local food culture and traditions, making breakfast an opportunity to experience Japan's culinary diversity.

Whether you choose traditional Japanese options or stick with familiar Western fare, understanding these breakfast basics helps you navigate morning meals during your Japanese travels. Remember that breakfast often comes included with hotel stays, offering excellent value and convenience for beginning each day of your trip.

Frequently Asked Questions About Breakfast in Japan

Q: Do all hotels in Japan serve breakfast? 

Most hotels offer breakfast, though serving styles and times vary significantly by property type.

Q: Can I get coffee with Japanese breakfast? 

Yes, most places serve coffee even with traditional meals.

Q: What time does breakfast typically start? 

Many places begin service at 6:30 or 7:00 AM.

Q: Are portions smaller than Western breakfasts? 

Traditional Japanese breakfasts offer various small portions that combine into a filling meal.

Q: Should I make breakfast reservations? 

At traditional Japanese hotels, yes. Regular hotels usually don't require them.

Q: What if I don't like fish in the morning? 

Most hotels offer alternatives or Western-style options.