top of page
Search

The Breakfast Breakdown

Updated: 3 days ago

Savor the Sunrise: A guide to getting your brekkie on!



In many cultures, breakfast is a time for connection—a moment to gather with family, share stories, and celebrate community. Whether it’s the quiet ritual of tea and toast in a cosy British kitchen or the bustling scene of a Japanese breakfast featuring grilled fish and miso soup, these early morning meals often reflect a deep-seated heritage and a way of life. 


Having a delicious breakfast in the morning often sets the tone for the day so it's imperative that you find something flavorful and fulfilling even when travelling! Today's Blog will talk about some of my favourite Breakfast spots around Japan!


As a British person living in Japan, my weekday breakfasts often lean towards the quick and easy—think toast or a banana grabbed on the go. But when the weekend rolls around, I find myself craving the comforting embrace of a traditional English breakfast. One of my favourite weekend rituals is brunching with friends at new cafes, though I’ve noticed that Japan tends to lean heavily towards sweet options, even in its breakfast offerings.


While a traditional Japanese breakfast of rice, miso soup, and grilled fish is undeniably delicious, I sometimes struggle with the feeling of eating what feels like dinner at 7 AM! Determined to blend my British roots with my love for Japanese cuisine, I’ve set out on a mission to discover the best savoury and unique breakfast spots in my adopted country. Join me as I navigate this delicious landscape, seeking out the perfect places to savour my first meal of the day!


  • Suke6- Taito City, Tokyo

    • Open: 8am-6pm

    • Average cost ¥1000 -¥2000

    • Recommended dish: English Breakfast (Served in skillet

I travelled around Japan with my father in late 2022 and although he was up for trying new things during lunch and dinner, he refused to budge on an English Breakfast. I scoured and searched, asked my fellow expats and came up with Suke6 in Taito city, extremely close to Senso-ji and near the river. It's popular so it can get busy but the food and atmosphere are the best!


The extra special place about this spot (Besides the obvious of being open all day) is the fact that the featured breakfast changes to a different country's dish every 2 months. This is the perfect opportunity to try new things and interact with other people from around the world also. Do not fear if you are travelling with a picky-eater however, they still do classics such as the English Breakfast for us Brits.


A short walk from Kanazawa station and located on a serene street with a few quaint little shops is by far the most popular breakfast joint for any foreigner living in the region. Curio is run by a couple with routes in Japan and Seattle so English and Japanese are no problem. The Cafe is passionate about coffee and there's a multitude of different delicious drinks to choose from. Personally, the shining star is the Greek style sandwich that is generously packed however they have pulled pork, breakfast style and vegan option sandwiches also that are almost as delicous!


Located on the way to the famous Churaumi Aquarium in Motobu in the northern part of Okinawa's main island. Camel Sandwich is a cute little sandwich stand that makes fresh sandwiches and smoothies from early in the morning. Run by the sweetest staff who are always happy to serve and chat. The camel original sandwich is delicious but I recommend trying the more lemon/ lime flavoured seekwasa version!





Aichi prefecture is the birthplace of the tradition of モーニング (Morning) wherein you pay once price and receive lots of little breakfast items (See here for more on the tradition モーニング and my top suggestions. The great thing about morning is that portion sizes are small and you get a variety of things to eat for a very small price. House Kako located near Nagoya station, is one such place that offers the tradition however they have a special item in the form of a slice of toast (the really thick ones), with each quadrant having a different flavour topping of your choice. The cafe offers a cosy and comfortable atmosphere and a great breakfast!


Melbourne coffee offers a cosy and chill atmosphere with friendly staff and delicious breakfast options. The Full Rugby is a classic Breakfast but with an organic twist and some delicious vegetables added. The Gourmet toasties are also mouth-wateringly delicious. The cafe also offers many types of Chai which is a personal favourite.



  • IMAYA Kyoto &COFFEE

    • Open: 6am-1pm 4pm-8pm

    • Average cost: ¥1000 -¥2000

    • Recommend Dish: Breakfast Set

Close to the beautiful Nijo Castle, the cafe is popular among tourists and unusually open very early so is perfect for early risers. The cafe offers a breakfast set including sandwiches with multiple filings which you can swap out with other options such as croissants. The vibes are cosy and cool and the coffee is definitely worth the visit!


  • Nooice- Fukuoka

    • Open: 9am-9pm

    • Average cost: ¥1000 -¥2000

    • Recommend Dish: Brekkie plate/ Brulee pancakes

Clean and cool vibes but with rich and indulgent food! The all day breakfast serves as a great staple for those wanting a taste of home. The piece de resistance however are the Brulee pancakes. Stacked upon one another, doused in sauce and then caramelised. They may be a little decadent for your first meal of the day but with long opening hours it's a great late Brunch spot!



For further recommendations, check out our BREAKFAST SPOTS map!



20/09/2024

-Laverly Travels

 
 
 

Comments


bottom of page