In this article, I’ll be going over my 5 go-to breakfast choices in Japan, dishes ranging from the traditional to the not-so-traditional.
1. Teishoku Breakfast (Set Menu)
The most classic of the Japanese breakfast options and an absolute must-try when you come to Japan is the teishoku or “set menu” breakfast available at many restaurants and 24-hour establishments.
This national favorite consists of starter dishes such as miso soup, tofu, and pickled vegetables, a main course typically including a protein such as fish, beef, chicken, and/or egg accompanied by a bowl of steamed rice, and finally a cup of hot tea to wash it all down and get you started for the day!
2. Yakisoba & Scrambled Eggs
Yakisoba or “pan-fried noodles” is an iconic Japanese dish that consists of flavored savory noodles mixed with stir-fried vegetables and typically topped with a teriyaki sauce and/or mayonnaise.
When yakisoba is paired with a plate of scrambled eggs, it makes for a killer combo! You can grab all the ingredients at a local convenience store or supermarket and whip this meal up in 5–10 minutes in the comfort of your home (or keep an eye out for participating restaurants).
3. Combini Combo
Speaking of convenience stores, there’s no better place for breakfast on the go than your local combini i.e. 7-Eleven, Lawson, or FamilyMart.
Here, you can access a range of hand-held foods such as onigiri rice balls, hot steamed dumplings, and succulent egg sandwiches all within the 100-300 yen (0.65-2 USD) range!
4. Doughnuts & Coffee
If you have more time to spare in your morning, why not take it easy with a hot cup of coffee at a local cafe? Japan has a massive cafe culture consisting of big franchises such as Starbucks, Tully’s Coffee, and Doutor, but also many smaller privately-owned cafes that often consist of hidden gems!
Personally, I tend to lean toward the franchises as they are usually easier to get by with English. Mister Donut is one of my all-time favorite cafes in Japan for its delicious signature coffee and a vast range of tasty doughnuts and baked goods!
5. Cereal Or Oats
Last but not least is a good old-fashioned bowl of cereal of oats! Not the most “Japanese” option (well, neither are doughnuts for that matter), but I have spoken before about the unique experience of eating cereal in Japan.
In a nutshell, the milk in Japan has a “fattier” taste, and, depending on the brand, I find it to also be creamier in texture, which I absolutely prefer! In terms of cereal options, you will find the majority of cereals include nutritious varieties featuring oat clusters, dried fruit, and nuts, though you will also find old classics like cornflakes and Coco Pops.
Of course, if you are planning to visit Japan, you’ll need a way to get around the country as efficiently and affordably as possible. Japan Rail provides an abundance of travel passes to suit your travel needs. So whether you are traveling individually or as a group, the JR Pass is every traveler’s go-to for getting around and making the most of your time in Japan!