Best morning scenes in Tokyo

One of the best features of Japanese cafes is the Japanese-style morning set. This cheap set is like a Japanese version of EggMcmuffin, but much better. Many cafes that are open in the morning offer their own unique traditional set, which usually costs between 500 yen and 1,000 yen and lasts for a short period of time (usually around two hours). From the classic free slice of toast to other offerings such as vegetable juice salad or eggs and ham, the “morning service” is a great way to get to know each cafe.

If you search for “kissaten morning set” on a map, you’ll find the best morning sets, as small independent cafes offer the most creative options. We’ve listed a few of our favorite independent shops, as well as some chain stores that are easy to get to no matter where you are, so you don’t have to miss out on a morning set even if you’re far from an independent establishment.

What is a Japanese Morning Set?

It is believed that Japan’s breakfast tradition originated in Ichinomiya, Aichi Prefecture, in the 1950s, when workers were given peanuts or free boiled eggs with their morning coffee. The idea of ​​adding food to drinks (and often the other way around) spread to the nearby city of Nagoya, and then gradually spread across the country. Today, many Japanese restaurants and cafes have their own unique breakfast set menus.

It is called the morning set because it is only for early risers. It is usually from the time the cafe opens to 11 am, sometimes earlier, sometimes later.

Photograph by Kim Kahan

Caferia: The best place to relax

Caferia is a classic cafe located across from Hanedada Station. Go up the spiral staircase to the second floor and you’ll enter a space that embodies the style of a Japanese cafe. In addition to the dark wood furniture and the coffee counter in the front and mugs in the back, there’s a comic book shelf and photo frames on the wall. It’ll make you think twice: Have I traveled back in time?

Caferia used to allow smoking but you could hardly notice it, unlike other shops where the musty smell was everywhere. Only the wrong color of the walls gave it away.

Caferia’s breakfast set is a big slab of thick buttered toast with a nice salad and boiled egg for 550 yen. Details are crucial here: you get a quaint silver fork to eat your salad, coffee comes in a Showa-era glass, and the napkin is folded perfectly.

Poppins Coffee & Tea in Koenji: The perfect coffee shop for a relaxed atmosphere

Walking into Poppins Coffee and Tea is like being in the front room of the lovely owners (who happen to be a couple). The teacups lined up against the back wall, the long, large counter, and even the fish in the bowl make you feel at home immediately. The owner is busy working behind the counter, getting ready for the day, brewing coffee quickly in classic coffee shop fashion, carefully placing every drop of coffee on the paper.

Poppins’ morning set menu is a popular choice especially on weekends. You can go with your partner or alone so you can relax. Although the space is small, Poppins is very popular. You can eat salad and toast while drinking vegetable juice. Cheers, it’s good for you. Poppins allows smoking, so please be aware of this before you go.

Pronto: Cheap and easy to use

Pronto is a chain known for its affordable pasta, but its breakfast sets are seriously underrated. The breakfast sets are a great option for early risers, or even for those who don’t get up that early. The toast set includes thick shokupan (milk bread) toast, a boiled egg, and a salad with pickled cabbage and shiso dressing. If you prefer something a little lighter, you can even swap out the egg for yogurt and blueberry jam. In addition to the basic toast set, the chain also offers a few other options, like the Instagram-worthy fried egg and ham toast or the sweet bread with classic anko (sweet red bean paste).

What makes Pronto stand out is its wide selection of drinks, including the usual teas and coffees, as well as green rooibos tea – a rarity in many cafes in Japan. The basic toast set is only 495 yen (tax included). Really good value for money.

Photograph by Kim Kahan

Shibuya Cafe Miyama: Best for People-Watching

Cafe Miyama is a subsidiary of the famous Coffee Renoir chain. It’s not as common as Renoir, but the morning set menu is pretty good, especially when accompanied by a small photo. This Shibuya branch overlooking the center street is definitely worth a visit. Its large bay window is straight out of the 1980s. It’s the perfect place to sit down with a sandwich and coffee while people-watching below.

There are several options for the breakfast set. We ordered the egg sandwich and coffee, served in a Showa style mug.

Shibuya Special: Ningen Kankei Cafe de Copain

Ningen Kankei Cafe de Copain is a classic cafe and bar that was established in 1979. Lesser known among Tokyoites, this place is the best place to get cheap food and cheap drinks. It is busy at any time of the day.
In the evening, a glass of wine is only 440 yen. In the morning, the 540 yen set meal (640 yen on weekends) includes coffee or tea and a large toasted sandwich. The sandwich has about 10 layers and is sliced ​​thinly. The only problem is that it takes a long time to be served – we’re talking more than an hour. So, it’s essential to have a snack or even a banana before going.

Coffee Kan: The best way to work while eating

In Japan, especially in small independent businesses catsitting at a table for hours just to drink a cup of coffee is usually not popular. Therefore, for early risers who like to eat breakfast while working, chains are your best choice. Coffee Kan offers unlimited Wi-Fi and plenty of tables with plugs.
Coffee Kan has great coffee, brewed by siphon. Once you order, someone comes to your table with the siphon and pours the coffee in front of you, which is always a treat. Breakfast options are eggs and half a slice of toast or a basic salad, or fried eggs and ham. There are even pancakes if you want something a little more fancy.

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