Tokyo has many modern skyscrapers and shopping centers in areas like Shinjuku, which have seen extensive development. In contrast, Yanaka Ginza has been spared the effects of modernization, preserving its old-fashioned streetscape and abundance of independent shops. Located within Tokyo itself, this area offers a glimpse into the local lifestyle and traditional Japanese culture of yesteryear.
With its many quiet alleys perfect for strolling and light vehicle traffic, you're likely to spot plenty of cats roaming about. In this article, I will introduce a restaurant that I recommend to you where you can have a delicious breakfast.
Breakfast Scene in Yanaka Ginza
The most famous location in Yanaka Ginza is the “Yanaka Ginza Shopping Street” but most shops don't open until lunchtime. So for breakfast, it's better to look around the surrounding area instead of the street itself.
There are plenty of charming cafes and restaurants clustered around the shopping street. Here they are categorized by cuisine type, including Japanese, Western, and old traditional houses.
Japanese Cafes & Restaurants
Onigiri Cafe "Risaku"
Source: Onigiri Cafe "Risaku" Official Website
If you want to enjoy delicious onigiri (rice balls) in Yanaka Ginza, Risaku is highly recommended. They serve handmade onigiri using carefully selected ingredients, along with side dishes like miso soup.
The onigiri fillings are also meticulously prepared, with unique options you won't find elsewhere. Personally, I recommend the cream cheese with cod roe. The brown rice onigiri, which lets you savor the natural sweetness of the grains as you chew, is also tasty.
The onigiri portions are on the smaller side, so consider ordering extra if you have a big appetite. Note that the morning set menu is only available until 11 am.
<Store Information>
Address: 2-31-6 Sendagi, Bunkyo-ku, Tokyo
Closed: Wednesdays
Phone: 03-5834-7292
Hours: 9:00-20:00
Official Website：https://www.risaku-tokyo.com
HAGI CAFE
Source: HAGI CAFE Official Website
At HAGI CAFE, housed in a renovated 68-year-old wooden apartment building, you can enjoy a Japanese-style breakfast set from 8:00-10:30 am10:00 am (last order 10:00am). With its modern atmosphere, this cafe is perfect for those wanting to sample Japanese cuisine.
The set includes rice, miso soup, side dishes, and a drink, using carefully selected ingredients from across Japan. I also recommend checking out the gallery and shop in the same building for an enjoyable experience.
<Store Information>
Address: 3-10-25 Yanaka, Taito-ku, Tokyo
Closed: Irregular holidays
Phone: 03-5832-9808
Hours: 8:00-10:30, Weekdays 12:00-17:00, Sat/Sun/Holidays 12:00-20:00
Official Website:https://hagiso.com/hagiso/
Ichiyoshi Soba
Source: Tabelog
If you want to try a common Japanese food, visit Ichiyoshi Soba, a soba (Japanese buckwheat noodle) stand with just two table seats where customers primarily eat standing up. The noodles are served quickly and inexpensively, making it popular with locals.
The only menu item is soba, with choices like noodle thickness and tempura toppings. I recommend the thick noodles, though the firm texture may surprise those expecting the typical delicate soba flavor.
<Store Information>
Address: 2-26-8 Nishiarai, Adachi-ku, Tokyo
Closed: Jan 1-4, Aug 13-15
Phone: 03-3806-6669
Hours: 24/7
Website:http://ichiyoshisoba.com
Oniyannma
Source: Tabelog
Located just 1 minute from Nippori Station, Oniyannma is known for serving piping hot udon noodles in just about a minute. There are counter and table seats for enjoying your meal.
Order hot noodles in winter and chilled ones in summer. Personally, even when my appetite wanes in the heat, I can still devour their refreshing cold udon.
<Store Information>
Address: 1F Kawashima Building, 2-18-5 Nishiarai, Adachi-ku, Tokyo
Closed: None
Phone: Unknown
Hours: Mon-Fri 7:00-22:30, Sat/Sun 7:00-22:00
Website: None
Western Cafes & Restaurants
CIBI
Source: CIBI Official Website
CIBI is a cafe focused on comfort, delicious food, and thoughtful design. From opening until 11:15 am, they offer a morning menu featuring their housemade natural yeast breads.
The CIBI Breakfast with its generous helping of avocado on bread is a standout. The nutty, wheaty hard bread is delicious. On weekends, they also serve a Japanese breakfast set with rice, miso soup, and side dishes.
<Breakfast >
Weekdays: 8:30-11:15
Weekends: 8:00-11:15
<Store Information>
Address: 3-37-11 Sendagi, Bunkyo-ku, Tokyo
Closed: None
Phone: 03-5834-8045
Hours: Mon-Fri 8:30-16:30, Sat/Sun 8:00-17:30
Official Website: https://www.cibi.jp/about
Cafes & Restaurants Open Before 8 am
Sakura Cafe Nippori
Source: Tabelog
If you want an early breakfast around Yanaka Ginza, Sakura Cafe Nippori is recommended. From their 5 am opening until 11 am, they serve a morning set with toast, drink, and soup of the day. For an extra charge, you can add items like scrambled eggs and a mini salad.
What I like is the opportunity to sample cuisine from around the world. The diverse multinational menu is a refreshing change of pace.
<Store Information>
Address: 3-43-15 Sendagi, Bunkyo-ku, Tokyo
Closed: None
Phone: 03-5685-6111
Hours: 24/7
Official Website: https://www.sakura-cafe.asia/nippori/
Cafe & Restaurant Danwashitsu New Tokyo
Source: Tabelog
For a hearty breakfast around Yanaka Ginza, Cafe & Restaurant Danwashitsu New Tokyo is a solid choice. For the morning menu, choose from 3 bread selections or 4 breakfast bento boxes (rice, miso soup, and sides).
The spacious interior with free WiFi makes for a comfortable experience where you can leisurely plan your day over a satisfying breakfast. I personally recommend their caramel cream a la mode dessert.
<Morning Hours>
Weekdays 7:00-11:00
Weekends/Holidays 8:00-11:00
<Store Information>
Address: 2F New Tokyo Building, 2-19-4 Nishiarai, Adachi-ku, Tokyo
Closed: None
Phone: 03-3803-3707
Hours: Weekdays 7:00-21:00, Weekends/Holidays 8:00-21:00
GRAPHY NEZU CAFE&LOUNGE
Source: GRAPHY NEZU CAFE&LOUNGE Official Website
GRAPHY NEZU CAFE&LOUNGE, located next to Hotel Graphy, opens at 7:30 am and serves breakfast. Choose from sets with 3-4 types of bread, soup, and salad. They also offer vegan options which is a nice plus.
Tucked away in a quiet back alley, it's a pleasant spot to visit after a morning stroll. You'll sometimes find local residents enjoying a break on the terrace with their dogs.
<Store Information>
Address: 4-5-10 Ikenohata, Taito-ku, Tokyo
Closed: Open year-round
Phone: 03-3828-7377
Hours: 7:30-22:00
Breakfast: 7:30-11:00 (Last Order 10:30)
Official Website: https://www.livelyhotels.com/ja/hotelgraphy/eat-drink/
Cafes & Restaurants in Old Traditional Houses
Kayaba Coffee
Source: Tabelog
If you want a Western-style breakfast around Yanaka Ginza, Kayaba Coffee is a great option. They're known for their freshly baked tamago sandwich (Japanese rolled omelet sandwiched in bread) which changes daily in bread type and accompanying soup.
While small and potentially crowded, if you can snag a 2nd-floor tatami room seat, you'll enjoy an authentic old Japanese house atmosphere for your breakfast. I also recommend their custard pudding accented with coffee and nuts.
<Store Information>
Address: 6-1-29 Yanaka, Taito-ku, Tokyo
Closed: Mondays
Phone: Unknown
Hours: 8:00-18:00
Instagram: https://www.instagram.com/kayabacoffee/
Recommended Bakeries for Breakfast Take-away
Boulangerie Ianak
Source: Boulangerie Ianak! Official Website
Another breakfast option around Yanaka Ginza is grabbing freshly baked bread from a bakery like Boulangerie Ianak! Starting at 8:30 am, up to 80 varieties are available for self-service purchase using tongs.
Their selection includes classics like Danish pastries, croissants, and multigrain loaves. My recommendation is the curry bread, a round loaf stuffed with curry paste. If you're lucky enough to spot it, give it a try!
<Store Information>
Address: 4-22-11 Nishiarai, Adachi-ku, Tokyo
Closed: Mondays & Tuesdays
Phone: 03-3822-0015
Hours: 8:30-19:00
Official Website: http://www.ianak.com
Ohira-seipan
Source: Tabelog
Ohira-seipan, a 5-minute walk from Sendagi Station, specializes in koppepan - bread that looks like a hot dog bun but is stuffed with various savory and sweet fillings like tuna, egg salad, potato salad, cream, fruits, and anko (red bean paste). These portable sandwiches are beloved in Japan.
I recommend the anko butter and fruit sandwiches, but if you want to be adventurous, they also make yakisoba (fried noodle) stuffed bread that's quite unique.
<Store Information>
Address: 2-44-1 Sendagi, Bunkyo-ku, Tokyo
Closed: Mondays, Tuesdays, 1st Sunday of the month
Phone: Unlisted
Hours: Weekdays 9:00-20:00, Weekends 9:00-19:00
Instagram: https://www.instagram.com/ohiraseipan/
Higurashi Bakery
Source: Tabelog
At Higurashi Bakery, you can pick up freshly baked bread in the morning and eat it at their adjoining cafe, which is also a bookstore. Stroller-friendly, you'll often see local parents with babies here.
Their croissants and French toast (fried bread dipped in egg and milk) are highlights. They also offer seasonal limited items, so check their official Instagram in advance.
<Store Information>
Address: 2-6-7 Nishiarai, Adachi-ku, Tokyo
Closed: Mondays (Tuesdays if Monday is a holiday)
Phone: 03-6806-5551
Hours: 8:00-17:00
Website: http://higurashi-garden.co.jp
Recommended Cafe on Yanaka Ginza Shopping Street
Cafe Nekoemon
Source: Cafe Nekoemon Official Website
Cafe Nekoemon on Yanaka Ginza Shopping Street is a cat-themed cafe, perfect for cat lovers looking for a retro Japanese vibe. Though it doesn't open until 11 am, making it better for a break than breakfast, the renovated old Japanese house setting is charming.
Inside you'll find cat-inspired decor and dishes like the pannacotta topped with marshmallow cat shapes and adorable cat-decorated eclairs. You can even paint your own ceramic cat figurine while sipping a drink.
<Store Information>
Address: 5-4-2 Yanaka, Taito-ku, Tokyo
Closed: Mondays (Tuesdays if Monday is a holiday)
Phone: 03-3821-0090
Hours: 11:00-18:00
Official Website: https://yanakado.com/c_nekoemon.html
Cafe Manmandou
Source: Facebook
For expertly crafted coffee in a nostalgic Japanese house setting, head to Cafe Manmandou on Yanaka Ginza Shopping Street. The owner has an extensive knowledge of coffee beans, roasting techniques, and what makes a perfect cup.
If your Japanese is good, inquire about the daily recommendation and you may discover an outstanding coffee you've never tasted before. The quaint shop effortlessly captures the essence of old Tokyo.
<Store Information>
Address: 3-15-4 Nishiarai, Adachi-ku, Tokyo
Closed: Mondays (Tuesdays if Monday is a holiday)
Phone: Unknown
Hours: 11:30-18:30
Facebook: https://www.facebook.com/cafe.manmandou
Nearby Yanaka Ginza Attractions
Nezu Shrine
Source: Nezu Shrine Official Website
Nezu Shrine is one of Tokyo's oldest shrines, with 7 buildings in its precincts designated as important cultural properties. It's especially famous for its azalea flowers that draw crowds when in full bloom in April.
The shrine grounds also feature rows of torii gates leading to sub-shrines, giving off a vibe reminiscent of Kyoto's famous Fushimi Inari Shrine albeit on a smaller scale.
Official Website: https://nedujinja.or.jp/
Yanaka Cemetery
The Yanaka Cemetery, being a graveyard, is not a place to be rambunctious, but if you visit respectfully you can experience the solemn history conveyed by the stone stupas and monuments.
The grounds contain the graves of notable political figures and cultural personalities from Japan's past. With its abundance of trees like cherry blossoms, it provides a tranquil escape from the city bustle. In my opinion, it's especially beautiful during late March to early April when the cherry blossoms are in bloom.
In contrast to modern commercial areas like Shinjuku, Yanaka and its surroundings retain an old-fashioned charm with many mom-and-pop shops deeply rooted in the local community's daily life. The natural scenery and tranquil atmosphere make the area ideal for morning strolls. Sacred spots like Nezu Shrine are especially pleasant to visit in the early hours before they get crowded.
While many shops on Yanaka Ginza Shopping Street don't open until lunchtime, it's nice to wander through around 11 am after having breakfast. As mentioned, there are numerous appealing cafes and restaurants around Yanaka.
Much of Yanaka's streetscape has remained largely unchanged for decades, with its iconic backstreets and alleys. To deepen your appreciation of the area's charms, I recommend taking a tour like Magical Trip's Yanaka Historical Walking Tour in Tokyo's Old Town. It will allow you to truly experience the essence of Yanaka Ginza.