Brunch is lazy Sunday mornings. But don’t expect it as readily available on every corner as you would back stateside or in Europe. It is, in fact, a very Western thing that Japan is catching up to. Here we round up some of the most popular brunch spots in Tokyo.
While brunch is NEVER cheap—unless you wanna expand the definition to sitting in front of a convenience store with your freshly bought goods—there are a few not-too-pricey spots and few more that are worth the extra splurge.
Cheap(er) brunch options in Tokyo
Shinjuku – Sarabeth’s
Shinjuku City is a unique mix of business and nightlife centered around the busiest train station in the world, Shinjuku Station. This recommendation is directly connected to the station: Sarabeth’s in the Lumine Mall on the 22nd floor.
As a branch of the NYC original, it offers Western brunch and breakfast favorites all day long, so go ahead, sleep in. French toast, pancakes, Eggs Benedict, and freshly squeezed juices are some of the obvious choices here. Beware though: you may have to wait during peak hours before being seated, especially on weekends.
Address: Lumine 22F, 3-38-2 Shinjuku, Shinjuku-ku, Tokyo 160-0022
Nearest station: Shinjuku Station, 2-minute walk
Hours: 9 am to 10 pm, every day
Link: http://sarabethsrestaurants.jp/location/shinjuku/
Shibuya (Daikanyama) – Blue Jam Café
L.A. native Blu Jam Café, located in Shibuya’s fancy Daikanyama neighborhood, is a favorite with Tokyo expats. Again, all-day brunch, no rush. With hearty to healthier choices that can be paired with craft beer or cocktails at your liking, it is the perfect start to weekend bliss. We especially like the fancy variations of French toast and the green smoothies.
Address: Moncheri Daikanyama B2, 20-20 Daikanyama-cho, Shibuya-ku, Tokyo 150-0034
Nearest station: Daikanyama Station
Hours: 8 am to 9 pm, closed Tuesdays
Link: https://www.blujamcafejapan.com/accessdaikanyama
Jiyugaoka – Latte Graphic
Latte Graphic is about 10 minutes by train outside the Yamanote Line circle that most visitors to Tokyo never leave. It is one of Tokyo’s fanciest neighborhoods and definitely worth a visit for the local vibe.
Latte Graphic is an Australian chain that offers Melbourne-inspired coffee specialties, vegan options, freshly squeezed juices, smoothies and bliss balls all day long. Lucky for you, even if you make it there late, the lunch menu still includes brunch items like eggs benny and avocado toast.
Address: Jiyugaoka 1-8-18, Meguro-ku, Tokyo 152-0035 (while technically in Meguro ward, it’s just a 2-min walk from Setagaya ward which includes most of Jiyugaoka)
Nearest station: Jiyugaoka Station
Hours: 8 am to 11:30 pm (dinner menu in the evening)
Link: https://www.lattegraphic.com/
Fancy brunch options in Tokyo
Roppongi – Mercer Brunch
The Minato area is the ultimate expat hangout. Mercer is a great choice for brunch, both for the vibe and food. The interior is cozy but luxurious and menu options range from brunch classics to more substantial options like sirloin steak and eggs or local flavors like sea urchin omelet. Outdoor seating is the place to be during the warmer months, and reservations are strongly recommended (they are expat friendly and speak English).
Address: Urban Style Roppongi 1F, 4-2-35 Roppongi, Minato-ku, Tokyo
Nearest station: Roppongi or Roppongi-Itchome Station
Hours: Weekdays 10 am to 3:30 pm, weekends 9 am to 5 pm
Link: http://www.mercer-brunch.com/
Imperial Palace area – Grand Kitchen
If you want to chase your hangover away and feel royal (obviously these go hand in hand), head for the Imperial Palace. Grand Kitchen is your spot for brunch with a majestic view. Traditional Japanese breakfast is served here until 10:30 am. From 11 am, you can order à la carte all day with a wide choice of both lunch dishes and smaller tapas, salads and desserts, which will cater to most brunch-time appetites.
The restaurant is located in Palace Hotel Tokyo and its biggest selling point is the terrace overlooking the Imperial Palace moat. Definitely make reservations to secure a spot outside.
Address: Palace Hotel Tokyo, 1-1-1 Marunouchi, Chiyoda-ku, Tokyo 100-0005
Nearest station: Right next to Otemachi Station
Hours: 6 am to 11 pm, every day
Link: https://www.palacehoteltokyo.com/restaurant/grand-kitchen/
Ginza – Bills
The other locals-approved brunch staple: Aussie chain Bills, Ginza branch. The Australian flair is reflected both in the modern urban design and menu items ranging from classics like Eggs Benedict and ricotta hotcakes to green smoothies and fancy cocktails. Try the classic white peach bellini or the local-inspired ginger and shiso mojito as hair of the dog. There is a relatively short wait on weekends, expect to be seated within 15 to 30 minutes.
Address: Okura House 12F, 2-6-2 Ginza, Chuo-ku, Tokyo 104-0061
Nearest station: Ginza Station
Hours: 8:30 am to 11 pm, every day
Link: https://billsjapan.com/jp/銀座
Hankering for a Full English in Tokyo? Try these breakfast spots.
