10 Best Breakfast Spots in Ueno! Cafe, Restaurants, and Hotels
Ueno, one of Tokyo's busiest commercial districts, is a neighborhood in Taito Ward known for its zoo, museums, lush parks, and the vibrant drinking district beneath the elevated train tracks. Its proximity to downtown and the Shinkansen station makes it an attractive base for tourists.
You can experience a retro atmosphere similar to Asakusa's "downtown" feel, making it one of the areas highly rated by foreign tourists.
Asakusa, with its scattered tourist spots, is crowded with visitors daily and is also characterized by its many restaurants. The dining establishments range from traditional Japanese cafes that blend into the nostalgic Japanese streetscape to stylish cafes in Ueno Park where you can enjoy magnificent nature.
In this article, I'll introduce perfect breakfast spots in Ueno for 2024, focusing on retro cafes and restaurants with delicious food.
3 Cafes in Ueno Park Where You Can Enjoy Fresh Morning Air in Nature
While Ueno has a strong image as a bustling district, there are cafes inside Ueno Park where you can enjoy breakfast while experiencing the fresh morning air in nature.
Here are three cafes I recommend.
EVERYONE's CAFE
Source: Official Facebook
At EVERYONE's CAFE, you can proudly enjoy a relaxing meal while viewing the seasonal park scenery through the large windows.
The recommended breakfast menu is the EOC Breakfast plate. It's a hearty serving with toast, fried egg, sausage, bacon, and salad all arranged on one plate! I've had breakfast at their terrace. Having breakfast in 2024 at Ueno in air so clear you'd forget you're in Tokyo was exceptional, and I ended up staying longer than expected.
The dishes use Edomae ingredients (locally sourced from Tokyo) and seasonal foods, so you can enjoy fresh flavors as well.
<Store Information>
- Address: 8-4 Ueno Park, Taito Ward
- Hours: 10:00 AM (9:00 AM on weekends and holidays) - 9:00 PM
- Closed: Irregular holidays
- Phone: 03-5815-8251
- Official Website: https://shop.create-restaurants.co.jp/0941/
Starbucks Coffee Ueno Onshi Park Store
Source: Official website
The Starbucks Ueno Onshi Park store is designed in an elongated style reminiscent of a traditional Japanese "single-story house," and is popular for its views of the lush green park from any seat. The windows, designed to provide clear outside views, not only create an open feeling but also allow plenty of sunlight to stream in, giving you the sensation of sitting on a terrace while remaining indoors. When enjoying breakfast at Ueno in 2024, this location offers a perfect setting to start your day.
I often visit this store during waiting times before nearby facilities open or for breaks during morning walks. It's a casual spot where you can drop by easily, so why not enjoy the familiar taste of Starbucks while experiencing the natural beauty of the park?
<Store Information>
Address: 8-22 Ueno Park, Taito-ku
Business Hours: 8:00-21:00
Closed: Irregular holidays
Phone Number: 03-5834-1630
Official Website: https://store.starbucks.co.jp/detail-1087/
Ueno Zoo Bird Song
Source: Tripadvisor
Bird Song at Ueno Zoo is a café restaurant located in front of the Polar Bear and Seal Ocean area in the East Garden of Ueno Zoo. The menu features light meals such as curry, yakisoba, french fries, mini pancakes, and ice cream, making it accessible for people of all ages and genders. If you're planning your breakfast at Ueno in 2024, this unique spot should be on your itinerary.
Among the menu items, I highly recommend trying the Panda Dango. These are snacks that pandas usually eat, modified for human consumption, and I was curious enough about the taste to try them myself. The dango has a chewy elasticity with a subtle sweetness, and it was much more delicious than I expected!
The dango features a panda design, symbolizing Ueno Zoo, adding a playful touch. It's recommended for those who want to experience something different from their usual food choices.
<Store Information>
Address: 9 Ueno Park, Taito-ku
Business Hours: 10:00-16:30
Closed: According to Ueno Zoo's schedule
Phone Number: 03-3828-5171
Official Website: https://www.tokyo-zoo.net/zoo/ueno/restaurant.html
3 Recommended Traditional Cafés Where You Can Enjoy Excellent Breakfast
From here, I'd like to introduce three recommended traditional cafés where you can enjoy an excellent breakfast that you should try at least once. For tourists planning breakfast at Ueno in 2024, these authentic cafés provide a glimpse into Japanese café culture with delicious morning offerings.
Coffee Ojo
Source: Tabelog
Coffee Ojo is a traditional Japanese coffee shop located in Ueno Ameyoko that opened in 1975. It features retro furniture and interior design that has preserved the atmosphere from when it first opened, giving you the feeling of being transported back to Showa-era Japan.
There are three types of breakfast menus:
- Regular toast set
- Thick-cut toast set
- Ham sandwich set
I ordered the thick-cut toast set. First, I was surprised when the toast arrived, as it was at least 5cm thick! The nicely browned toast comes with butter already spread on it, which is a nice touch as you can eat it right away.
The texture is crispy on the outside and fluffy on the inside, making it enjoyable to eat. Despite being thick-cut, I finished it quickly. Since it comes with a drink and boiled egg, it's quite filling and satisfying even for men looking to enjoy breakfast at Ueno 2024.
<Store Information>
Address: 6-8-15 Ueno, Taito-ku
Business hours (breakfast): 8:00-11:00
Closed: None
Phone number: 03-3832-2863
Official website: https://www.instagram.com/coffeeoujyou/
KOJYO
Source: Tabelog
KOJYO is an established restaurant that opened in 1963 and is known as a high-end coffee shop famous for its luxurious interior. The interior is inspired by Russia's Hermitage Museum, with a gorgeous atmosphere created by custom-made stained glass and special interior decorations.
There are four types of breakfast menus:
- Set A (Toast, ham and eggs, salad)
- Set B (Toast, boiled egg, salad)
- Set C (Ham sandwich)
- Set F (Toast)
All sets include a drink
I ordered Set A. While it's a classic breakfast menu, the interior has a luxury that's rare in Japan, giving you the feeling of having a special meal. It's recommended for those who want to enjoy breakfast at Ueno 2024 in a unique and elegant atmosphere different from the usual.
<Store Information>
- Address: 3-39-10 Higashi-Ueno, Taito-ku
- Business hours (breakfast): 9:00-11:00
- Closed: Sundays and holidays
- Phone number: 03-3832-5675
- Official website: https://www.instagram.com/kojyo_kyoko/
Usagiya CAFE
Source: Official website
Usagiya CAFE is run by Usagiya, a Japanese confectionery shop established in 1913 that is famous for its dorayaki (sweet pancakes with red bean filling). The cafe is well-known for serving freshly made sweets using the traditional red bean paste that has been passed down through generations of Usagiya craftsmen.
For breakfast, the highly recommended item is the Usa Pancake, a special dish available only to those who visit before 9 AM. The Usa Pancake is a set of freshly-baked dorayaki skins delivered from Usagiya, served with butter and red bean paste. The combination of the aromatic skin with butter and red bean paste is exceptionally delicious. One bite will naturally bring a smile to your face due to its extraordinary taste.
The freshly-made pancake skin has a perfect level of sweetness and is delicious even when eaten plain! This is highly recommended for those who love Japanese sweets and want to have an authentic breakfast at Ueno 2024.
<Store Information>
- Address: 1-17-5 Ueno, Taito-ku
- Business hours: 9:00-18:00
- Closed: Wednesdays
- Phone number: 03-6240-1561
- Official website: http://usagiya-cafe.com/
Two Recommended Japanese Restaurants for Those Who Want a Hearty Breakfast
There are two Japanese restaurants recommended for those who want to eat a hearty breakfast.
Ichiran (Ramen)
Source: Tabelog
Ichiran is a specialty shop for natural tonkotsu ramen that originated in Fukuoka Prefecture. It has expanded nationwide and is one of the most famous ramen shops in Japan. If you're looking for a satisfying breakfast at Ueno in 2024, this is a must-visit location.
The original soup extracted from pork bones has the umami flavor of tonkotsu but without the strong smell, making it easy to drink. Additionally, Ichiran's special "red secret sauce" based on chili peppers adds depth to the ramen, and it's rumored that once you eat it, you'll become addicted.
While they only serve natural tonkotsu ramen, you can add toppings such as extra chashu (sliced pork), soft-boiled egg, nori (seaweed), and kikurage (wood ear mushrooms), or order rice and refills (noodles only).
When I want a hearty breakfast at Ueno in 2024, I satisfy my hunger by adding a soft-boiled egg topping or ordering a refill.
<Store Information>
- Address: Taito-ku, Ueno 7-1-1
- Business Hours: 9:00-6:00
- Closed: Atre building holidays
- Phone Number: 050-3733-3915
- Official Website: https://ichiran.com/shop/tokyo/ueno/
Yayoi Ken (Set Meal Restaurant)
Source: Official website
Yayoi Ken is a chain restaurant that mainly offers set meals and rice bowls with the concept "Japanese food can make the world smile more." For tourists seeking an authentic breakfast at Ueno in 2024, Yayoi Ken offers six breakfast options:
- Natto breakfast
- Shirasu oroshi breakfast
- Mini sukiyaki breakfast
- Egg & sausage breakfast
- Salted salmon breakfast
- Salted mackerel breakfast
My favorite is the salted mackerel breakfast, which is a set of mackerel, rice, miso soup, nori, cold tofu, and natto. The fatty mackerel is full of flavor and makes the rice go down easily! Since rice refills are free, I always end up having at least two more servings.
This Japanese-style breakfast set is perfect for when you want to eat a hearty meal to start your day during your visit to Ueno in 2024.
<Store Information>
- Address: Taito-ku, Higashi-Ueno 3-37-9
- Business Hours: 7:00-23:00
- Closed: Irregular
- Phone Number: 03-5846-6175
- Official Website: https://store.yayoiken.com/b/yayoiken/info/2079/
Three great hotels in Ueno that offer delicious breakfast options
NOHGA HOTEL UENO TOKYO
Source: Jalan
Ueno is filled with hotels where you can enjoy delicious breakfast from early morning. When planning your breakfast at Ueno in 2024, you'll find numerous excellent options to start your day.
At NOHGA HOTEL UENO TOKYO, breakfast offers a choice of Japanese cuisine or four types of Western dishes as your main course, while salads, cereals, and yogurt are available in buffet style.
I ordered the Western-style brioche French toast with bacon. The brioche French toast, loaded with egg and butter and drizzled with maple syrup, pairs perfectly with the savory bacon! The balance between sweetness and saltiness is exquisite, and I finished it so quickly that I almost forgot to visit the buffet.
The drink corner includes coffee blended and roasted by the famous Kabuki Coffee, and being able to enjoy as many cups of this aromatic coffee as you like is definitely a highlight. Recommended for those who want to enjoy a luxurious meal from the morning.
<Store Information>
- Address: 2-21-10 Higashi-Ueno, Taito-ku
- Hours (Breakfast): 7:00-14:00
- Closed: Irregular holidays
- Phone: 03-6284-2417
- Official Website: https://www.nohgahotel.com/ueno/aboutus/
Hotel Sunroute "stellar" Ueno
Source: Rurubu Travel
At Hotel Sunroute "stellar" Ueno, you can enjoy a relaxed breakfast in an antique-style, calming atmosphere without any pretension. A breakfast at Ueno 2024 experience here offers a buffet with a wide range of menu items from Japanese cuisine such as grilled fish, miso soup, and rice to Western options including curry, scrambled eggs, sausages, bread, and yogurt.
I was drawn to the rich, slow-cooked curry and ended up going back for seconds even in the morning. Since it's a buffet, you can enjoy as much of your favorite dishes as you like!
<Store Information>
- Address: 7-7-1 Ueno, Taito-ku
- Hours (Breakfast): 7:00-10:00
- Closed: Irregular holidays
- Phone: 03-5826-3571
- Official Website: https://sunroute-ueno.jp/
Ueno First City Hotel
Source: Tripadvisor
At Ueno First City Hotel, you can enjoy Japanese and Western breakfast at two separate restaurants. If you're touring Tokyo and want an authentic breakfast at Ueno 2024 experience, this is a great choice.
The recommended option is "Mother's Breakfast," which is popular for its homemade Japanese cuisine. It comes as a set with rice, soup, and several side dishes, with the small side dishes and grilled fish changing daily. The signature grilled fish is cooked only after guests are seated, so you can enjoy it freshly made and piping hot.
The homemade side dishes have a personal touch, and I felt like I was having breakfast at home, enjoying a comforting time.
Western menu options include French toast, sandwiches (11 types), and daily morning specials to choose from. With such variety, why not select your breakfast menu based on your morning mood?
<Store Information>
- Address: 1-14-8 Ueno, Taito-ku
- Hours (Breakfast): 7:00-9:00
- Closed: Irregular holidays
- Phone: 03-3831-8215
- Official Website: https://uenocity-hotel.com/
After Breakfast, Head to Tourist Spots That You Can Enjoy From Early Morning!
Ueno Park
Source: website
After filling your stomach with a delicious breakfast at Ueno 2024, why not head to tourist spots that you can enjoy from early morning!
Ueno Park (Ueno Onshi Koen) celebrated its 150th anniversary in 2023 and is known as a metropolitan park representing Japan's urban parks. The grounds cover approximately 530,000 square meters, and within the park, you can find not only rich nature but also cultural facilities such as museums and a zoo, making it an attractive destination that can be enjoyed from morning until night.
My recommendation is Shinobazu Pond, where you can see lotus flowers blooming in the summer mornings. The sight of lotuses in full bloom across the entire pond is spectacular, giving you the feeling of viewing an art piece.
The park opens from 5:00 AM, so I recommend a morning stroll when there are fewer people around. Having breakfast at Ueno 2024 and then exploring the tranquil morning park would make for a perfect start to your day in Tokyo.
<Store Information>
- Address: 5-20 Ueno Park, Taito-ku
- Hours: 5:00-23:00
- Closed: Never
- Phone: 03-3828-5644
- Official Website: https://www.kensetsu.metro.tokyo.lg.jp/jimusho/toubuk/ueno
Yushima Tenmangu Shrine
Source: Official website
Yushima Tenmangu Shrine (also known as Yushima Tenjin) is a shrine dedicated to the god of learning, Michizane Sugawara. Highlights include the copper torii gate, which is a designated cultural property of Tokyo, and the Maigo-sagashi no Kien Hyojin Stone, a designated cultural property of the ward famous for its connection to finding lost children.
Yushima Tenmangu is also known as a famous plum blossom viewing spot, with a plum festival held from early February to early March. At the festival, besides food from stalls, you can enjoy shows including dances and parades. Why not enjoy the lively festival alongside the delicate white and pink plum blossoms? If you're visiting in winter, consider having breakfast at Ueno 2024 before heading to this historical shrine.
<Store Information>
- Address: 3-30-1 Yushima, Bunkyo-ku
- Hours: 6:00-20:00
- Closed: Never
- Phone: 03-3836-0753
- Official Website: https://www.yushimatenjin.or.jp/pc/index.htm
Sensoji Temple
Sensoji Temple is famous as Tokyo's oldest temple, with a history of nearly 1,400 years. On the temple grounds, you can see beautiful Japanese-style structures such as the vibrant vermilion five-storied pagoda, Niomon Gate, and the main hall. The most popular photo spot is Kaminarimon (Thunder Gate). Kaminarimon is the outer gate of Sensoji Temple, and the large red lantern with "Kaminarimon" written on it is impressively powerful up close! Be sure to take a commemorative photo of your trip.
Nakamise Street, which runs from Kaminarimon to Sensoji, is lined with shops selling Asakusa specialties, food, and souvenirs. My recommendation is the takeout gourmet food that's perfect for a quick snack after breakfast at Ueno 2024. There are many traditional Japanese snacks like manjū, monaka, and dango, so please use them for a break during your sightseeing.
<Store Information>
- Address: 2-3-1 Asakusa, Taito-ku
- Hours: 6:00 (6:30 from October to March)-17:00
- Closed: Never
- Phone: 03-3842-0181
- Official Website: https://www.senso-ji.jp/
