Best Places for Breakfast in Kumamoto

Nov 30, 2023

Best Places for Breakfast in Kumamoto

Breakfast in Japan may be quite different than what you’re used to, as it consists of things like grilled fish, steamed rice, and pickles. However, you can also find restaurants serving breakfasts that are more similar to what you find in the West. Whatever kind of breakfast you’re looking for, there are a few places you can go to in Kumamoto that stand out as the best.

1. Buffet Dining Asoshed

If you want to fit breakfast at a restaurant into a busy day, head to Buffet Dining Asoshed at Hotel Nikko Kumamoto. It opens at 6:30 a.m. and serves a variety of Western and Japanese dishes. Since it’s a buffet, you can eat as much as you want. Most of the food is self serve, but there are also omelets available made to order.

Where: Hotel Nikko Kumamoto, 2F, 2-1 Kamitoricho, Chuo Ward (map)

Website: nikko-kumamoto.co.jp/restaurant/asoshed/
Open Hours: 6:30 a.m. to 10:00 a.m. every day, plus 11:30 a.m. to 3:00 p.m. Saturday and Sunday

2. Sun Cielo

Another top option for an early start is Sun Cielo at ANA Crowne Plaza Kumamoto New Sky. The buffet is a fusion of mostly Chinese and Italian cuisine and even includes a gelato station. If you’re looking for more of a brunch and the breakfast hours are too early, you can take advantage of the set lunch, which starts at 11:30 a.m.

Where: ANA Crowne Plaza Kumamoto New Sky, 2 Higashi Amidajimachi, Chuo Ward (map)

Website: anacpkumamotonewsky.com/restaurant/suncielo/

Open Hours: Every day from 6:00 a.m. to 10:00 a.m., plus 11:30 a.m. to 2:30 p.m. and 5:00 p.m. to 10:00 p.m.

3. Ganjin Shokudo

A Chinese fusion restaurant, Ganjin Shokudo serves mostly vegetarian dishes (these are indicated on the menu with a green dot) and you can request many of the breakfasts to be made with just vegan ingredients. A top choice is a savory rice porridge called okayu — this is only available in the mornings.

Where: 5-26 Anseimachi, Chuo Ward (map)
Website: www.instagram.com/ganjinshokudou/
Open Hours: 9:00 a.m. to 7:00 p.m. from Monday to Thursday; 9:00 a.m. to 8:00 p.m. Friday and Saturday

4. Tarachine Breakfast

A small restaurant only open in the mornings, Tarachine Breakfast is the perfect place to go if you want to grab a bite to eat before your commute — it’s located right by Kumamoto Station and the Kumamoto-Ekimae tram stop. You’ll find everything from Western favorites like French toast and yogurt to Japanese options like grilled sardines and miso soup. Although the menu is in Japanese, the owner speaks English and can help you order.

Where: 2-3-23 Kasuga, Nishi Ward (map)

Website: www.instagram.com/tarachine_asagohan/

Open Hours: 7:00 a.m. to 1:00 a.m. Tuesday to Saturday

Any of these restaurants will give you a great breakfast to start your day. Choose one that’s on your route to work or pick a restaurant near some of the top sites in Kumamoto to begin a day of sightseeing early.

avlxyz from Japanese restaurant Asatsuki in Malvern East, Victoria, CC BY-SA 2.0, via Wikimedia Commons