Morning in Japan

Where I come from, breakfast comes first, with a steaming cup of coffee, tea, or juice on the side. At many American diners, coffee refills come without asking, a constant companion while you work through pancakes, eggs and maybe some sausage or bacon. It’s a hearty way to refuel for the day ahead.

Here in Japan, if you head to a café before 11:00 am, you’ll likely find a deal where, for the price of a coffee—or a modest up-charge—you get Morning. This isn’t just coffee: you’re served a half-slice of thick, buttered shokupan toast, a hard-boiled egg and sometimes a small salad.

Yes, half a slice. It sounds modest, but don’t let that fool you—shokupan is no ordinary bread. It’s thick and rich, with a pillow-soft texture. It’s more than enough: a light breakfast, a decent cup of coffee, and a brief pause before the day begins.

With my gluten intolerance, I forgo the toast, and my wife gets my portion. That’s one full slice for her. But for me? I eat a gluten-free roll before I leave the house and order a coffee refill and a second boiled egg—perfect. There’s no “bottomless” coffee here, but many places will offer a second cup at half price. It’s another Morning, a new beginning.

Now, there are a couple of café chains that really excel at this.

Komeda Coffee, at first glance, looks like your typical family restaurant, but step inside, and it’s a welcoming place, comfortable, with great service and a solid cup of coffee. Their Morning is spot on. You can choose between toast or a bun, butter or sweet bean paste, and either egg salad or a warm boiled egg.

Hoshino Coffee feels more like a cozy pub, dark wood and brass everywhere. It’s cheaper, the second cup is half price, and the morning menu offers more variety, including several coffee blends. I’m partial to the Hikoboshi blend, which has a rich, mellow flavor.

If you find yourself in Hiroshima, here are a few Morning recommendations:

• Cafe Grow (Ushita Honmachi) – A relaxed atmosphere with great coffee and tasty options.

• Wakakusa Coffee (Hashimoto-cho) – Stylish and friendly, with a delicious house blend.

• Bora Bora Coffeeshop (Tatemachi) – Old-fashioned charm, great coffee, and a perfect salad.

Wherever you go in Japan, you’ll find most cafés offering some kind of Morning. For the price of a cup of coffee, why not? It’s a simple pleasure that feels just right, all for the price of a cup of coffee.