Have you ever wondered what Japanese people eat every day?
While sushi, ramen, and tempura are well-known images of Japanese cuisine worldwide, the reality of daily meals is far more diverse and deeply rooted in Japanese culture.
This article will introduce you to the typical breakfast, lunch, dinner, as well as snacks and beverages that Japanese people enjoy.
By reading this, you’ll gain insight into the real eating habits of Japanese people, something you won’t find in tourist guides.
By the end, you’ll have a deeper understanding of Japanese food culture and plenty of inspiration for dishes to try when you visit Japan!
Japanese Foodies：Hello! I’m Kumagoro
Hello! My name is Kumagoro. I’m a 40-something Japanese office worker, born and raised in Japan.
On weekdays, I spend my days immersed in desk work, but on weekends, I love exploring nature and sharing my discoveries and experiences through my blog.
This time, I’ve decided to step away from my usual nature exploration content and focus on something closer to home – Japanese daily meals.
The theme of this article is “What Japanese People Really Eat.”
I’ll introduce you to the everyday meals of ordinary Japanese people: simple yet comforting food that reflects the reality of life in Japan.
From breakfast, lunch, and dinner to snacks and drinks, this article will take you beyond the sushi and ramen typically seen in tourist guides.
Let’s explore the real tastes of Japan together!
Japanese Foodies：Japanese Breakfast
A Simple Japanese Breakfast at a Station Bakery
If you think Japanese people eat rice, miso soup, pickles, and grilled fish for breakfast every day, you’re mistaken! Many Japanese people love Western-style breakfasts, and bread is especially popular in the morning.
On this day, I had my breakfast at Little Mermaid, a bakery located inside a train station. My menu was simple: a black iced coffee and a sandwich (egg, ham, and tuna).
It’s common for bakeries inside train stations to have eat-in spaces, and many of them provide power outlets for charging your laptop or smartphone. This makes them very convenient for commuters and travelers.
Although it was a holiday for me, I enjoyed a light breakfast here while working on my laptop before heading to my next exploration spot by train.
There’s nothing better than enjoying a sandwich and a coffee while soaking in the morning sunlight.
Japanese Foodies：Japanese Lunch
Lunch on the Go: Filling Up with a Katsudon Set at Fuji Soba
On this day, work required me to commute to a different location than usual, spending the entire day in that town.
When working from home, I usually have lunch at home, and when going to the office, I often bring a packed lunch. However, since I was working in an unfamiliar town this time, I decided to eat out.
However, when it comes to grabbing a quick lunch within a short break, the options are limited. On top of that, most restaurants are crowded during lunchtime. In such situations, tachigui soba (standing soba) is the best choice — a place where you can easily drop by alone and finish your meal quickly.
That day, I visited “Nadai Fuji Soba” near the station and ordered the katsudon set.
After purchasing a meal ticket and handing it over at the counter, I was asked, “Soba or udon? Hot or cold?” — this is where you specify your order.
The restaurant offers not only a standing eating style but also seating, allowing for a more relaxed dining experience, which is greatly appreciated. The standard-sized katsudon and kake soba left me feeling completely satisfied.
While I did worry slightly about how this fullness might affect my work in the afternoon, it was undeniably the perfect choice for a quick and delicious lunch.
Japanese Foodies：Japanese Dinner
Japanese Curry at CoCo Ichibanya
Curry rice has been a staple of Japanese dinners since the Showa era. As a child, I remember walking home and catching the enticing aroma of curry wafting from somewhere nearby. Whenever I came home to find my mother in the kitchen cooking curry, I couldn’t help but feel a burst of excitement.
Unlike authentic Indian curry, Japanese curry is thick and has a stew-like consistency. It’s said that this style originated when curry was brought to Japan through the British Navy. The thick texture was designed to prevent it from spilling on the swaying decks of ships.
If you want to enjoy Japan’s iconic curry rice conveniently, CoCo Ichibanya (CoCo Ichi) is the place to go. CoCo Ichi is known for its extensive customization options: you can choose from a variety of toppings, side dishes, rice portions, and spice levels to suit your preferences.
My personal favorite is the Seafood Curry. This hearty dish is loaded with large pieces of squid, shrimp, and other seafood, delivering both satisfaction and flavor. On this day, I ordered it at spice level “10,” which turned out to be quite intense. The combination of the seafood’s umami with the fiery kick of the curry made for a truly memorable experience.
For those wondering, I’ve even managed to conquer spice level 20. With a bit of technique, it’s possible to handle even the spiciest curry. If you’re curious, I’ve shared some tips on how to tackle Japan’s most intense curries in another article. Be sure to check it out!
Whether you’re a spice lover or just a fan of Japanese curry, visiting CoCo Ichibanya is a must. Customize your perfect plate and experience the joy of Japan’s beloved curry culture.
Japanese Foodies：Japanese Brunch
Komeda Coffee: Shiro Noir and Big Fish Burger
It was a day off with no particular plans, but I suddenly craved something sweet. So, I headed to my local Komeda Coffee for a brunch.
When it comes to Komeda Coffee, their signature Shiro Noir is a must-try. On this day, they were offering a limited-time banana-flavored Shiro Noir in collaboration with Tokyo Banana, so I ordered it without hesitation. The fluffy Danish pastry combined with the sweet banana flavor was simply irresistible—perfect for anyone with a sweet tooth.
Komeda Coffee is also well-known for its extensive food menu and surprisingly large portion sizes. The food always looks bigger than the pictures on the menu, and that’s not an exaggeration. After satisfying my sweet craving, I couldn’t resist ordering a Fish Burger.
The Fish Burger was massive—so big that holding it up or taking a bite felt like a challenge. The fish fillet was freshly fried, with a crispy outer layer and a soft, fluffy inside, making it incredibly delicious and satisfying.
With branches all over the country, Komeda Coffee consistently delivers quality meals wherever you go. Whether you’re in the mood for a sweet treat or a hearty meal, it’s a place guaranteed to leave you satisfied.
Japanese Foodies：Japanese Snacks
A Delicious Day Trip to Enoshima: Exploring Food and Scenery
It was a day off, and with such beautiful weather, I decided to take a day trip to Enoshima for a leisurely stroll. Speaking of Enoshima, you can’t miss the joy of eating your way through Benzaiten Nakamise Street.
I started with a local specialty for lunch—Shirasu-don (whitebait rice bowl)—but my appetite only grew stronger, so I continued exploring with some food in hand.
First, I grabbed a grilled whole squid from a seafood stall. The fragrant aroma of soy sauce was irresistible, and the tender, chewy texture delivered incredible flavor with every bite.
Next up was a meat bun. Unlike those found in Chinatown, this one had a fluffier exterior and large, tender fillings that made it satisfyingly hearty—nothing like the convenience store versions.
To wrap things up, I treated myself to freshly steamed manju (sweet buns) and a refreshing monaka ice cream. Did I overeat?
Maybe—but strolling around Enoshima is basically like hiking! With all the calories burned from walking, it’s practically calorie-free.
For information on how to get to Enoshima, check out this article.
Japanese Foodies：Japanese Drinks
Aojiru: Japan’s Portable Solution for Getting Your Greens
Are You Getting Enough Vegetables?
Salads are essential for maintaining a healthy lifestyle, but during busy days or while traveling, it’s easy to miss out on essential nutrients. So, how do you deal with it?
There’s a joke that goes, “The Germans invent it, the Americans produce it, the British invest in it, the French brand it, the Italians design it, and the Japanese miniaturize it.” Japanese people are experts at making anything portable and compact – even salad. That’s where Aojiru comes in.
Aojiru is a Japanese health drink made from green leafy vegetables like kale, barley grass, ashitaba, and mulberry leaves, as well as chlorella. These ingredients are ground and processed into a liquid or powdered form, which can be easily mixed with water for a nutritious boost.
Surprisingly, Aojiru has a taste similar to matcha – smooth and refreshing. Health-conscious Japanese people drink Aojiru daily. Personally, I prefer consuming the powder straight, like medicine, which works just as well!
You can conveniently find Aojiru at convenience stores and supermarkets across Japan. It’s the perfect travel companion for quick and easy nutrition on the go. Why not give this “drinkable salad” a try?
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Japanese Foodies：Japanese Drinking Parties
“Toriaezu Nama! – The Japanese Love for Fresh Draft Beer”
In Japanese drinking parties, it’s customary to start with a toast using beer. Japanese beer, often referred to as “nama beer” (draft beer), is unique because it is unpasteurized, emphasizing its freshness.
Japanese culture places a high value on “freshness,” and this extends to beer as well. The fresh aroma, smooth texture, and clean taste without bitterness make Japanese beer especially appealing. It pairs perfectly with traditional Japanese dishes like sushi and sashimi.
This is why Japanese people love beer so much. At the start of a drinking party, the phrase “Toriaezu nama!” (roughly translated as “Draft beer for now!”) is almost like a ritual. When gathering in large groups, the organizer often checks by asking, “Anyone not having beer?” since ordering beer as the first drink is so common.
If you join a drinking party with Japanese friends, be sure to use the phrase “Toriaezu nama!” and experience the unique delight of fresh Japanese draft beer. Enjoy the moment and savor the refreshing taste!
Japanese Foodies：Conclusion
Through this article, I hope you’ve gained a glimpse into the authentic daily meals that Japanese people enjoy.
Beyond the iconic sushi and ramen, the everyday food culture of Japan is filled with simplicity, creativity, and deep-rooted traditions.
From the carefully prepared breakfasts to the quick yet satisfying lunches, comforting dinners, and even the little indulgences of snacks and drinks, every meal tells a story of balance, practicality, and a unique appreciation for food.
If you’re planning to visit Japan, I encourage you to go beyond the well-trodden tourist paths and explore the local eateries, supermarkets, and convenience stores.
Each experience will give you a deeper connection to the daily life of Japanese people and their food culture.
Thank you for joining me on this journey into the world of Japanese daily meals. I look forward to sharing more about Japan’s culture and traditions in the future!
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