- 2 min read

Kimuraya Bakery, Ginza

Delicious traditional anpan from the original bakery

Anpan is a delicious traditional Japanese bread filled with sweet azuki red bean paste. The history of anpan goes back to the year 1874 when Yasube Kimura, a former samurai turned baker, used Western techniques of bread making to create a unique Japanese bread that became wildly popular as a snack.

Kimuraya bakery in Ginza is the birthplace of anpan and reportedly the oldest and first Western style bakery in Japan. The original sakadane anpan recipe includes sake yeast instead of traditional yeast, making for a unique aroma and delicious taste to the buns. The Sakura anpan includes a salted cherry blossom and is the original version requested by and presented to the Emperor Meiji in 1875. In addition, there are assorted varieties of kashi pan (filled breads) that include fillings such as curry, sesame, chestnut paste, cream cheese, brown sugar or strawberry. There are also cakes, loaves of bread and sandwiches including tonkatsu (breaded, deep-fried pork cutlet). The constant business of the bakery is a testament to the quality and heritage of this baking institution.

The multi-level store offers a variety of dining options. A coffee shop is on the second floor where customers can enjoy bakery goods purchased on the first floor, as well as sandwiches served with coffee or tea. There is a great view of the busy Ginza streets from the second floor windows. On the third floor, there is a grill restaurant that serves Yoshoku (Western style) dishes including croquettes, beef stew and hamburger steak. The fourth floor is a fine dining restaurant that serves European formal meals including steak and fish. The bread factories are on the seventh and eighth floors.

Many department store food halls in Tokyo will also have counters selling bakery goods from Kimuraya. The main bakery is open 7 days a week from from 10 a.m. to 9 p.m.

Getting there

Kimuraya bakery is located in the main Ginza shopping district on Chuo Dori next to the Wako department store. Its prime location makes it a great stop for a snack and tea break while shopping in the Ginza. The nearest station is A10 of Ginza station.

10
2
Was this article helpful?
Help us improve the site
Give Feedback

Join the discussion

Kim a year ago
Historic and delicious!
Lynna Wang 4 years ago
The anpan here is a must try if you are in the Ginza area! The cafe upstairs is a nice place to take a break and you can order both the anpan and other foods here as well.

Thank you for your support!

Your feedback has been sent.