Ginza Kimuraya

155 years old bakery shop and birth place of red bean bun that you must not miss out when you travel to Tokyo, Japan.

They have varieties of freshly baked breads and buns. Do try out the section on the right as you enter the shop as that is the highlights. Originally is the red bean flavour, after years they have produce more such as red bean with walnut, black sesame, white lotus, sweet potatoes and many more.

On the 1st floor is the sit-in cafe section, you may also order from the menu for some of the delicious old school japanese sandwiches and coffee. My favourite, the shrimp sandwich, fresh and so good. Purchases from bakery shop are allowed to bring up to eat while waiting for your orders.

Why we went: Bakery looked super popular with long snaking queues. Curiosity was further piqued knowing they started in 1869, making it the oldest bakery in Japan.

How we chose: These were quite a few flavours, so I asked which is the most popular. Was told: the original one - the red bean bun (anpan). Got that, as well as the one with white poppy seeds on top. (Google translate told me it’s poppy!)

Service: Quite fast. What’s best is, you can pay via card directly with the guy serving you via a portable machine, rather than at a centralised cashier.

Taste: Red bean filling was smooth, but too sweet. Bun was actually hard and dry. Surprised it fared worse than a regular red bean bun you get from any Japanese bakery. The poppy flavour one was similar, just with added nice nutty aromas.

Disappointed. Why oh why is it so popular?

Kimuraya is a bakery that was established for more than 100 years. I've tried their buns before what I like about Kimuraya is their sandos. The cafe is on Level 2 and the bakery is on Level 1.

💢 If there is a queue out the door, you can skip ahead and head up the stairs and the queue for the cafe should start at the 2nd floor.

If I were to rate by satisfaction the three sandos, 🍤>🥩>🍓. Each sando was balanced and equally flavourful. The firm and plucky texture of the prawn sando is what did it for me to put it to No.1. The beef was good and easy to bite through without much effort.

A bit pricey for sandwiches but worth a treat.

Nice bakery on street level and a cafe on level 1 (or 2 according to Japanese way of counting). Went there to get a beef and prawn sandos, beef was nice and tender, however a bit small. The prawn one was just the best, would definitely order that again! Coffee was nice too. Located just across the road from Hermes store.

Happiness here costs 480¥ and occurs around 11, 2:30, and 3:30 pm. Get the beef curry kare pan while it’s hot!! It’s divine!! They also sell other lovely baked goods- another favourite are the anpans (baked buns with various fillings) in the front. I like the cream cheese, the chestnut, the classic anko red bean. Wanted to try the anko with butter and their melon pan, but was stuffed. The red bean doughnut was just ok- next time I will try something else. This store is always busy, côme and enjoy!