Many of us have fond memories of munching on a warm an pan for a quick breakfast or after-school snack. But did you know that this bite-sized comfort food was supposedly born in the heart of Ginza, Tokyo? 

Ginza Kimuraya is a heritage bakery of almost two centuries, having opened its doors in 1869. Situated on the same road as the iconic Seiko House Ginza Clock Tower, it is widely regarded as the oldest and first Western-style bakery in Japan. 

Today, Ginza Kimuraya sees a steady stream of customers flocking to its premises for a taste of its iconic baked goods. The sakura an pan, its signature bun, is said to have been originally requested by Emperor Meiji in 1875. 

Aside from an pan, you can also try your fill of kasha pan, bread loaves, and even sandwiches. 

While us Singaporeans are used to chunkier, palm-sized an pan from our neighbourhood bakery, Ginza Kimuraya’s an pan is noticeably smaller, almost bite-sized, with a uniformly smooth yeast bun encasing that sweet red bean paste filling. 

Taste-wise, it’s not too different from other an pans I have tried but, the aroma is undeniably appetite-inducing. It’s best to eat it while it’s still warm and fresh. 

While most visit Ginza Kimuraya for its bakery, it is actually a multi-storey building that consists of various in-house dining experiences. The second level houses a Western-style cafe that is fitted with warm wood tones and a view of Nissan Crossing. While the third and fourth levels are where you can enjoy other Western fare that get classier and more sophisticated the higher up you traverse. 

Breakfast at the cafe is a leisurely affair, with soft, jazzy tones lulling you as you work your way through your food. Savoury items include sandwiches and side salads, while on the sweets menu, you can find Western classics such as apple pie and cheesecake. Oh, and an pan is also available as a breakfast set here! 

The Original Shrimp Sando Set (¥1,480) is one of the most popular breakfast sets, consisting of succulent, breaded shrimp tucked between two slices of fluffy, toasted bread. Biting into it, I immediately felt myself being enveloped by an overwhelming sense of peace and comfort. I loved that despite the amount of carbs and fried ingredients, the sando did not taste oily at all!  

Ginza Kimuraya is a pleasant go-to spot either for brunch or a takeaway if you’re in the area. It’d be a waste to not taste a piece of Japan’s culinary history, especially as Japanised Western cuisine has become pretty popular both locally and internationally! 

Address: Japan, 〒104-0061 Tokyo, Chuo City, Ginza, 4 Chome−5−7 銀座木村家
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Nearest Station: Ginza
Opening Hours: 10am – 8pm daily 
Contact: +81 3 3561 0091

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