Ginza Kimuraya
Iconic bakery, birthplace of Anpan, offering a taste of Japanese history with sweet red bean paste-filled buns.
Highlights
Must-see attractions
Social
From TikTok & Reddit
Best Time
Fewer crowds, more relaxed
Ginza Kimuraya
Best Time
Fewer crowds, more relaxed
Highlights
Must-see attractions
Iconic bakery, birthplace of Anpan, offering a taste of Japanese history with sweet red bean paste-filled buns.
"This is the bakery where Anpan was invented in 1874, making it worth a visit!"
🎯 Arrive Before Opening
Lines form early, especially on weekends. Beat the rush for the freshest Anpan!
🛍️ Embrace the Chaos
It gets crowded and chaotic inside. Be patient and ready for a lively shopping experience.
Highlights
Discover the most iconic attractions and experiences
The Original Anpan
Main counter
Taste the iconic sweet red bean paste-filled bread, invented here in 1874. A true piece of Japanese culinary history.
Anpan Variety Packs
Main counter
Sample different Anpan flavors like Sakura, cream cheese, and custard for a delightful taste exploration.
An-Butter Bun
Main counter
A perfect balance of sweet red bean paste and rich butter in a chewy bun. A local favorite.
Plans like a pro.
Thinks like you
Planning Your Visit
Beat the Crowds for Anpan Bliss
Embrace the Anpan Experience
Best Times
Insider Tips
from TikTok, Instagram & Reddit
🎯 Arrive Before Opening
Lines form early, especially on weekends. Beat the rush for the freshest Anpan!
🛍️ Embrace the Chaos
It gets crowded and chaotic inside. Be patient and ready for a lively shopping experience.
🍞 Try a Variety Pack
Explore different Anpan flavors beyond the original for a diverse taste.
☕ Consider Upstairs Seating
If available, opt for upstairs seating to enjoy your treats more peacefully.
Tips
from all over the internet
🎯 Arrive Before Opening
Lines form early, especially on weekends. Beat the rush for the freshest Anpan!
🛍️ Embrace the Chaos
It gets crowded and chaotic inside. Be patient and ready for a lively shopping experience.
🍞 Try a Variety Pack
Explore different Anpan flavors beyond the original for a diverse taste.
☕ Consider Upstairs Seating
If available, opt for upstairs seating to enjoy your treats more peacefully.
What Travellers Say
Reviews Summary
Ginza Kimuraya is celebrated as the historic birthplace of Anpan, offering a delicious taste of Japanese culinary heritage. Visitors rave about the iconic Anpan, variety packs, and unique An-Butter buns, though some find the bustling, chaotic atmosphere inside challenging. Despite the crowds, many agree the experience and flavors are worth the visit.
"A Sweet Start to a Rainy Tokyo Morning
Our second day in Tokyo started with drizzle and light rain, so we decided to visit Ginza Kimuraya—one of the dessert shops my wife had saved on our Google Maps list. She loves sweets, and this place has been on her must-try list for a long time.
We arrived about 30 minutes before opening, and to our surprise, people were already lined up outside. That’s when we knew we made the right choice. We walked around the area for a few minutes, and when we came back, the line had grown even longer. Luckily, we still made it into the first batch when the doors opened.
The desserts here are absolutely worth the wait. The ice cream is amazing—rich flavor, perfect texture, and beautifully presented. We also noticed many local customers shopping here, which is always a good sign when traveling.
If you’re visiting Tokyo—especially around Ginza or even staying in the Shinjuku area—and you enjoy sweet treats or unique Japanese desserts, Ginza Kimuraya is definitely a place you should pin on your Google Maps. A wonderful way to brighten up a rainy morning."
Wei Wang
"We were in the Ginza neighbourhood as one of our first stops after landing in Tokyo, and we just HAD to make a stop at this iconic bakery after seeing it on multiple YouTuber’s recommendation list. I mean, even beyond the recommendations, just knowing that this is the bakery where Anpan was invented in 1874 made it worth a visit!
We came in the late afternoon and it was still very crowded - so much so that my partner got quite overwhelmed and had to leave the store to let me fend for myself and hunt for some baked goods for both of us to share lol. I would say that this was the biggest challenge I had with the store. The inside was very chaotic and there was no worker to maintain or direct the lines. When I was ready to pay, two lines had formed from two separate directions and people were constantly bumping and budging, whether intentional or not I don’t know. Everyone was lawless when it came to Anpan bread I suppose 😭🤣
I ended up purchasing the variety pack and we decided to have them pretty much right away so we could taste them while they were fresh. They’re not bad- but also not phenomena/ memorable. I wouldn’t rank this as a Top 5 pastry I had in Japan, but we were glad to have tried them. If you were around the area and wanted to give this legend a try, I would say go for it if the line isn’t that long and you’re ready for a bit of chaos 🤭"
Louis Lin
"I visited Sunday 11 AM, and the place was crowded. I only got the an-butter bun to go (360 yen) which contains red bean paste and whipped butter inside. The sweetness of the red bean paste nicely balances the butter taste, and the bread itself, while rather chewey, is also great."
Claire Choe
What People Like
What People Dislike
Frequently Asked Questions
🚇 🗺️ Getting There
Ginza Kimuraya is located in the heart of Ginza, Tokyo. The nearest subway stations are Ginza Station (Marunouchi, Hibiya, and Ginza Lines) and Higashi-Ginza Station (Hibiya and Toei Asakusa Lines). It's a short walk from either station.
Yes, it's easily accessible by train. Ginza Station is a major hub, and Higashi-Ginza Station is also very close. From Tokyo Station, you can take the Marunouchi Line directly to Ginza Station.
From Shinjuku, take the Marunouchi Line directly to Ginza Station. The journey takes about 15-20 minutes.
Absolutely! Ginza is a very walkable district. If you're exploring other shops or department stores in Ginza, you can easily walk to Kimuraya.
While there are parking garages in Ginza, they can be expensive. Public transportation is generally recommended for visiting Ginza Kimuraya.
🎫 🎫 Tickets & Entry
No, Ginza Kimuraya is a bakery and does not require tickets for entry. You can walk in and purchase baked goods.
Opening hours can vary slightly, but they are typically open from around 10 AM to 8 PM. It's always a good idea to check their official website or a reliable source for the most up-to-date hours before your visit.
There is no admission fee to enter Ginza Kimuraya. You pay for the baked goods you purchase.
Ginza Kimuraya is a walk-in bakery, and reservations are generally not accepted for purchasing items. For seating upstairs, it might be on a first-come, first-served basis.
Yes, Ginza Kimuraya is often very crowded, especially during peak hours and on weekends. Arriving before opening can help avoid the longest waits.
🎫 🛍️ Onsite Experience
Ginza Kimuraya is most famous for being the birthplace of Anpan, a traditional Japanese sweet bread filled with red bean paste, invented in 1874.
Definitely try the original Anpan! Other popular choices include An-Butter buns, Sakura Anpan, cream cheese Anpan, and custard Anpan. Variety packs are great for sampling.
Yes, there is seating available upstairs where you can enjoy your purchases. However, eating on the street is generally not permitted in Japan.
Many visitors report that the inside can be quite chaotic and crowded, with no clear lines. Be prepared for a bustling environment.
Typically, they accept cash and major credit cards. It's always good to have some cash on hand, especially if you're unsure.
🍽️ ☕ Food & Dining
Ginza Kimuraya is primarily a bakery offering a wide variety of breads, pastries, and sweet buns, with their Anpan being the most famous. They also offer coffee and other beverages.
While known for sweet Anpan, they also offer some savory items like the Ebi shrimp sandwich, which is highly recommended by some visitors.
Prices are generally reasonable for a bakery in Ginza. Anpan buns typically range from 300-400 yen, with variety packs costing more.
One reviewer mentioned the ice cream is amazing, with rich flavor, perfect texture, and beautiful presentation, making it a great option on a rainy day.
Yes, their beautifully packaged Anpan and variety packs make excellent edible souvenirs for friends and family.
📸 📸 Photography
Generally, photography for personal use is allowed inside, but it's always polite to be mindful of other customers and staff. Avoid flash photography if it seems disruptive.
Capture the iconic Anpan buns, the variety of flavors, the bustling interior, and the historic storefront. The beautifully presented pastries are very photogenic.
The Anpan buns themselves, especially with their colorful fillings or toppings like Sakura, are very visually appealing. The ice cream and the Ebi shrimp sandwich are also good subjects.
Early morning before opening or during off-peak hours might offer a less crowded backdrop for photos. However, the lively atmosphere can also make for dynamic shots.
It's best to ask for permission before taking photos of staff members. Focus on the products and the general ambiance.
For Different Travelers
Tailored advice for your travel style
👨👩👧 Families with Kids
Be prepared for crowds, which might be challenging with very young children. If possible, aim for a weekday morning visit. The upstairs seating area, if available, could provide a slightly calmer space for families to enjoy their treats. Remember that eating on the street is not allowed in Japan, so plan to consume your purchases at the bakery or take them elsewhere.
💰 Budget Travelers
To save money and time, consider skipping the upstairs seating and opting for takeaway. You can enjoy your Anpan at a nearby park or on your way to your next destination. Public transportation is the most cost-effective way to reach Ginza Kimuraya, so utilize Tokyo's excellent train and subway system.
couples
Consider visiting during a weekday morning to enjoy a more relaxed atmosphere. The iconic status of the bakery and its delicious offerings make it a memorable outing for couples exploring Ginza. It's a perfect spot for a delightful breakfast or a sweet afternoon pick-me-up.
Deep Dives
In-depth insights and expert knowledge
The Legacy of Anpan
Today, visitors can still experience the original Anpan, a taste of history in every bite. The bakery offers a variety of Anpan flavors, allowing patrons to explore different combinations of fillings and textures. This dedication to their heritage, while also innovating with new flavors, is a key part of Ginza Kimuraya's enduring appeal.
When visiting, be prepared for the possibility of a queue, as this iconic treat draws both locals and tourists alike. The experience of tasting Anpan at its birthplace is a must for anyone interested in Japanese culinary history.
Navigating the Bustling Bakery
To make the most of your visit, consider arriving before opening hours, particularly on weekends, to avoid the longest lines. If you do find yourself in a crowded situation, patience is key. Some reviewers suggest that opting for upstairs seating, if available, can offer a more relaxed experience compared to the bustling ground floor.
Despite the potential for chaos, the reward is delicious, historically significant baked goods. The key is to manage expectations regarding the crowd and embrace the lively atmosphere as part of the authentic experience.
Beyond Anpan: Other Delights
If you're looking to sample a variety of Anpan, consider purchasing a variety pack. These packs often include flavors like Sakura (cherry blossom), cream cheese, and custard, offering a diverse tasting experience. One reviewer also specifically praised the Ebi shrimp sandwich as a dream dish, suggesting that savory options are also available and worth trying.
Don't overlook the ice cream either; it's been described as amazing with rich flavor and perfect texture, making it a refreshing choice, especially on a warmer day or as a sweet ending to your pastry selection.
Social
from TikTok, Instagram & Reddit