Welcome to Pan no Ie

Hello, fellow travelers!

This is Binako, your Sarukuma writer, currently distracted by the thought that I really need to buy my kid some thermal underwear!

Today I’m thrilled to introduce you to a little gem tucked away in Hanazono, Nishi Ward, Kumamoto City:
“Pan no Ie” (which translates to “The House of Bread”).

I’ve been admiring this bakery on Instagram for ages, so finally getting to visit had me genuinely excited!

The parking lot sits conveniently right next to the shop.

Along the exterior wall, you’ll find bicycle parking and a vending machine — perfect if you’re cycling around the neighborhood.

So stylish!

There’s also outdoor table seating, so you can grab a fresh-baked treat and enjoy it right on the spot.

Inside, the shelves are lined with bread — though when I arrived, a customer had just bought two huge bags’ worth, so the selection was a bit thinner than usual.

That alone tells you how popular this place is!

Their signature shokupan (Japanese milk bread) is another customer favorite.

You’ll find a wide variety of sweet pastries and savory bread options on display.

Every Friday is Curry Day, and they rotate through different curry-filled bread varieties each week.
Last week they were selling a raisin curry pan that I’m dying to try, so I’ll definitely be back when it returns to the menu!

For the latest bread lineup, check out their Instagram.

Today’s recommended specials were:
・Ring Donut — 80 yen
・Egg Sandwich — 100 yen

That donut price is jaw-droppingly low!

Other tempting sweet options included:
Caramel Croissant — 170 yen
Strawberry Pie — 170 yen

Prices here are remarkably reasonable across the board.

They also stock sandwiches and beverages.

Right when you walk in, on your right, there’s a corner stocked with traditional Japanese dagashi (old-school penny candy) — a kid’s paradise!

Recommended Picks

First up, I tried the Ring Donut (80 yen).

It’s an old-fashioned style donut that looked absolutely delicious.

Fluffy
and chewy!

Sweet, satisfying, and genuinely heartwarming.
For just 80 yen? That’s incredible value!

Next, I dug into the Egg Sandwich (100 yen).

Crisp, fresh lettuce paired with a generous heap of egg salad — incredibly tasty.

And the bread? Absolutely outstanding.
The more you chew, the more its natural sweetness blooms. After tasting it like this, you’ll want to try it plain just to savor the bread itself.

I couldn’t resist the Apple Bread (120 yen).

That little apple stem perched on top is just adorable!

Here we go!

Bite, bite, bite!

The custard is light and not overly sweet, with chunks of real apple tucked inside — a wonderfully indulgent pastry packed with flavor.

Look at how cute it is!

Pan no Ie was kind enough to feature me on their Instagram (lol)!
My face is full of bread and joy.

The owner is genuinely warm and down-to-earth, and the bread selection is excellent — but be sure to come early, because the good stuff goes fast!

Definitely add Pan no Ie to your Kumamoto itinerary!

Follow us on Instagram for daily updates!
At Sarukuma, we share local Kumamoto info on family-friendly lunches, parks, indoor play spots, and more.
We’d love your follow! (*´∀｀*)

Frequently Asked Questions

※Information accurate at the time of reporting. Prices and hours are subject to change. Please confirm before visiting.