Hello there!
I’m Binako, the newest writer joining the SaruKuma team (^^♪

Today I’m excited to introduce you to a true Kumamoto institution:
Takaoka Bakery (高岡製パン), located in Sakaemachi, Higashi Ward, Kumamoto City!

“Takaoka Seipan” is a local legend that nearly every Kumamoto resident has heard of at least once.

To find it, walk through the Kengun Shopping Street (Kengun Shotengai), turn right at the end, and you’ll spot the bakery on your left almost immediately (^^)/

Look for the colorful flag out front — you can’t miss it!

The parking lot sits right next to the building.
There’s a clear sign marking the spot, which makes finding a space wonderfully easy.

Stepping inside, I was greeted by the irresistible aroma of freshly baked Negi Pan (green onion bread)!

I arrived around 11:00 AM, and to my surprise
they had already sold out once that morning!!
Apparently, I’d walked in just as the very last batch of the day was being put out.

That’s how popular this Negi Pan is!!!

You’ll also find sweet pastries, classic shokupan (Japanese milk bread), and plenty of other tempting choices on the shelves.

Drinks are also available, so you can pick up something to wash down your bread.

For the more adventurous shopper, there’s even mochi-mugi (waxy barley) flour pancake mix and black soybean kinako cream — uniquely Japanese health-food finds you won’t see in many bakeries!

They look both delicious and nutritious — definitely intriguing ( *´艸｀)

The selection of honey and jams is impressive too — perfect for souvenirs or kitchen treats.
I’m definitely making a return trip to try them next time!

Recommended Menu Items

This time, I picked up the famous Negi Pan (Green Onion Bread) and Aka Pan (Red Bread)!
Luckily, only three Aka Pan were left when I arrived — I made it just in time ( *´艸｀)

Once home, I dug into the Negi Pan first!

Now, here’s where things get truly amazing — the price of this insanely popular Negi Pan is…
just 180 yen!! Can you believe it!?

No wonder it sells out so fast! That makes total sense.
True to its name, the Negi Pan is packed with green onions kneaded straight into the dough!
The soft, pillowy shape is honestly almost too cute to eat (^^)

And now… time for the first bite!!!!!!
So exciting!

Oh my goodness, this is INCREDIBLY delicious!!!!!
The dough is wonderfully chewy (mochi-mochi) and fluffy, generously stuffed with green onions,
and the savory filling — accented with bonito flakes (katsuobushi) — is the perfect finishing touch!

To my surprise, it disappeared as if I were drinking it — gone in seconds!

It was so good that I couldn’t wait, and dove straight into the Aka Pan next!! (I’m a serious foodie.)

The Aka Pan is also a steal of a deal!!!!
The price?? Just 280 yen!!!!

Truly a budget hero — every parent’s dream bakery find (´;ω;｀)
The dough has a reddish hue thanks to tomato kneaded right into it.

The Aka Pan dough is just as wonderfully chewy — totally addictive!

Ahhhhh — this one is SO good too!!!

It’s loaded with hearty fillings — definitely a crowd-pleaser!
Inside you’ll find seasoned ground meat and konnyaku (konjac jelly), giving it the most satisfying texture!

That signature “there it is!” moment when you bite into the chewy konnyaku is unforgettable, haha.
And because the dough is made with tomato, it’s wonderfully easy to eat!!!

This one too vanished as if I were drinking it down!

Both breads are packed with green onions, bonito flakes, tomato, and other vegetables —
a great way to sneak veggies into picky kids’ meals!
And, having tasted them, I have to say once again… the prices are unbelievable!

So gentle on the wallet!

Delicious AND affordable — a true ally for budget-conscious travelers and locals alike!!
Cheap, tasty, and packed with veggies… what more could you want?

The Takaoka Bakery staff were also incredibly kind, making this a genuinely warm and welcoming shop.

Thank you for the wonderful meal — gochisousama deshita!

They also had a Negi Pan de Chicken on the menu, but it was sold out (;_:)

Next time, I’m definitely getting one!!!!
I’ll be sure to write another article when I do ♪

Frequently Asked Questions

*Information is current as of the time of reporting. Prices and hours are subject to change. Please confirm before visiting.