Hello there!
It’s Binako, your SaruKuma writer (^^♪

Today I’m excited to introduce you to a place located in
Kikutomi, Koshi City, Kumamoto Prefecture:
“Hakopan”.

Wondering what “Hakopan” actually is?

Well… it’s a shokupan (Japanese milk bread) vending machine!!!

Wait, WHAT!? A vending machine that sells fresh bread!?
And it’s open 24 hours a day!!!

Hakopan is a 24-hour shokupan vending machine set up by
fete du pain (a beloved local bakery).

I’ve been curious about this place for ages, and I finally made it!

You can spot the place easily thanks to the bright flag out front ^^

The legendary Hakopan…

A shokupan vending machine… I stepped inside with butterflies in my stomach.

Oh my, how adorable!

Wow, look at all those loaves of bread lined up so beautifully!
Does this photo do it justice?

And these clever little loaves…

Each loaf is 1.5-kin size (about 1.5 standard Japanese loaves) — more than generous!
There are two varieties to choose from, and both are just ¥500!!!

So affordable!! Almost too cheap to believe!!!

Being able to grab a fresh loaf of bread for a single coin, anytime you want, is pure happiness!

This one is the [Everyday Shokupan].

Moistness ★★★
Chewiness ★★
Sweetness ★★

It’s a slightly sweet shokupan made with honey and fresh cream ^^

And this one is the [Brown Rice Shokupan].
Moistness ★★★
Chewiness ★★
Sweetness ★

Made with Koshihikari brown rice, this loaf pairs perfectly with savory meals ^^

Just slip your coins into the slot,
pick the loaf that calls out to you, and press the button…

Your everyday bread, right when you need it.

Recommended Pick

For this visit, I went with the Everyday Shokupan!

I choose YOU!!

I don’t know why, but I felt instantly attached to my new bread friend lol

Underneath the bread, there was a receipt and a bag waiting for me!

Such a thoughtful little touch — I love it!

Now, I owe you an apology.

About my dear Everyday Shokupan…
After opening it in the car, I started tearing off chunks with my hands and snacking away,
until before I knew it… it was gone.

I’m so, SO sorry!!!!!!

I just couldn’t stop! My hands had a mind of their own!!!

I ended up eating it like a snack…
Well, technically, a bit was left over.

But because of my, um, creative eating method,
the leftover wasn’t exactly photo-worthy…
I’m truly, truly sorry…

That said, the bread was absolutely delicious (*´Д｀)
Soft, fluffy, and chewy — I couldn’t help but devour it in pure bliss ( *´艸｀)

Ahh, eating really is happiness…

Frequently Asked Questions

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