In recent years, Okinawa has seen a surge in the opening of small bakeries, captivating the hearts and stomachs of both locals and tourists. This time, we'll introduce six must-visit bakeries in Okinawa that are worth making a special trip for.

<Table of Contents>
1. hoppepan
2. ippe coppe
3. Pan Kobo Otonariya
4. Water Circle
5. Ohakorte Bakery
6. Pain de Katio
7. Conclusion

1. hoppepan

Hoppepan is located in Ginowan City, about a 30-minute drive from Naha Airport. It's easy to miss as it's on a busy street, but look for the carousel-like horse sculpture in front of the shop.

Stepping into the small shop, you'll find the counter packed with bread, yet freshly baked loaves are constantly being brought out from the back. They bake a wide variety in small batches, so you're always delighted to find a rich selection to choose from whenever you visit! Their recommended items are definitely the savory breads. "Shrimp and sun-dried tomato tartine," "Grilled thick-cut bacon sandwich," and "Mentaiko Camembert"—all items that will make your stomach rumble just hearing about them. Stock up for breakfast during your trip!

[Address] 3-8-25 Ojana, Ginowan City, 1F
[Telephone number] 098-988-4493
【Opening Hours】 8: 00 ~ 19: 00
[Closed] Wednesdays and Thursdays

2. ippe coppe

"ippe coppe" is located in the popular "Urasoe Foreigner Housing Area." Next to the shop, surrounded by Benjamin and acerola trees, is a spacious garden, and in this garden, a shaved ice shop called "Kissaten Niwatori" (Chicken Cafe) opens only during the summer months, making it a rather unique bakery.

Upon entering the shop after removing your shoes, you'll see the breads and scones neatly and modestly displayed in the showcase. This is a very popular shop, so the showcase may be almost empty at certain times; therefore, it's recommended to reserve your items in advance before visiting.

Among all the items, the white bread is a must-have. It may not be flashy, but it's a gentle loaf of bread that embodies the owner's belief that "everyday bread should be simple." Buy some special jams or fillings you find during your trip and try them with this bread.

[Address] 2-16-1 Minatogawa, Urasoe City
[Telephone number] 098-877-6189
【Opening Hours】 12: 30 ~ 18: 30
[Regular holiday] Fire and water

3. Pan Kobo Otonariya

Located in Yomitan Village, Japan's most populous village, Pan Kobo Otonariya is situated in a residential area, making it truly a bakery that people make a special trip to visit. Because the owner's child had allergies, they are particularly particular about their ingredients, using homemade natural yeast made from raisins and figs, domestically produced organic wheat, and locally grown, pesticide-free vegetables.

The shop, which looks like it would be cramped with just three people inside, is packed full of beautifully baked breads. The well-balanced lineup, ranging from hard breads to savory breads, sweet breads, and Danish pastries, appeals to all kinds of customers, but my personal recommendation is the "Ryukyu Pine," a brown sugar flavored French toast shaped like a tree stump. Reading the charming, handmade signs further fuels your craving for bread, and you're sure to end up with a tray overflowing with bread.

[Address] 633-2 Senaha, Yomitan Village
[Telephone number] 098-958-6260
【Opening Hours】 10: 00 ~ 18: 30
[Closed] Thursdays and Sundays

4. Water Circle

"Suien," a bakery located in Yomitan Village, about an hour's drive from Naha Airport, welcomes you with a large banyan tree and a donkey. Stepping into the cottage-like shop nestled amidst lush greenery, you'll find yourself in a space with high ceilings and the warmth of wood. You can also eat in in this fairytale-like atmosphere. Even in laid-back Okinawa, time seems to flow particularly slowly here.

These simple-looking loaves of bread are deeply flavorful, with a distinct sweetness from the stone-ground flour. At lunchtime, you can enjoy sandwich plates filled with this bread and plenty of vibrant vegetables, or vegetable potage. Every item on the menu is made possible by this simple, rustic bread, making it truly a bakery lunch. Takeout is available, of course, but we highly recommend enjoying it while soaking up the slow pace of life in this forest.

[Address] 367 Zakimi, Yomitan Village, Okinawa Prefecture
[Telephone number] 098-958-3239
[Opening Hours] 10:30 AM until sold out
[Closed] Monday, Tuesday, Wednesday

5. Ohakorte Bakery

Ohacorte Bakery, run by Ohacorte, which I believe is the most popular patisserie in Okinawa, is conveniently located about 15 minutes by car from Naha Airport and within walking distance of Kokusai Street. It's a very popular shop that gets crowded from morning. French toast is popular for breakfast, and smoky hamburgers made with smoked pork fat are popular for lunch and dinner, but of course, you can also eat in the bread displayed in the showcase.

In addition to a spacious eat-in area, the shop also features a pantry stocked with local vegetables, original goods, and selected kitchenware—perfect souvenirs. If you're staying at a hotel in Naha, why not enjoy breakfast here and pick up some souvenirs selected by Ohacorte?

[Address] 1F Kinna Building, 1-4-10 Izumizaki, Naha City
[Telephone number] 098-869-1830
【Opening Hours】 7: 30 ~ 21: 30
【No regular holiday

6. Pain de Katio

Located in Nago City, about an hour and fifteen minutes by car from Naha Airport, "Pain de Kaito" boasts a counter lined with over 50 different kinds of bread! And looking around, it seems that everything is reasonably priced... This is because, with the intention of making it a place that locals can use every day, they have created a rich lineup that you won't get tired of even if you come every day, while keeping the prices reasonable.

I would recommend the Danish pastries. They come in a wide variety of flavors, such as purple sweet potato, apple and sweet potato, and caramel almond, and they're small so you'll want to buy them all. Even if you buy a lot of bread as a reaction to eating Okinawan food all the time during your trip, you'll be pleasantly surprised at how affordable it is here. There's also free coffee in the shop, so be sure to enjoy the freshly baked pastries right there.

In 2017, they also opened a store in Naha Nishimachi. It's close to the airport, so if you have time on your last day, be sure to stop by and buy some bread for a snack or lunch before heading home.

[Address] 4-2-11 Umosa no Mori, Nago City
[Telephone number] 0980-53-5256
【Opening Hours】 8: 00 ~ 19: 00
【No regular holiday

7. Summary

Okinawan bakeries are known for their strong commitment to high-quality ingredients and their unique character. Some popular bakeries sell out of their bread very quickly after opening, so if possible, make sure to make a reservation.
While a hotel breakfast buffet is nice, starting your day with bread bought from a special bakery is also one of the joys of traveling.

Please make your hotel reservation here.

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