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The Best Little Bakery in Japan
A hand crafted wood fired oven baking the best croissants you’ve ever tasted probably wasn’t the image you had in mind when you first considered traveling to my town…
but for those who have been here before, no explanation is necessary. Welcome to Cocoro! Located in a beautifully renovated Meiji-era townhouse, Boulangerie Cocoro might very well be the finest bakery in all of Japan. Owned and operated lovingly by the Kubo’s, a delightful but camera shy husband and wife team, this bakery has been a neighborhood icon for the past 16 years. Located across the street from Hachiman Jinja Shrine, Cocoro has become a sort of defacto entry point into our towns lovely historic district.
A massive stone kiln, hand built by 2 craftsmen in Spain burns a selection of locally harvested hardwoods(a rarity in Japanese baking). The result is a quality of bread I thought I’d never find here in Japan. Locally made organic ricotta cheese, pasture raised organic eggs, and locally sourced organic fruits from across Japan result in some spectacular offerings. Personally I’m quite partial to the seasonal Granny Smith Apple Tarts and the very popular Organic Red Bean Paste Danish Bread[available only on weekends]. Did I forget to mention the homemade jams, meringue, and seasonal lemon tarts? Oh, and the coffee… delicious! Pay for 2 cups when you buy your bread and you’ll get to take the big bell with you upstairs. Just give it a ring when you’re ready for your second cup and it will appear momentarily.
Delightful owners, delicious breads, historic architecture, superb atmosphere and really good coffee… Need I say more? So grab a cup and enjoy a slow breakfast upstairs or back at home, either way you will not be disappointed. Cocoro is open from 10AM to 4PM, but chances are there won’t be much left on the shelves after 11:00 so don’t drag your feet in the morning. Do note that Cocoro is closed on Mondays and Tuesdays so plan your trip accordingly.
