Kamakura [Mimi's World Tour]

Bakery: Casual Bakery Kamakura (気ままなパン屋・窯蔵)
Address: 25-18 Yachigashiracho, Hakodate, Hokkaido
Website: https://panlab-hakodate.com/kamakura.html
Style: Japanese
Price: $$ 

Many Japanese bakeries aim to recreate a typically European - whether that be French or German or whatever the case may be - bakery, a chic patisserie with a foreign name, elegantly dressed workers packing petite cakes in little containers. On the other end, there's this eclectic yet undeniably lovely "casual" bakery that is not only quintessentially Japanese, but also fits in perfectly with the city's self-proclaimed retro charm. Past the classic exterior and sliding door, a small array of baked goods in baskets and trays are scattered along antique furniture and rustic shelves. Suffice to say, it's a pretty cool place.

Another thing that Kamakura seems to specialize in is absolutely adorable treats in the shape of snowmen, Anpan man, and Hello Kitty. I took the turtle green tea melon pan (140 yen). ^^ The turtle's legs and head were made from delicious sugar cookie dough (though it was emotionally difficult eating that smile) while the main body was  incredibly fresh, super soft on the inside and crunchy on the inside. I didn't expect the small pocket of custard right underneath the turtle's shell - that combined with everything else made a fantastic melon pan! The best in Hokkaido and my top bakery pick for Hakodate.

Rating: ***1/2