Tomokazu-sei Pan [Mimi's World Tour]

Bakery: Tomokazu-sei Pan (友和製パン)
Address: 4 Chome-3-5 Inaho, Otaru, Hokkaido 
Website: n/a 
Style: Japanese
Price: $-$$ 

This humble long-standing bakery is slightly out of the way (unless you happen to be waiting in the ridiculous line at Naruto chicken down the street), but it's a good stop for those who want to take in Otaru's retro charm. Selling classic Japanese pan varieties along with some savoury sandwiches, Tomokazu-sei is simple, uncomplicated fare at good prices. A bit awkward, perhaps - at least, when I came all the doors were closed, the lights were on and no one could be seen inside. Knowing it to be open, I crept in and waited awhile for someone to come from the back. Another customer came as I was leaving, so it was indeed open, but I still got the impression I'd been intruding or had come at a bad time.

I tried the cream pan (140 yen). Not much to look at, the dough was extra soft, almost cushy - a texture that only Japanese bakeries are capable of. Inside, the cream was good in taste, although it was a little too pasty, perhaps. The proportion of that cream, however, was overwhelming. There was simply too much and taking one bite resulted in the cream coming out at all ends. It would have worked just as well with less filling.

Rating: **1/2