Ebi's

A short walk from the north exit of Hirai Station, Ebi's greets passersby with a clean, glass-fronted facade. Inside, the compact shop is spotless, centered on a showcase where loaves and pastries are neatly arranged. Ordering is done over the counter: choose what catches your eye, and staff wrap each piece to take away.

The bakery's signature lies in its pillowy dough, soft and yielding to the bite. The namesake Ebis anpan features this tender bun stuffed with Tokachi red bean paste and generously dusted with kinako, or roasted soybean flour. The nutty aroma of the kinako balances the gentle, honest sweetness of the beans, lending the bread a satisfying Japanese sensibility.

Everyday sweet and savory rolls make just as easy additions to morning tables or afternoon breaks. The melonpan is soft and moist, formulated so the outer layer yields without crumbling excessively, with plain, chocolate, and cream variations on offer. A baked curry bun keeps grease to a minimum, staying light thanks to the airy crumb. Other items, such as corn bread and focaccia, let simple ingredients speak, and customer reports note that options made without eggs or dairy occasionally make an appearance.

Alongside the bread trays, a modest row of chilled desserts includes puddings, almond jelly, and roll cakes, making it easy to pick up an after-dinner sweet on the same visit. The shop is open from 9:30 to 21:00 every day except Tuesday, serving equally well for morning provisions or an evening stop on the way home to pick up breakfast for the next day.