Gluttony Bakery Hōnanchō

Despite the name, Gluttony Bakery isn’t about overindulgence. This small, understated takeaway bakery near Hōnanchō Station keeps things simple with a tiny counter and no seating.

What it offers — think crusty baguette, fluffy shokupan or Japanese milk bread, and seasonal pastries — might tempt even the most restrained among us into picking up a few more items than planned.

The breads here are all naturally leavened, with a rotating cast of flavors depending on the baker’s mood and what’s in season — expect to find 20+ varieties on any given day.

What’s available?

According to the owner and head baker, the most popular item is the anko butter bread, a red-bean paste sandwich with a slab of butter. Other treats we recommend include the salt and butter bread, a sort of Japanese take on a dinner roll with laminated pockets like a croissant, and the fig jam and cream cheese bread, which offers a toned down sweetness akin to a cheese plate for dessert.

The garlic bread, a baguette filled with roasted mushrooms, butter and garlic, is rich, savory, and completely satisfying as a light meal. There are also whole loaves and cookies available.

Prices

Prices start at a few coins (around ¥180 for simple rolls) and go up to ¥300–¥500 for the more elaborate, filled breads. There’s no English signage, but you won’t need it. Just point to whatever strikes your fancy and you’ll be good to go.

What’s nearby?

Gluttony is located in a residential zone. However, if you’re looking for a place to sit down and enjoy the too-many breads you just picked up, walk along the Zenpukuji River and find a bench. This area is especially scenic during spring, and never gets crowded owing to its relatively out-of-the-way location.

Another spot in the area (about 20 minutes away on foot) is the Ōmiya Hachiman Shrine, established in 1063 and frequented by worshippers praying for safe childbirth. It’s the third largest shrine in the city after Meiji Shrine and Yasukuni Shrine, and hosts the Ōmiya Hachiman Festival.

How to get there

From Shinjuku, take the Marunouchi Line to Hōnanchō. In case it’s not a direct train, you’ll need to transfer at Nakano-Sakaue Station. Alight at Hōnanchō Station, exit via 3A, and walk a couple of minutes. The whole journey should take around 15 minutes.