GINZA NISHIKAWA

Ginza Nishikawa is a renowned bakery famous for its delicious shokupan (bread); its main store is located in Ginza, near Tokyo Station in Japan. And the U.S. branch is located in Santa Ana, California. When I arrived after searching for the Santa Ana branch on Google, I initially thought I had come to the wrong place because there was no Ginza Nishikawa signage on the building. As it turned out, the building featured a sign reading "South Coast Take Out," and the facility housed a shared kitchen utilized by several restaurants—including Ginza Nishikawa—operating exclusively for takeout orders. I had actually come with the expectation of watching the bread-making process and selecting my bread while savoring the savory aroma of fresh baking in the shop; however, upon arrival, I found—contrary to my expectations—only an ordering kiosk and a set of numbered lockers for order pickup. Although I was disappointed by the absence of a traditional bakery storefront, the Ginza Nishikawa bread I enjoyed after returning home proved to be the most delicious bread I have ever tasted. I definitely plan to visit the Main Store in Ginza the next time I travel to Tokyo. The bread is a true work of art! It's expensive, but absolutely delicious!

The bread itself is pretty good. The best version of white bread you can get. If that’s your thing, go for it. Would I pay $20 again to eat it? Depends. I think it makes a good gift or party pleaser. But I wouldn’t pay just for myself. Keep in mind there’s only metered street parking in the area, helps if someone can stay in the car and you just go out to pick up. The store is part of a shared kitchen called Colony.

This review is only on the bread as it was a X’mas gift. At first I didn’t understand how on earth a loaf of bread can cost $18 and being packaged as a gift? Well, I followed the instruction on best way to enjoy it. I finished 1/2 loaf in December and froze the other 1/2. Now it’s January, I took out the other 1/2 and let it defrost on its own over the counter, then sliced a thick slice, gently toasted and enjoyed it daily. Now, I’m eating the last piece. 😢 This is by far the BEST bread I have ever had!!! It’s unbelievable how well it freezes and it tastes as good as fresh! It is worth every dollar of it. I would get more except there is only one location and it very far. 🥲 I will put it on my wishlist to Santa.🧑‍🎄

It is more than just a milked bread. Well, even though it is hard to get, and it is very expensive, but, for bread lover, Ginza Nishikawa's milk bread is a must try, at least once in a while. In Japan, it is called shokupan and it is made with special ingredients. The best way to enjoy the bread is - eat fresh without topping for the first day, adding toppings on the second and toast it after. It should be good for a few days.

I finally bought it. There is a pick-up point in the Chinese area. I can't stop eating it. It's so delicious. I bought 3 pieces in one go and ate them slowly.