On the West Hachijo Shinkansen exit of Kyoto station, just after coming down the escalator to the taxi stand, there is a breadstore. This is a must see. It should be in every guide book. In fact I may nominate it for some Fodor’s award, Best Breadstores in the World (if there is any such thing).
First, I ate a delectable, crispy but not hard baguette type with creamy fish roe. A tiny bit spicy. It was…heaven. Second, I ate what has to be the best non-American hot dog I’ve ever had. It has stuff (?) on it, it’s in a tin wrapper, I had to stop myself from chewing off my own fingers that’s how great it was. Next, a chocolate croissant. Flaky. Sweet. Delicious. Au Bon Pain — you guys are nowhere near this level of perfection. I previously thought the best breads are in France. I was wrong. So, so, so wrong.
I still have half a bag of goodies left to try including: hot curry doughnut, melon bread (it’s green. and apparently made of melons.), custard cupcake, etc etc etc. Trust me when I say I have found food paradise.
P.S. I have moved into my new cute as a button and centrally located apartment in Kyoto. In other highly positive news I succeeded in figuring out how to use the microwave, the dishwasher, and the airconditioner! Mwa Ha! I am hoping to start my Japanese language lessons soon too.
