Masuya Pan “Mugioto” Obihiro: Japan’s Largest Bakery Guide

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When international travelers plan a trip to Hokkaido, culinary bucket lists are almost universally dominated by fresh seafood bowls (kaisendon), Genghis Khan grilled lamb, miso ramen, or Obihiro’s famous grilled pork bowl (butadon). Eating bread is rarely on a foreign traveler’s radar.

However, during a road trip through eastern Hokkaido, there is one culinary pilgrimage in Obihiro you truly shouldn’t miss: Masuya Pan “Mugioto” (ますやパン 麦音), the flagship bakery of the historic local brand Masuya Shoten (established in 1950).

Holding the official title of Japan’s largest standalone bakery by land area (spanning over 11,000 square meters), Mugioto is far more than a neighborhood bread shop—it is a serene rural retreat complete with an on-site wheat field, water mill, vintage blue tractor, and sprawling green lawn with outdoor café terrace seating. Here is our in-depth review and traveler guide.

Why You Should Eat Bread in Tokachi, Hokkaido

Why travel all the way to Hokkaido to visit a bakery? The reason lies in the exceptional agricultural terroir of the Tokachi plain.

1. Tokachi Produces 25% of Japan’s Entire Wheat Supply

Tokachi is celebrated as Japan’s “Food Valley.” Blessed with mineral-rich volcanic soil, clean alpine meltwater, and dramatic temperature swings between day and night, Tokachi alone accounts for approximately one-fourth (25%) of Japan’s domestic wheat production. Wheat grown here possesses natural sweetness, golden color, and deep wheaty aroma.

2. 100% Single-Origin Tokachi Wheat & Local Dairy

While the majority of bakeries across Japan rely heavily on imported flour, Masuya Shoten made culinary history by becoming the first bakery in Japan to achieve 100% Tokachi-grown wheat across all its stores and every single recipe.

Furthermore, their cheeses, fresh milk, butter, potatoes, azuki sweet red beans, and beef are sourced directly from Tokachi farms. Eating here is literally savoring the pure essence of Hokkaido agriculture in every bite.

Inside Japan’s Largest Bakery: An Idyllic Oasis in Suburban Obihiro

A Hidden Countryside Haven Just 15 Minutes from Obihiro Station

Masuya Pan Mugioto is located in the Inada-cho suburb, about a 15-minute drive south of JR Obihiro Station. From the main road, the neighborhood looks like typical Japanese suburban scenery. But the moment you enter Mugioto’s driveway, the view opens up into an idyllic rural park.

Covering an expansive 11,000 square meters, Mugioto holds the record as the largest standalone bakery by land area in Japan. On the grounds, you’ll find experimental wheat fields, a traditional water mill, eco-friendly pellet stone ovens, and lush green lawns that make you completely forget you are near a city center.

The Blue Tractor & The Scenic Garden Deck

Step out to the rear garden behind the bakery, and you will find an expansive wooden deck with covered seating, parasol tables scattered across the lawn, and vibrant flower beds.

The garden’s centerpiece is a handsome, vintage blue tractor—a proud nod to Tokachi’s farming roots and a beloved photo spot for visitors. It feels less like an ordinary shop and more like a relaxing farm park where you can feel the fresh Hokkaido breeze.

Tasting Review: Freshly Baked Bread on the Garden Terrace

Convenient White Picnic Baskets for Outdoor Dining

After picking out your favorite breads inside using tongs and trays, let the staff know at the cash register that you wish to eat outside. They will transfer your selection into a sturdy white picnic basket.

Carrying flat trays across lawns can be tricky, so these deep baskets are a thoughtful touch. You can easily stroll across the grass with your pastries, drinks, and napkins in hand to find your ideal garden table.

Our Must-Try Picks & Honest Impressions

Here are the breads we tasted during our visit:

• Decadent Cheese Toast (Croque-Monsieur Style): An absolute highlight that looked so appetizing we couldn’t resist ordering two. Thick-cut Tokachi bread generously smothered in creamy béchamel and loaded with melted local cheese. The surface is charred to a crisp, savory perfection, balanced by coarse black pepper and wonderfully pillowy dough inside.
• Bacon Épi (Crispy Wheat Stalk): Shaped like an ear of wheat, this crusty artisan loaf lets you taste the quality of Tokachi wheat in its purest form. The crust provides an addictive snap, while each bite delivers the rich savory flavor of local bacon.
• Almond Croissant (Croissant aux Amandes): Topped with toasted sliced almonds and powdered sugar. Flaky, buttery layers with a fragrant almond cream filling prove that their sweet viennoiserie is every bit as skilled as their rustic savory loaves.

Other Famous Breads to Look For at Mugioto

Mugioto bakes over 100 varieties of breads daily from its open theater-style bakery kitchen. Some of their all-time most popular signatures include:

• Tokachi Beef Curry Bread (Ranked #1 Bestseller): Gold Medal winner at the nationwide Curry Bread Grand Prix. Features a crunchy panko-crusted exterior packed with tender chunks of local Toyonishi beef simmered in rich Japanese curry.
• Melty 5-Cheese Bread (Ranked #2 Bestseller): Made for cheese enthusiasts, showcasing five different cheeses produced across Hokkaido’s dairy capital.
• Shiro Spa Sandwich (White Spaghetti Sand): A nostalgic Obihiro classic—soft bread roll filled with chilled spaghetti salad tossed in mild mustard mayonnaise and ham.

Pro Tip: Follow their official Instagram account (@masuyapan_mugioto) for seasonal releases and daily morning baking schedules.

Traveler’s Practical Guide & Tips Before You Go

1. Opens at 6:55 AM: The Perfect “Room-Only” Hotel Breakfast Plan

Most bakeries in Japan do not open until 9:00 or 10:00 AM, but Mugioto welcomes guests from 6:55 AM every morning. If you stay in Obihiro or nearby Tokachigawa Onsen, consider booking a “room-only” hotel rate and heading straight to Mugioto for a morning feast.

Arriving between 7:00 and 8:00 AM allows you to enjoy fresh, hot loaves straight from the stone ovens in the peaceful morning garden before the peak midday rush.

2. Free Coffee & Tea Service

As a warm gesture of hospitality, Mugioto provides complimentary coffee and tea dispensing machines near the checkout area for dine-in guests. Cold local Tokachi milk, café au lait, and fresh fruit juices are also available in the drinks cooler.

3. How to Get There (Car, Bus, or Taxi)

Mugioto is located in the southern suburbs of Obihiro:

• By Rental Car (Recommended): Approximately 15 minutes south of JR Obihiro Station, or 25–30 minutes north of Tokachi-Obihiro Airport (OBO). The bakery provides a large, free parking lot with space for approximately 120 cars.
• By Public Bus: From Obihiro Station Bus Terminal, take the Tokachi Bus (e.g., Route 70 or 72 bound for Minami-shosen) and get off at “Inada Shogakko-mae” (稲田小学校前), followed by an 8-minute walk.
• By Taxi: A one-way taxi ride from JR Obihiro Station takes about 15 minutes and costs approximately ¥2,000–¥2,500.

Frequently Asked Questions (FAQ) for Inbound Visitors

Summary: A Must-Visit Taste of Tokachi’s Agricultural Pride

Sipping a warm cup of coffee while biting into a crusty, golden bread made from 100% locally harvested wheat on Japan’s most expansive bakery lawn is an experience you won’t find in Tokyo or Kyoto. It embodies the generous agricultural spirit and culinary pride of Hokkaido’s countryside.

If your Hokkaido itinerary brings you through Obihiro, make sure to set your alarm early and begin your day at Masuya Pan Mugioto!

▼ Related Hokkaido & Tokachi Travel Guides (in English):

• 5-Day Hokkaido Itinerary: Hakodate, Lake Shikotsu & Tokachi (By a Former Local)
• Tokachigawa Onsen Seijakubo Review: Luxury Private Moor Onsen Stay
• Taushubetsu River Bridge Guide: How to Visit Hokkaido’s Phantom Bridge
• Lake Shikotsu Daiichi Hotel Suizantei Review: Adults-Only Onsen Retreat