Tengudo Unno Bakery, a nostalgic bakery in Chukyo
chiho
"Bye!"
A cheerful voice can be heard from the shop, sending customers on their way, along with the delicious aroma of baked bread. This bakery was established on 23 April 1922 and celebrated its 100th anniversary this year. Let us introduce you to Tengudo Unno Bakery, where you can see the many loaves of bread on display and the smiling faces of the third-generation owner, Shigeru and his wife, Kimiko, through the show window.
The taste of 100 years - here it is!
Since its establishment, local people have loved its 'anpan', made with homemade koshian (red bean paste). It is made from the finest azuki beans from Hokkaido, which are used in Japanese confectionery. The slightly sweet, azuki-scented anpan is a perfect snack.
The Tengudo Roll, named after the shop, is characterised by its light and sticky dough. It has a simple taste with the original aroma and flavour of wheat, and can be eaten every day. It is the shop's most recommended product.
'Speaking of Tengu-do! Local young people say, "When I think of Tengudo, I think of Whitehorn". Made with rum raisins and fresh cream, it is a limited edition product available only from November to the beginning of April. Check out the shop and the shop's Instagram!
In addition to snack-type breads, there was also a wide variety of prepared breads and breads, all of which were so tempting that I wanted to try them all. The taste of these breads, which are made without any additives and are made with the finest ingredients, can only be found at Tengu-do.
'Speaking of Tengu-do! Local young people say, "When I think of Tengudo, I think of Whitehorn". Made with rum raisins and fresh cream, it is a limited edition product available only from November to the beginning of April. Check out the shop and the shop's Instagram!
In addition to snack-type breads, there was also a wide variety of prepared breads and breads, all of which were so tempting that I wanted to try them all. The taste of these breads, which are made without any additives and are made with the finest ingredients, can only be found at Tengu-do.
Tengu-do also has a line-up of baked goods along with many breads.
We were able to see the baked goods called "Castella bread" being made. This baked good has actually been in business for 100 years. The texture is between cookies and bread, and as the name suggests, it tastes like sponge cake.
In addition to anpan and baked goods, jam buns and cream buns also have a taste that has been handed down since the company was founded.
At the time of its founding, Tengu-do's bread was kneaded by hand and baked over wood. As times have changed over the years, from the Taisho era to the Showa era, Heisei era and 2025, more convenient tools have gradually become available. However, the basics have remained the same and the taste has been improved over time. The simple taste may be made possible only because Tengu-do has been in business for 100 years.
Preparation starts at 4am and the bakers work 15-16 hours a day. It is no mean feat to run a bakery as a family and to preserve the 100-year-old taste.
'Right now, I really enjoy my job. But it takes time to get there."
The couple have overcome difficulties and hardships together, which is why they know the joys and difficulties of remaining a local bakery.
An essential part of people's lives
Many bread lovers, mainly local people, visit the bakery every day for their personality and Tengudo's taste. The face-to-face sales method, which is rare nowadays, is also the best way to get close to the locals. You can buy quickly and easily on a bicycle or in a wheelchair without disturbing passers-by on the narrow footpath. Customers walking their dogs or using a walking stick can also drop by, and the face-to-face interaction is valued.
During the interview, a phone call came in. 'Mr XX from next door, what time are your grape buns ready?
I think around 14:00."
It was a wonderful sight to see because the shop is loved by and close to the local community. While cheap commercial bread is sold all over the city, Tengu-do, with its reasonable pricing, has a non-negotiable commitment to being a 'local bakery'.
'I want bread to be part of our daily diet.'
We heard this story from Kimiko. A young man who had returned to his home town once came to Tengudo in search of a nostalgic taste. She said she was really happy to hear that.
Tengu-do's bread, with its emphasis on 'tasty and safe', has become an indispensable part of local people's lives.
All Tengu-do bread is handmade.
And that's all for the customer. And to be a part of our customers' lives.
We are happy when our customers are happy.
The bread made by these two smiling people brings a little happiness into our lives.
<Tengu-do Unno Bakery>
Address: Southeast corner of Sanjo Gozen, Nakagyo-ku, Kyoto
9-minute walk from Nishioji-Oike Subway Station.
9-minute walk from Nishioji-Oike Subway Station. 13-minute walk from Hankyu Saiin Station.
Opening hours 7:00-20:00
Closed Sundays and Mondays.
Telephone number 075 (841) 9883
Instagram @tengupan
Author Profile
- I am a university student from Kyoto. I am studying Japanese literature at university. I love Kyoto machiya houses and the elegant Kyoto cityscape. I enjoy walking around Kyoto by myself and visiting Kyoto's rice restaurants, cafés and bakeries. I hope to learn more about Kyoto, a city that has been close to me since I was a child, and to share it with everyone.
