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Watanabe Bakery in Hakone’s Miyanoshita has been serving travelers since 1891 with inventive breads, local flavors, and nostalgic charm.

A wooden sign shaped like a bread slice hangs outside Hakone Watanabe Bakery, reading Watanabe Bakery Since 1897, with a loaf icon carved in the center. The brown and white building sits among trees in the background.

What Makes Watanabe Bakery Special

Founded in 1891, Watanabe Bakery has been delighting both locals and visitors for more than a century. What sets it apart is not just the bread but the history behind it. The bakery still uses mineral-rich spring water from Hakone, giving its breads a distinct flavor and soft texture.

Unique Local Flavors

Various types of sweet buns from Hakone Watanabe Bakery are wrapped in clear plastic and displayed on trays, each with a Japanese price tag and description card in front.

We were immediately drawn to their signature salted plum and red bean paste bread (umeboshi anpan). At first, we weren’t sure how sweet bean paste and pickled plum would pair together, but the balance of tart and sweet was surprisingly addictive.

Beyond this local specialty, the bakery has a full range of Japanese classics, including curry bread, melon pan, and seasonal creations. Everything looks delicious!

A Charming Location in Miyanoshita

Miyanoshita is a historic onsen town known for its Meiji-era architecture and calm mountain setting. Watanabe Bakery fits right in, with a storefront that feels nostalgic and welcoming. After picking up our bread, we enjoyed it on a nearby bench while taking in the fresh mountain air.

A Quick, Delicious Break

Sliced bread pieces from Hakone Watanabe Bakery, individually wrapped in clear plastic with Japanese labels, are displayed neatly in baskets at a market or bakery.

If you’re exploring Hakone by train, Watanabe Bakery is perfectly placed for a short stop. It’s especially convenient before heading to the Hakone Open-Air Museum or riding further up the Hakone Tozan Railway toward Gora.

How to Get to Watanabe Bakery

Watanabe Bakery is in Miyanoshita, between Hakone-Yumoto and Gora on the Hakone Tozan Railway.

Train

From Hakone-Yumoto Station, Transfer to the Hakone Tozan Railway and get off at Miyanoshita Station. Walk about 8 minutes to the bakery.

Car

Parking in Miyanoshita is limited. Use public lots or park at your ryokan if staying overnight.

Pro Tip: Visit before noon. Popular items like the umeboshi anpan often sell out early.

Is Watanabe Bakery Worth Visiting?

Watanabe Bakery is totally worth adding to your Hakone itinerary, especially for anyone who enjoy local food with history and character. We love stopping by for a quirky new flavor or a nostalgic classic. It’s a small but memorable part of the Hakone experience.

More to Explore Nearby

As a famous, long-established local bakery in the Hakone-Yumoto area, Watanabe places you near the starting point of the Hakone Loop, offering easy access to specialized cultural attractions, historical sites, and transportation hubs.

  • Hakone-Yumoto – Explore the charming town center and transportation hub where the bakery is located, famous for hot spring ryokan and local shops.
  • Hakone Open-Air Museum – Visit this unique, sprawling outdoor museum featuring an expansive collection of modern and contemporary sculpture art.
  • Suzuhiro Kamaboko Museum – Discover the art of making kamaboko (fish cakes) at this unique museum and factory, offering hands-on experiences and tastings.
  • Hakone Freepass Guide – Maximize your sightseeing and travel efficiency around this vast area with a comprehensive guide to utilizing the cost-saving Hakone Freepass.

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