This time on Hayanavi, we’re featuring the heartwarming bakery, Afropan, run by a charismatic owner with an Afro hairstyle and his dedicated wife. Since opening in August 2022, Afropan has quickly become a local favorite, drawing a steady stream of repeat customers.
During my visit, I was captivated not only by the delicious bread but also by the cozy atmosphere, the couple’s warm hospitality, and their passionate dedication to baking. Let’s take a closer look at what makes Afropan special!
（出典：逗子葉山経済新聞）
The Couple’s Story and Their Attention to Interior Design
Although I didn’t get to hear their full story firsthand, the Zushi Hayama Economic Newspaper shares a fascinating look into their journey, so I’ll reference that!
The owners, Shin Hashimoto and his wife Maki, relocated to Hayama 10 years ago and spent over a year handcrafting the bakery’s interior. Its exterior is painted in a lovely mix of emerald green and off-white, with a striking antique wooden door that makes an immediate impression—it’s simply stunning.
Inside, the couple has incorporated repurposed materials, such as cutting boards from old homes, to build furniture and counters. This thoughtful approach infuses the space with warmth and nostalgia, creating an inviting atmosphere that makes everyone feel right at home.
Shin believes that “baking is like conversing with a living organism.” The dough’s condition shifts daily depending on humidity and temperature, so perfecting the baking process requires constant attention and adaptability. After gaining experience at a renowned bakery in Tokyo, Shin deepened his knowledge at the Japan Institute of Baking Technology. (Reference: Zushi Hayama Economic Newspaper)
Attraction #1: 50 to 60 Varieties of Freshly Baked Bread
Afropan offers an impressive selection of 50 to 60 different types of bread daily, making each visit a new discovery. From classic loaves and buttery croissants to creative options featuring local ingredients, there’s something for every taste.
Here’s what I tried during my visit:
Pain au Chocolat (390 yen)
A delightfully crispy croissant dough layered with two types of melted chocolate—a truly indulgent treat! Its outer crunch contrasts beautifully with the soft, buttery interior. Pairing it with a café au lait for breakfast was a perfect choice.
Hayama Ginger Anpan (260 yen)
A unique blend of Japanese and Western flavors, this anpan features a subtle ginger aroma paired with mildly sweet white bean paste. I tried it fresh from the oven, and the fluffy texture combined with the warm aftertaste of ginger was delightful.
Plain Campagne (Half loaf: 500 yen)
This rustic bread boasts a gentle wheat sweetness and mild acidity. Although I’m usually not a fan of hard breads, I found this one irresistible. I enjoyed it with ham and eggs the next morning—the more I chewed, the more its deep, satisfying flavor came through.
Afropan: A Warm-Hearted Bakery Run by a Couple with Afro Style and Passion for Bread
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Today on Hayanavi, we’re introducing Afropan, a delightful bakery in Hayama run by a charismatic owner with an Afro hairstyle and his warm-hearted wife. Since its opening in August 2022, this local gem has quickly gained a loyal following among residents and is now a well-known spot.
When I visited, I was struck not only by the delicious bread but also by the cozy atmosphere, the couple’s warm hospitality, and their passion for crafting the perfect loaf.
Let’s dive into the charm of Afropan together!
A Couple’s Story and Their Charming Interior Design
Although I couldn’t interview them directly, the Zushi-Hayama Keizai Shimbun featured an insightful story about this inspiring couple, so let me share their background!
Afropan’s owner, Mr. Arata Hashimoto, and his wife Maki moved to Hayama ten years ago. They spent over a year carefully handcrafting the interior of their shop. The exterior’s emerald green and off-white color scheme paired with a rustic wooden antique door leaves a lasting impression—it’s truly beautiful.
The counters and furniture inside the bakery feature repurposed materials, including cutting boards from old local homes. Their commitment to preserving and revitalizing old items is evident throughout the store, creating a warm, nostalgic atmosphere that makes customers feel instantly at home.
Mr. Hashimoto says, “Baking is like having a conversation with a living organism.” The dough changes every day based on the temperature and humidity, and adjusting the baking process is an ongoing challenge. His professional journey includes experience at renowned Tokyo bakeries and training at the Japan Baking Technical Research Institute. (Reference: Zushi-Hayama Keizai Shimbun)
Attraction #1: A Variety of 50-60 Freshly Baked Breads Daily
Afropan offers an impressive lineup of 50 to 60 different types of bread daily, freshly baked and displayed as they come out of the oven. This means there’s always something new to discover, even for repeat visitors. From classic staples like croissants and loaves of bread to creative selections using local ingredients, the variety is endless.
Here are the breads I bought during my visit:
Pain au Chocolat (390 yen)
A heavenly combination of buttery, crispy croissant layers and two types of melted chocolate nestled inside. The outside is crispy, while the inside remains moist and rich. It was perfect with a cup of café au lait for breakfast.
Hayama Ginger Anpan (260 yen)
This unique Japanese-Western fusion bread features a delightful combination of ginger aroma and lightly sweetened white bean paste. I enjoyed it freshly baked, and the soft, fluffy texture paired beautifully with the warmth of ginger that lingered on my palate.
Plain Campagne (Half, 500 yen)
This rustic bread boasts the gentle sweetness of wheat with only a hint of sourness. Even though I’m not typically a fan of hard bread, I found myself hooked on this one. The next morning, I enjoyed it with ham and eggs, and each bite released a satisfying burst of wheat flavor.
Sausage Dog (390 yen)
The sausage is so large it spills out of the bread, and when you take a bite, the juices burst in your mouth. The rye bread complements the smoky sausage perfectly, and the homemade tomato sauce adds a nice touch.
Don’t Miss the Breads That Have Become Talk of the Town
Here are some highly recommended favorites based on local reviews (References: Hanako, Tabelog).
- Sajima Octopus Pizza (400 yen)
Made with fresh octopus from the nearby Sajima Port, this pizza is loaded with toppings and melted cheese. Locals recommend reheating it in a toaster to bring out the rich flavors of the octopus. I’m already planning to try this on my next visit!
(Photo courtesy of Hanako)
- Honoka (Shokupan: 1 loaf, 350 yen)
This fluffy, chewy bread is made using an original recipe that includes mirin instead of sugar. When toasted, the natural sweetness and fragrance make it a favorite for breakfast.
- Escargot Butter (380 yen)
This crusty bread is soaked with rich garlic butter, and every bite is packed with flavor. The nuts and herbs provide just the right balance, making it a satisfying treat on its own.
Note for Parents with Babies
Afropan is a family-friendly bakery, welcoming visitors with babies and small children. While there’s no indoor seating, there’s a bench outside where you can enjoy your freshly baked bread. The bakery offers a variety of sweet options that kids will love, making it a great spot for families.
Information for Dog Owners
Although pets aren’t allowed inside, you can take your bread to nearby Zushi Beach or one of the local parks for a relaxing picnic. Enjoy Hayama’s natural beauty and delicious treats while spending quality time with your furry companion.
Access and Shop Information
- Shop Name: Afropan
- Address: 234-13 Nagae, Hayama Town, Miura District, Kanagawa Prefecture
- Opening Hours: Tue-Sat, 9:00 AM – 5:00 PM
- Closed: Sundays and Mondays
- Parking: Two spaces available next to the shop. Enter from the shop-side road—if you’re coming from the opposite lane, you’ll need to make a U-turn to enter properly.
- Official Instagram: afropan_hayama
🚗 If you’re visiting by car, be careful of the narrow roads!
Summary: A Heartwarming Bakery with Afro Charm and Delicious Bread
Afropan is more than a bakery—it’s a place where the passion of its owners, the cozy interior, and the delicious bread create a welcoming atmosphere for all. Be sure to check their Instagram in advance to plan your visit and snag your favorites before they sell out!
We’ll continue to introduce more wonderful spots in Hayama, so stay tuned for our next update!✨
References:
- Zushi-Hayama Keizai Shimbun
- Hanako
- Tabelog
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