Through trial and error, only the bread they truly want to make is offered

AOSAN is located directly across from a children's park, about a four-minute walk south from Sengawa Station on the Keio Line towards Tsutsujigaoka. Owner Mitsuo Okuda trained at a French patisserie, a German confectionery, and the long-established natural yeast bakery "Levain." In February 2006, he opened AOSAN with his wife, who is also a baker.

There's no particular sign at the storefront; instead, a large clock, familiar from elementary schoolyards, catches the eye. This location used to be a barbershop, and children playing in the park across the street would often peek in at the clock inside to check the time. Mr. Okuda, aware of this, decided to hang the largest clock he could find out front when he opened his shop. It has since become the shop's symbol, and locals know it as "the bakery with the big clock."

At AOSAN, natural yeast made from wheat and a small amount of whole wheat flour is used for hard-crust breads, while additive-free dry yeast is used for items like shokupan (sliced bread), with different yeasts chosen depending on the menu. The highly popular "Kadoshokupan" (square sliced bread) is Okuda's original recipe, perfected after trial and error, taking three days from preparation to baking. It has a unique sweetness and aroma, and Okuda states, "I really wanted to make Kadoshokupan with this recipe." Due to limited production, queues form for the 30 loaves available each morning and afternoon.

Meanwhile, the "Noa Campagne" and "Avril" pictured here, made with natural yeast, have a satisfyingly substantial dough that is not too heavy, yet allows the flavor and aroma of the wheat to be fully appreciated. According to Okuda, "It's light, but the power of the yeast is quite strong." The "Noa Campagne," in particular, is packed with walnuts, making it irresistible for fans of hard-crust breads.

The small, heart-shaped "Raisin Sand" features buttercream infused with rum and raisins, sandwiched between cookie dough. It's a creation that reflects Okuda's experience in confectionery and is suitable as a small gift.


Many families enjoy eating freshly baked, fragrant bread in the park right in front of the shop, a testament to AOSAN's community focus. Bread made with wholesome ingredients and baked with care is displayed in a space that offers a moment of calm.

During the interview, a small boy sat quietly in the shop's cafe space, waiting for his mother who was shopping. Hearing the boy innocently exclaim, "It smells so good!" made me feel happy too. It's the kind of bakery you can't help but wish you had in your neighborhood.