The City Bakery
〒220-0012 Kanagawa, Yokohama, Nishi Ward, Minatomirai, 4 Chome−2−1 LIVINGTOWN みなとみらい 1F
What is The City Bakery?
The City Bakery is a well-known bakery chain in Japan, particularly recognised for its artisanal baked good and their high-quality. It originally hails from New York in the USA, but The City Bakery has gained a loyal following in Japan with its unique blend of American-style bakery offerings and Japanese attention to detail.
In Japan, The City Bakery has established a reputation for its rich, flavourful pastries, breads, and iconic items like their very popular pretzel croissants (a delicious hybrid of a croissant and a salty pretzel… its good!). Their Cinnamon Rolls and Brioche are particularly desired, alongside their freshly brewed coffee.
As you can imagine over time, The City Bakery has expanded in Japan, with locations in cities like Tokyo, Osaka, and Kyoto, where it continues to be a favourite among both locals and tourists looking for high-quality, comforting baked treats. I managed to find out in Yokohama.
The bun
It was a cinnamon bun that wasn’t overly indulgent or gooey, but still pleasantly light, soft and had a surprising flavour. The cinnamon was there, of course, offering its familiar warmth, but it was the unexpected hint of lemon in the icing sugar that made this cinnamon bun stand out. At first, it felt a little surprising—lemon and cinnamon don’t often go hand in hand—but somehow, they worked together. The lemon added a refreshing brightness that balanced the spice, giving it a lighter, almost crisp quality that you wouldn’t normally expect from a cinnamon bun. I felt the bun was refreshing and defiantly didn’t feel as stodgy as other buns I have been having… which isn’t a bad thing.
On top, a sprinkle of sliced almonds gave a subtle crunch, offering a nice contrast to the softness of the bun without being too bold.
The texture
The cinnamon bun has a wonderfully light and airy texture, similar to that of a muffin and less of a typical cinnamon roll one would think of. It’s soft and pillowy, with a delicate crumb that isn’t heavy or stodgy. As horrible as this would be, it had the texture of what I think a cotton ball would have (DO NOT TRY EATING A COTTON BALL!!!). The dough has just the right amount of fluffiness, not too dense or gooey, and it’s perfectly balanced with the warm, subtle cinnamon and lemon flavour. Each bite feels light and comforting, without being overly sweet or sticky.
The Topping
The icing sugar on the cinnamon roll had a simple yet satisfying taste, resembling the kind you just add water to. While it was tasty, it wasn’t particularly extraordinary. However, I did enjoy the subtle lemony zest it brought, which added a refreshing twist. The almonds sprinkled on top also elevated the flavour and texture, giving a nice crunch that complemented the softness of the roll and the warmth of the cinnamon. Overall, it enhanced the experience, even if it wasn’t anything too out of the ordinary. It wasn’t the kind of cinnamon bun that you’d crave again and again, but it was definitely a different take on the classic—refreshing, simple, and just enough to make you appreciate how a little twist can change the whole experience. It wasn’t overly rich, but it was definitely interesting, and for once, the lemon and cinnamon combination felt surprisingly right.
Texture 7/10
Taste 8/10
Appearance8 /10
Overall 7.5/10
Yokohama
What is there to do in the Yokohama Japan ?
Since arriving in Japan, I’ve been lucky enough to explore so much of this amazing country, traveling in pretty much all four directions. Within about an hour’s radius of Tokyo it is definitely the most touristy and busy—well worth a visit for sure but bare it in mind you will get overwhelmed. BUT, if you’re looking for a city vibe that’s a bit off the beaten path, Yokohama is definitely worth checking out. It offers a great mix of urban life without being buried by the crowds of central Tokyo.
Yokohama, located just south of Tokyo, is a dynamic city that blends modern attractions, rich history, and scenic beauty. Whether you’re looking to explore cultural landmarks, indulge in shopping, or unwind by the waterfront, Yokohama offers a diverse range of experiences for all types of visitors.
To name a few:
Landmark Tower
- The tallest building in Yokohama offers stunning views from the 69th floor observation deck. On clear days, you can see Mt. Fuji in the distance.
Cosmo World
- A small amusement park with a giant Ferris wheel that doubles as a clock, offering great views of the waterfront and city skyline.
Yokohama Red Brick Warehouse
- A historic building that has been transformed into a stylish shopping and dining complex. It’s a great place to stroll around, shop for unique souvenirs, and enjoy a meal by the waterfront.
Cup Noodles Museum
- A fun and interactive museum dedicated to the history of instant noodles. You can create your own custom cup of noodles and learn about the inventor, Momofuku Ando, and the global impact of instant noodles.
Ramen Museum (Shin-Yokohama)
- A must-see for ramen lovers! This unique museum showcases Japan’s famous noodle dish, and you can sample ramen from different regions of the country. There are also hands-on exhibits for making your own noodles.
