Mitten

Open one of the oversized bags, and you will find it filled with thick-sliced sandwich bread, plump roll-shaped koppepan, and chewy burger buns. Located in a residential neighborhood of Aoto in Katsushika, Mitten is a commercial bakery plant that doubles as a local secret for buying freshly baked bread at direct-sale prices.

The main attraction is the large variety bag, packed with off-spec loaves and rolls from the daily production run. The contents change daily, but with more than ten items commonly bundled together—ranging from standard sandwich bread and butter rolls to raisin loaves—the generous volume reliably supplies everyday breakfasts and afternoon snacks. Having such an ample supply invites easy customization, whether piling your favorite toppings into the buns for homemade burgers or toasting the simple bread with butter and jam. Some mornings also feature fragrant brown bread or bags of bread crusts, delivering the unadorned, comforting flavors of straightforward baking.

On Fridays, the bakery selection sometimes broadens past everyday table bread to include classic sweet pastries like anpan filled with red bean paste and cream buns. While the building looks like a standard production facility, sliding open the entrance and calling out to the staff inside will get you friendly takeout service. The sought-after assorted bags can sell out early on busy days, so planning an early morning visit while walking through the area is the best approach.