Japan’s take on Korea’s 10 won bread, the 10 yen pan is a big coin-shaped baked delight that has been popularized at festivals and events.
A festival favorite all over Japan, the 10 yen pan has become a staple for food stalls at all of Japan’s major carnivals and street food events. The original idea came from Korea’s 10 won bread (trust the Koreans to pack on the cheese!), which was also a common street food sensation.
A Work of Art!
It may be shaped and designed as a large 10 yen coin, but don’t get too excited, because it costs 50 times more than that!
Regardless, at 500 yen it’s well worth trying this baked carnival delicacy not just to take aesthetic photos of its awesome artistic design, but also to fill up on its delicious waffle-like bread.
I purchased mine at the cherry blossom event known as Sewaritei at Yodogawa Riverside Park in Kyoto, where dozens of food and drink stalls lay along the riverside.
Stretchy Cheesy Goodness
Despite coming in a boxed packaging, I was pleasantly surprised that the 10 yen pan was quite hot and toasty.
The exterior had a slight crunch while the interior bread was extremely soft and a little sweet, almost like a hybrid between a cake, a waffle, and a bun.
Stretchy, savory mozzarella cheese was the perfect complement to balance out the sweet flavors, and it was honestly just a delicious snack overall.
I also noticed they paid homage to the original makers with a 10 won print on the backside of the 10 yen pan, complete with the “Bank of Korea” letters imprinted.
Every Year at Yodogawa Riverside Park!
So the next time you’re at an event like the sakura festival at Yodogawa Riverside Park, be sure to try a 10 yen pan (and be ready to pay 500 yen for it!). You can also check out Shin-Okubo, Japan’s very own Korea Town, for more cheesy Korean-inspired delights in the heart of Tokyo!
Of course, if you are planning to visit Japan, you’ll need a way to get around the country as efficiently and affordably as possible. Japan Rail provides an abundance of travel passes to suit your travel needs. So whether you are traveling individually or as a group, the JR Pass is every traveler’s go-to for getting around and making the most of your time in Japan!