Manufacture

Step out of the lift on the 3th floor, and the aroma of baking bread greets you alongside views of the bakers at work behind glass partitions. Located in Hanakawado, Asakusa, right along the Sumida River, Manufacture is a weekend-only, takeaway bakery that opens its doors solely on Saturdays and Sundays. Inside the compact shop space, carefully crafted loaves and pastries range from daily staples to sweet treats.

Fragrant Crusts and Chewy Bagels

Bagels are a prime draw, featuring rotating daily selections. Their crumb balances an elastic, satisfying chew with a gentle softness—qualities evident in the classic plain version and deep, cocoa-laced chocolate varieties alike. The bakery also excels at crusty rustic breads that showcase the unadorned flavor of wheat, including sourdough baguettes made with levain, rustic campagnes, and hearty multigrain loaves with an appealing bite.

Flaky Layers of Butter and Dough

The sweet viennoiserie and pastries are just as compelling. Croissants shatter with a crisp exterior before giving way to a moist, buttery crumb rich with layered aroma and depth. Decisions do not come easily amid options like pain au chocolat with bitter chocolate baked into fragrant pastry, croissant aux amandes topped with toasted sliced almonds, and chocolate-stuffed rustiques.

Purchases can be settled by credit card as well as transit IC cards and PayPay. Dropping in on a weekend afternoon around baking time offers an ideal chance to pick up a selection for a riverside stroll or to toast gently back at home.