Bakery Cafe "Pan to Espresso to" Opens at Biwako Bunka Koen — First Shiga Location

Two new locations of the beloved bakery cafe パンとエスプレッソと (Pan to Espresso to) are set to open simultaneously inside Shiga Prefectural Biwako Bunka Koen on June 21, 2026 (Sunday) — marking the brand's first-ever entry into Shiga Prefecture.

The project is a collaboration between Biwako Bunka Koen Yuyuu Partners (represented by Seibu Zouen Co., Ltd.) and Hitobitoto Co., Ltd. — the company behind the Pan to Espresso to brand, which operates 72 locations across Japan and internationally. The two businesses are leveraging the Park-PFI system to revitalize the park through food and cafe culture.

Background: The Project

Hitobitoto Co., Ltd. entered a business partnership with H.I.S. Co., Ltd. in 2022 as an exclusive partner, promoting international license expansion and a domestic "local owner" initiative known as the "47 Prefectures Local Panes Project." The aim is to energize local economies and culture by connecting the Pan to Espresso to brand with each region's identity. As part of that initiative, two food and beverage spaces within Biwako Bunka Koen have been renovated into new cafes, seeking to attract more visitors and contribute to the vitalization of the park and surrounding area.

Two New Stores

Pan to Espresso to Biwako Bunka Koen

An existing cafe inside Biwako Bunka Koen has been transformed into a bakery. The design concept is "a lunchbox in the middle of the lawn" — an iconic, package-like architectural space that makes the most of its setting beside a vast grass plaza. The space is designed to evoke the excitement of opening a lunchbox, combining playfulness and warmth that aims to become a beloved gathering spot in the park for years to come.

Pan to Espresso to 夕照庵

A historic tea house within the park, 夕照庵, has been reborn as a new cafe. The design concept is "a stone garden space continuous with the garden." While respecting the historical character of the tea house, the design creates a seamless flow between the Japanese garden outside — inspired by one of the Eight Views of Omi, 勢多の夕照 (Sunset Glow at Seta) — and the interior, turning the inside itself into a single "stone garden." The place aims to be a special spot for a peaceful tea time while experiencing nature up close through all four seasons, from satsuki azaleas in early summer to autumn foliage.

Shiga-Exclusive Menu

Homemade Omi Beef Curry Moo Toast — ¥1,500 (tax included)

The "Moo" is the signature bread of Pan to Espresso to — a rich, buttery pain de mie. Piled on top of a freshly toasted slice is a homemade Omi beef curry made with 100% Omi beef, slow-simmered without water using only seven spices and tomatoes into a rich, meat-packed waterless curry. Finished with freshly grated Parmigiano and a silky poached egg, it layers deep richness with aromatic spices for an indulgent dish.

Available exclusively at Pan to Espresso to 夕照庵.

Moo Aka Konnyaku — ¥400 (tax included)

A product made with Shiga's specialty ingredient, "aka konnyaku" (red konjac). Konjac paste and dashi stock are mixed into the dough along with chunks of red konnyaku, delivering a satisfying konjac flavor throughout.

Omi Beef Curry Pan — ¥400 (tax included)

A baked curry bread filled with a waterless curry made from 100% Omi beef and seven spices, slow-simmered with canned tomatoes.

About Shiga Prefectural Biwako Bunka Koen

Positioned as the "art and culture cluster" in the Biwako Bunka Koen City concept established in 1979, the park integrates a group of cultural facilities representative of Shiga Prefecture — including an art museum, library, Japanese garden, and tea house — with the surrounding lush satoyama forest within an urban park setting. The park works to preserve and restore the secondary forest of Seta Hills and serves as a place for communing with nature through satoyama conservation activities.