Chubby Cream Puffs From Shirohige’s Cream Puff Shop, Run By Hayao Miyazaki’s Brother
Hayao Miyazaki fans may have set their eyes on the Ghibli Museum and the upcoming Ghibli Theme Park, but there’s a lesser-known Ghibli-themed bakery that you should add to your bucket list too.
Shirohige’s Cream Puff Shop, located near Tokyo’s Setagaya Ward, offers adorable cream-filled Totoro Cream Puffs.
What’s apt is that the shop is run by the acclaimed animator’s brother, Shiro Miyazaki.
Here’s what you need to know about your next foodie obsession.
Quaint bakery with in a quiet neighbourhood
Shirohige’s Cream Puff Shop is located in a quaint cottage in the neighbourhood of Shimokitazawa.
Similar to the Ghibli Museum, it feels like you’ll be leaving the city behind as you make your way there.
You’ll know you stopped by the right place when you spot the sign that has Totoros welcoming you to their humble abode.
Cream puffs come in four varieties
The Totoro cream puffs come in four different varieties — Leaf Totoro, Blue Hat Totoro, Sakura Totoro, and Yellow Hat Totoro.
You can tell each Totoro apart based on its headpiece.
The Leaf Totoro is a crispy cream-filled snack with a pastry made from organic wheat flour. When you munch on this treat, you’ll be delighted to discover that its classic vanilla flavor is not overly sweet.
The Sakura Totoro has strawberry cream made with organic milk from Hokkaido. Foodies will know that Hokkaido milk has gained a cult-like reputation thanks to its luscious and fresh aftertaste, so we’re excited to try this version mixed with strawberry.
Those with a sweet tooth can opt for the Blue Hat Totoro loaded with savoury and delicious chocolate.
The Yellow Hat Totoro boasts of caramel banana cream, which makes your cream puff a lot more exciting to eat. Travellers may opt to buy a box so it feels like you’re discovering Japan with an adorable spirit.
Each puff is priced from ¥420 (S$5.45), so though the kawaii-ness of the character may make you momentarily hesitate from taking a bite, don’t be afraid to take a nice chomp to enjoy the delicious filling.
Other Ghibli-themed food & merch available
As with many Japanese establishments, you’ll find many food-based and non-based merchandise in the shop for those on the hunt for souvenirs to bring back home.
For example, visitors can buy Ghibli-themed biscuits to gift their pals.
Check out the walls of the bakery too, which are lined with original artwork and more merch featuring Ghibli characters.
The only bakery in the world with Ghibli-themed treats
Shirohige’s Cream Puff Factory is the only bakery in the world that has the green light to offer Studio Ghibli treats, probably because of its connection to the Miyazakis.
Clearly, foodies and long-time fans will be able to relive their childhood in this charming bakery tucked in Tokyo.
Unfortunately, the cafe only has seven tables so Ghibli fans who want to dine-in should drop by early to enjoy the experience.
How to get there
The cafe is a three-minute walk from Setagaya-Daita Station on the Odakyu Line.
Here’s a map that shows its precise location:
Address: 5 Chome-3-1 Daita, Setagaya City, Tokyo 155-0033, Japan
Opening Hours: 10:30am to 7am, Wednesday to Monday; closed on Tuesday
Contact number: +81 3-5787-6221
Enjoying the pictures for now
Some may be eager to fly to Tokyo right now, but unfortunately we have to stay grounded for now.
That’s because Japan has banned travellers from 111 countries, including Singapore, due to the Covid-19 outbreak.
S’pore Travellers Banned From Entering Japan, Valid Visas Suspended Till July
However, the upcoming vaccine trials are making us optimistic that a Covid-19 vaccine will be available soon and we can take to the skies again. Until then, bookmark this bakery for your next trip.
Featured images adapted from from Instagram and Instagram.
