There is a wide variety of cute sweets and snacks everywhere in Tokyo. The one that I had to get my hands on were the cute little Totoro Cream Puffs in Shimokitazawa, Tokyo.
I would consider Shimokitazawa to be one of the hipster parts of Tokyo. One can treasure hunt in the array of second hand / vintage shops around, have a good cup of hipster coffee and indulge in good food and snacks.
On my trip to Tokyo last year, I was adamant in trying the famous Totoro Cream Puffs from Shiro-Hige’s Cream Puff Factory! Apparently, it is owned an run by Miyazaki’s sister-in-law.
For those who don’t know, Director Hayao Miyazaki is famous for being an animator, film-maker, screenwriter, author, and manga artist. His name is synonymous with Studio Ghibli and all works produced under the animation company.
So, if you’re a fan of Studio Ghibli, you’d definitely know the anime My Neighbour Totoro.
Getting to the Shiro-Hige’s Cream Puff Factory is pretty easy. It is a 3-5 minutes walk from Setagaya-Daita station, passing through a beautiful neighbourhood.
How to get there?
Tucked away in a little corner, you will find the 2-storey cafe / bakery that gives out a warm and rustic vibe. You can’t miss it.
The ground floor is where you can purchase the Totoro Cream Puffs and take it away with you. However, if you’re interested in enjoying your cream puffs with a cup of coffee or tea, you can choose to have it upstairs where there is a seating area.
The cafe upstairs also serves other baked goods and meals if you’re hungry. But, you’d have to wait a while or come back later as there is normally a waiting list.
My friends and I tried to get a table upstairs but was told that it was going to be a 45 minute wait. We decided to grab a couple of buns and coffee to go.
Downstairs, we got ourselves some cute cream puffs to enjoy outside.
The cream puffs were around the 460 yen price range and came in a variety of flavours.
With a box of cream puffs in one hand and a cup of coffee in the other, we set off to find a quiet spot to stuff our faces.
As of 2020, these are the available flavours for the Totoro Cream Puffs / Choux Cream (as they call it). I really like the details in the booklet as it lists out the flavours they offer and when the respected flavours are available. That way, true fans can plan their trip better lol.
When is what available?
As I was in Tokyo during Autumn, I was fortunate enough to try out the Chestnut Cream and Raspberry Cream Cheese flavour. BOTH WERE SUPER YUMS!
It’s super easy to determine which Totoro is filled with which sinful cream. Have a look at the little cute hat / accessory on the ear and match it to the booklet. Furthermore, if you’d like your cream puffs to go, they’d box it up nicely and slot in a pack of dry ice, keeping it cool.
The Totoros are crispy on the outside and generously filled with cream. It took me a while to properly savour it as it was JUST TOO CUTE!
And honestly, it goes really well with coffee.
Taking a small bite of its ear gives you an idea of THE AMOUNT OF CREAAAAM!
Hope you guys enjoy the cream puffs as much as I did!!
