Shirohige Cream Puff Factory
Anyone who knows me, knows how much I love Studio Ghibili and Totoro. I even have an adult sized Totoro bed, and various fluffy Totoro soft toys throughout the house. I’ve loved Miyazaki’s works since I was a child when my older brother sat me down to watch Miyazaki’s Lupin. My favourites are Lupin (technically before Ghibli was formed), Porco Rosso, Laputa and Takahata’s Whisper of the Heart & Pompoko.
Randomly, I’m not such a fan of any food filled with cream… blergh… its the texture and sometimes to me its utterly tasteless…so though I’ve always been aware of the Totoro Cream Puff… the fact it’s filled with cream, it was never a big enough thing for me to go out of my way to try, especially as I know how popular it can be with locals and tourists alike.
However, a couple of years ago hubby and I moved and it so happens the Totoro Cream Puff Factory is not a far walk from our home now or a very quick bicycle trip! So I sometimes visit it for a lovely lunch break during the week, as its now so close to me!
The main one is located near Shimokitazawa & Setagaya-Daita Stations
There is another branch in Kichijoji, near the station, but I love the original one as its located in a quiet, green, leafy suburb.
Technically the Shirohige Cream Puff Factory is located on the ground floor of the house, and the majority of people who visit simply buy the cream puff/cookies for takeaway. However what I really love is the TOLO coffee & bakery upstairs. Normally I don’t like any type of Japanese ‘cafe/kissaten’ as the food is never that great, mediocre pastas/curries/hamburgs etc.
That is not the case with TOLO, a small menu (where you can also enjoy eating the famous cream puffs upstairs) which features fresh home made pasta and bread (not what you normally find in a casual little restaurant), I was more than pleasantly surprised at how delicious their food is. The pasta menu changes with the season, incorporating local Japanese produce and the pasta is delightful, you can tell its fresh and homemade, as is the warm crusty bread, and paired with a glass of wine - it’s a great way to have a nice lunch after a busy week.
NOTE: as with most cafes that are open during lunchtime in Japan , you generally always have to order 1 drink with your meal (tea, juice, coffee, wine etc).
VIEW OF THE MAIN SHOP
I adore the fact its in this leafy green suburb, in house. Apparently the factory was created and is owned by a member of Miyazaki’s family, hence why they are allowed to use the Totoro image. Studio Ghibli is strict with its licensing of its product.
Of course sometimes, I simply cycle by to pick up a cream puff treat for my hubby and I (hubby loves cream puffs!). Generally they advise to eat it on the same day you buy, and if you have to travel far they would advise you to buy a cold bag (or bring your own) or pack a cold pouch for you.
Now because I rarely eat cream products, I’m not a connoisseur of what constitutes a good cream puff, but hubby seems to like them well enough and I always have the chocolate cream version which I enjoy.
TIP: The chocolate cream Totoro wears the little cream hat with the blue ribbon.
If you love Totoro and cream puffs, definitely go visit and have a Shirohige Cream Puff!
However for me the real star of their business is the food in the cafe! So if you have the time, enjoy a nice lunch there, then after your meal head down to the bakery and grab some cream puffs takeaway.
NOTE: If you order to eat the Totoro creampuffs in house, it’s a little bit more expensive.
ACCESS
BY TRAIN
SHIBUYA STATION (KEIO INOKASHIRA LINE - EXPRESS TRAIN) - SHIMOKITAZAWA STATION (8-10MIN WALK)
SHIBUYA STATION (KEIO INOKASHIRA LINE - LOCAL TRAIN ) - SHIN DAITA STATION (8MIN WALK)
SHINJUKU STATION (ODAKYU LINE) - SHIMOKITAZAWA STATION (8-10MIN WALK)
OMOTESANDO STATION (CHIYODA LINE will change to Odakyu Line) - SHIMOKITAZAWA STATION (10MIN WALK)
WEBSITE: SHIRO HIGE
