【Boston】A Totoro Bread So Cute You Can't Resist Pinching It

As soon as the weather gets nice, I just can’t stay home—I have to go out and wander. When I reached Brookline, I was instantly drawn to Japonaise Bakery & Cafe. It just looks so Japanese. This isn’t one of those overly themed shops that tries too hard. Instead, it quietly weaves Ghibli elements into its bread: Totoro, Spirited Away–inspired shapes, all displayed in the glass case—softening your heart just by looking at them. ✨ When picking out bread here, you naturally slow down. Some loaves are all about looks, while others are truly worth coming back for. As you taste them, you realize it feels more like a “neighborhood Japanese bakery” that locals would regularly visit. 🥐 Standouts from this visit: 🔸 Matcha Red Bean Puff: Clear matcha flavor, mild red bean—makes its presence known with the first bite 🔸 Everything Croissant: Flaky and savory on the outside, great for those who prefer non-sweet pastries 🔸 Totoro-Shaped Bread: Seriously cute—the kind you just have to take home. You might even want to give it a gentle squeeze before eating 🔸 Custard Cream Bun: A classic, safe choice among Japanese breads—soft and comforting 🔸 Curry-Filled Fried Bread: Leans toward Japanese curry flavor; savory lovers should consider this 💬 Overall, the vibe isn’t about hype-driven “trendy items.” It’s more the kind of bakery that makes you want to stop by next time you’re nearby and pick up two or three things. 💯 Scouting Notes for You: ☑️ Closed Monday–Wednesday—don’t make a wasted trip ☑️ Gets busier on weekend afternoons—popular items sell out ☑️ Check near the register for mixed bread packs if you want to try more varieties 📍 Japonaise Bakery & Cafe 1020 Beacon St, Brookline, MA 02446 ⏰ Thursday–Sunday 8:00 AM–8:00 PM #BostonFood #BostonExploration #JapaneseBakery #Brookline