Please note there are 2 branches, this is the one where you can't eat in the cafe, and there are no hot drinks etc
We visited this cafe and not the other one as we saw there was a park nearby and wanted to walk up to the Ghibli Museum which is a 20 minute walk away through a park.
The shop opens at 11, we got there at 10 as these Totoro Cream Puffs have been on my list to visit for over 8 years! In my research I saw some people do phone up the shop the day before and they reserve their cakes etc, and there are also reviews saying they sell out before lunch time.
We started queuing at 10 but people didn't join us in the queue until 10.30ish, by the time they opened there was quite a long queue.
There are 4 different flavours of the main totoro cream puffs. These change with the seasons. The recommended one and most bought is the custard one. They also had chocolate, Chestnut and and a berry flavoured one. Our favourites were the custard and chocolate.
Each flavour has a different totoro coloured hat!
You can also buy other items in the shop, we bought the cat bus biscuit which had raisins in.
You can also buy totoro biscuits in a casing and other items. Because there is a big queue behind you I felt like I couldn't look at anything else apart from what was in the fridge case as the shop is small and of course everyone wants to get the cream puffs!
In each box of puffs you have a small ice pack to keep them fresh and cool which is amazing. Even my husband who only bought 1 got an ice pack.
You can either have it in a box if you are not eating it straight away or in a small dish to eat straight away.
We decided to walk to the park nearby to eat our totoro puffs, this park leads on to the Ghibli Museum which was really lovely. Even though we didn't have tickets to the museum it was still nice.
The puffs themselves are just so beautiful and adorable. They are much bigger than I thought they would be so I felt like it was a meal in itself. The cream inside is really fluffy. Would...
Read moreShirohige’s Cream Puff Factory in Kichijoji is an absolute delight and a whimsical haven for Studio Ghibli fans and dessert lovers alike. As soon as I stepped inside, I was transported into a charming world that perfectly encapsulates the enchanting spirit of Ghibli. The decor is playful and inviting, with touches that evoke the magic of the animated films, making it a truly immersive experience.
The highlight of my visit was, without a doubt, the cream puffs. Each one was not only visually stunning but also incredibly delicious. The variety of flavors available was impressive, and you could tell that each cream puff was crafted with care and attention to detail. I indulged in a few different flavors, and each one was a delightful explosion of taste that left me craving more.
In addition to the cream puffs, I couldn’t resist purchasing a Cat Bus cookie, which was divine and packed with flavor. The cookie was beautifully designed, and the taste was equally impressive, making it a perfect complement to the cream puffs. It was a whimsical treat that truly captured the essence of Ghibli’s beloved creations.
The atmosphere of the shop itself added to the overall experience. The staff were friendly and welcoming, adding to the charm of the place. I loved the little touches that made it feel like a part of the Ghibli universe, from the decorations to the packaging of the treats.
In conclusion, Shirohige’s Cream Puff Factory is a must-visit for anyone in Kichijoji, especially if you’re a fan of Studio Ghibli. It’s not just a dessert shop; it’s a magical escape filled with delightful treats that transport you into a whimsical world. Whether you're enjoying a cream puff or a Cat Bus cookie, you’re in for a truly special experience. Don’t miss out on this enchanting spot — it’s a sweet adventure that you...
Read moreLove Totoro? Love sweets? Love cutesy things? Behold Shirohige's Cream Puff Factory. Widely popular, that a second shop opened. With this current shop being the only one that sells the very special Rum Raisin Catbus. So is it worth all the hype? Yes, yes it is. We arrived about 30 minutes before opening - line up was already building. Note: we had Ghibli Museum at 1200h, hence the timing was perfect to grab and go. By the time we made our purchase, we arrived at Ghibli Museum at 1155h (we ate on the go).
Rum Raisin Catbus: ★★★★/5. It is served cold! Make sure to leave some stomach space to eat this.
Custard cream: ★★★★★/5. The best of the bunch. I love custard. Always go for the OG!
Chestnut cream: ★★★/5. Probably because I am not a fan of chestnut, I am just OK with this.
Chocolate cream: ★★★★/5. I love chocolate everything.
Raspberry and cream: ★★★/5. Like chestnut, just not really a Raspberry fan. But good to try!
Overall Kel rating: ★★★★★/5 The good: What is better in life than biting heads off of cute Totoro. If you go to Ghibli Museum, is a fan of Totoro, love sweets - then I do not see why won't you come here! The decent: Cash only! The ugly: The line ups can be bad.
PS: no real life Totoro's were hurt in the process of making this...
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