Shirohige’s Cream Puff Factory - Visit A Ghibli Bakery In Tokyo!

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Hey, kawaii fans. Did you know that there is a Ghibli Bakery in Tokyo? It’s a must-visit for fans of My Neighbour Totoro.

It’s called Shirohige’s Cream Puff Factory, and they serve many flavours of their famous Totoro Cream Puffs.

As an officially licensed Ghibli experience, this bakery is very popular and often goes viral on social media.

Their puffs usually sell out before the end of the day, so you’ll have to be quick if you want to get your hands on one.

Here is a survival guide for visiting Shirohige’s Cream Puff Factory, what to expect and important tips.

Ghibli Bakery Tokyo Shirohiges Cream Puff Factory Totoro Cream Puffs

Table of Contents

What is Shirohige’s Cream Puff Factory?

Shirohige’s Cream Puff Factory is a Ghibli-inspired bakery in Tokyo that opened in 2007.

The reason why it is so special is that it’s officially recognised and licensed by Studio Ghibli.

The cream puff factory is owned by the sister-in-law of Hayao Miyazaki, the founder of the world-famous animation studio.

So, this bakery is unique and a one-of-a-kind experience for anime fans.

Not only is this puff factory cosy and like something from ‘My Neighbour Totoro’, but they have lots of themed treats on sale that sell like hot cakes.

Try Totoro Cream Puffs

One of the many reasons to visit Shirohige’s Cream Puff Factory is to try their signature Totoro Cream Puffs.

These officially licensed and delicious desserts are almost too good to eat! I honestly felt so bad biting into it.

The pastry casing is shaped just like Totoro with small eyes, a button nose, a big belly and long ears topped with a leaf, flower or hat.

Each one is stuffed to the brim with a different cream filling. Chocolate and vanilla are available all year, but there are seasonal flavours as well.

For example, there was a strawberry with cream cheese or chestnut on my visit in autumn. There’s also matcha in spring and berries in summer.

It’s a great excuse to keep visiting throughout the year to try new flavours.

The puffs are also very reasonably priced at ¥600 to ¥680 (£2.80 -£3.20 GBP / $3.83 – $4.30 USD).

Where is Shirohige’s Cream Puff Factory in Tokyo?

There are two branches of Shirohige’s Cream Puff Factory in Tokyo.

A large one near the Shimokitazawa district (seating available)
A smaller one near the Ghilbi museum in Setagaya City (no seating)

I visited the original, larger branch, which is tucked away in the trees on a sleepy side street.

Although it would be lovely to be delivered here by Catbus, you will need to take the regular subway, I’m afraid.

The closest station is Setagaya-Daita Station, which is a 3-minute walk from the bakery.

Alternatively, you can alight at Shimo-Kitazawa Station, an 8-minute walk away.

The original bakery address is Japan, 〒155-0033 Tokyo, Setagaya City, Daita, 5 Chome−3−1 1Fs. Click here for a Google Pin.

Arriving at the puff factory

Once you arrive at the Ghibli Bakery, you’ll instantly feel like you’ve been spirited away to a scene out of My Neighbour Totoro.

The cream puff factory is located in a cute corner house with a leafy tree, potted plants and foliage outside.

You’ll know you’ve arrived as there is a handmade sign out front, which has some of the Totoro Cream Puffs on it.

There may or may not be a queue when you arrive. So, either wait in line to enter or head straight inside.

I arrived around 10 am and was first in line for the day for a 10.30 am opening. By then, the queue was down the street.

Inside Shirohige’s Cream Puff Factory

As soon as you step into the cosy house with a winding staircase, you’ll be greeted with a plethora of Ghibli memorabilia.

There are plush toys and models of Totoro everywhere, along with artwork and sketches on the walls.

It doesn’t feel like a traditional café or bakery, but like you’ve been warmly invited into someone’s home.

The vibes instantly felt cosy, and I couldn’t wait to order my Totoro cream puffs.

Ghibli bakery

You’ll find the Ghibli Bakery on the ground floor if you want to order your Totoro puffs to take away.

The counter displays all of the Totoro cream puffs that they have available for that day.

These are plentiful, but once they are gone, they’re gone. Some flavours, like the chocolate, sell out very quickly.

I recommend visiting in the morning so you don’t miss out. People order them by the box load.

There is also a delightful range of Ghibli-themed biscuits, sweets and merchandise at the back of the shop for sale.

Upstairs seating area

If you’d prefer, you can head upstairs to a seating area in Café TOLO. It was freezing in November, so I sat down to warm up.

At first, I wasn’t sure if the café was part of the bakery and got a little confused.

But, rest assured, you can order from their menu of hot drinks and some Totoro Cream Puffs from the bakery to your table.

As I was the first in line for the day, I got my table straight away. But the café quickly filled up, and there was a queue of people waiting outside.

The seating area is very cosy, and my kawaii cream puff cut the edge of my espresso coffee well.

My only regret is that I didn’t order more puffs. But I’m only one person, and one was more than enough for me. They are surprisingly filling.

Do you need a reservation? No, seating is on a first-come, first-served basis. If it’s full, you’ll need to queue for a table.

Is Shirohige’s Cream Puff Factory worth visiting?

Yes, if you’re a fan of Studio Ghibli, Totoro, anime or anything kawaii, then you’ll love Shirohige’s Cream Puff Factory.

There are very few officially licensed Ghibli experiences in Japan, save for the museum and theme park.

Even then, trying to get tickets for those experiences is stressful and challenging. So, in my opinion, this bakery is a must-visit for fans.

The treats are equal parts adorable and delicious, and they are very reasonably priced, too.

As the flavours change often, there is always a reason to return and try new things.

Don’t skip the Ghibli Bakery in Tokyo, it’s a whimsical foodie experience you won’t forget in a hurry.

Opening times

Shirohige’s Cream Puff Factory is open from 10.30 am to 6 pm every day of the week except Tuesday, when it’s closed.

This may change on National Holidays, so it’s best to check before you visit.

My top tips

There may be a queue – You may have to queue to visit the bakery and/or to sit inside the café on your visit. It’s worth the wait.

Get there early – this is why I recommend getting here as early as you can to opening time. Otherwise, it may be a long wait.

The cream puffs sell out – due to the popularity, these puffs normally sell out by the end of the day. Getting here early will guarantee you can order some and avoid disappointment.

You can order in advance – if you’d prefer, you can make an order beforehand and pick up on the day. This has to be done over the phone, though. So, make sure to practice your Japanese.