Adorably cute Totoro puffs — you can't bear to take a single bite

▲ Can you bear to eat such a cute Totoro puff? (Photo / fromTokyo Asakusa AGORA PLACE ASAKUSA Facebook)

Reported by Huang Shiyuan / Compiled by HowToTrip

Many visitors to Tokyo, Japan, make a trip to the Ghibli Museum in Mitaka, where everyone rediscovers their inner child. Of course, Totoro merchandise is an essential item in the museum shop. However, tucked away in the city area of Suginami, not far from Mitaka, there’s a hidden patisserie that specializes in puffs — and their signature item is none other than Totoro-shaped puffs. Faced with these super cute and exquisitely made Totoro puffs, it’s honestly hard to take a bite.

This patisserie is located in Koganei, Suginami Ward, Tokyo, and is called “Shirohige no Chou.” It’s known for its Japanese-style sweets, but also offers some Western-style desserts, one of which is the Totoro puff. The store is nestled in the quiet residential area of Suginami Ward, and many locals know about this charming spot.

▲ Different decorations on top of the Totoro puffs represent different flavors. (Photo / from Tokyo Asakusa AGORA PLACE ASAKUSA Facebook)

The “Totoro Puff” comes in 5 flavors. The custard cream puff and chocolate puff are available year-round, while strawberry, peach, and chestnut flavors are seasonal. Since they all look the same, how do you tell the flavors apart? The shop has thoughtfully designed different toppings for the Totoro puffs — for example, a small green leaf means custard cream, a blue ribbon around the hat indicates chocolate, cherry blossoms stand for strawberry, dark brown leaves mean chestnut flavor, and a pink ribbon signals peach.

Since the puffs are handmade and take time to prepare, quantities are limited. The shop kindly advises customers to call ahead for reservations, but due to potential language barriers, it’s best to visit early to avoid disappointment.

Shop Information:
Shop Name: Shirohige no Chou
Address: 3-21-21 Koganei Higashi, Suginami Ward, Tokyo
Phone: 03-3334-4689
Price
Cream Puff: 390 yen
Chocolate Puff: 390 yen
Strawberry Puff: 430 yen (January to mid-June only)
Peach Puff: 430 yen (late June to September only)


Chestnut Puff: 430 yen (October to December only)▲ Shirohige no Chou is a cozy, small shop with no seating. (Photo / from Tokyo Asakusa AGORA PLACE ASAKUSA Facebook)


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