You might also like:
HIDDEN behind a glowing fur tree in Tokyo’s trendy Shimokitazawa district is a café that celebrates the hit anime film, My Neighbor Totoro in the cutest, most delicious way possible.
If you don’t consider yourself a die-hard anime fan, you’re probably wondering, “What is My Neighbor Totoro?”
It’s the 1988 hit film from major Japanese anime house Studio Ghibli and Totoro is the loveable giant cat-owl-raccoon-like protagonist.
But even if you haven’t seen the film or any of Studio Ghibli’s masterpieces, you needn’t worry because Tolo Coffee and Bakery will enchant anyone who visits.
The café is set in a traditional Japanese townhouse with a narrow, winding staircase which greets you as you enter the building.
The green-carpeted staircase leads to a dining area and a cozy two-person balcony.
Source: Holly Patrick.
You’ll need to head up there to order if you wish to dine in, including in the alfresco area downstairs.
However, first, we suggest heading left past the staircase and into the bakery downstairs.
Here you can look at the Totoro-inspired cream puffs in all their adorable glory.
Source: Holly Patrick.
Custard cream and chocolate cream are the all-year-round favorites, but it’s the seasonal puffs that steal the show.
This autumn, chestnut cream puffs, and raspberry cream cheese puffs are the ones to get.
But at JPY440 (US$4) a pop, why not try all eight flavors?
Source: Holly Patrick.
If the whole experience wasn’t already cute enough, the bakers put a little hairpiece on each different-flavored Totoro cream puffs.
Some wear green hats, while others sport pink flowers and each accessory makes it easier to identify yours if you decide to take your Totoro cream puff for a sightseeing tour before devouring it.
Ultimately, however, no matter where you chose to eat your cream-filled Totoro, its big fondant-frosting eyes staring up at you will make it hard to slice into.
Source: Holly Patrick.
But your taste buds will thank you, especially if it’s enjoyed alongside one the fragrant teas or invigorating coffees on offer.
Despite Tolo Coffee and Bakery being so close to the vibrant and uber-trendy Shimokitazawa district, the tranquillity that envelops the homely-styled cafe will lull you into thinking you’re sat in Totoro’s den in the forest.
This peaceful atmosphere is amplified at night time when the throngs of Studio Ghibli enthusiast have dispersed, and the stars shine brightly over Tokyo.
Source: Holly Patrick.
And we think it’s the perfect time to experience Tolo Coffee and Bakery.
Head there around six or seven in the evening to miss the crowds, be almost guaranteed a table, and still have plenty of Totoro cream puffs to choose from.
There are also hearty homemade pastas and French-inspired sandwiches on the dine-in menu which can be enjoyed before your dessert.
Source: Holly Patrick.
Getting there: To reach the bakery, you can take a short stroll from the center of the bustling Shimokitazawa area. Alternatively, hop on the Odakyu Odawara train line and jump off at Setagaya-Daita station. Take the east exit out of the station and turn immediately right. You’ll easily be able to spot Tolo Coffee and Bakery from the golden fairy lights that illuminate the fir tree standing watch over the bakery café.
Tolo Coffee and Bakery is open from 10:30am to 8pm, Wednesday to Monday and closed on Tuesdays.
To make a reservation (advisable at peak times) call them on +81 3-5787-6732 and find them at 5-3-1 Daita, Setagaya 155-0033, Tokyo Prefecture.
The post These are the cutest, most delicious cream puffs in Tokyo appeared first on Travel Wire Asia.
Source: travelwireasia.com