It’s not hard to find cute food in Tokyo; kawaii food (meaning cute or adorable in Japanese), is basically a national obsession.
My sister and I saw kawaii foods, drinks, and desserts all over Tokyo; from Totoro cream puffs to 3-D animal lattes. In fact, almost every dessert we tried had a face, ha.
So I wanted to write a guide on where to find the cutest foods in Tokyo. Because honestly, these foods, desserts, and drinks are too adorable not to share.
Tip – if you’re looking for cute food in Japan, check Instagram! That’s how we found most of these.
1. Totoro cream puffs @ Shirohige’s Cream Puff Factory
As a huge Miyazaki fan, I was so excited to try the Totoro cream puffs I’d seen all over Instagram. Totoro is a character from My Neighbor Totoro, one of Hayao Miyazaki’s most famous films (he’s basically the Disney of Japan). At the café, the cream puffs come in four flavors: chocolate, strawberry, custard, and banana. I was pleased to find the cream puffs were as delicious as they were adorable. I particularly recommend the strawberry-flavored cream puff — it was so good!
Where to find them: Shirohige’s Cream Puff Factory is located in Mitaka, a city located slightly west of Tokyo. You can reach it on the Tokyo subway. See a map here. It’s on the way to the Ghibli Museum, so if you’re going there, stop for cream puffs on the way.
2. Magikarp taiyaki @ Kurikoan
Taiyaki are a traditionally street food snack in Japan; they’re fish-shaped cakes with a red bean filling. But at Kurikoan, you’ll find a twist on the original, where the taiyaki is shaped like a Magikarp, the useless fish Pokémon. Anyone who loved Pokémon growing up (shoutout to my fellow 90s kids) will love stopping here!
Where to find them: Magikarp Taiyaki in located in Akhihabara. Here the address in Google Maps.
3. Animal ice cream cones @ The Zoo
The Zoo is an adorable underground ice cream parlor that specializes in animal-shaped ice cream. Here, you can choose from a menagerie of animals: tigers, elephants, and even chickens. I recommend trying the three little pigs ice cream cone, which comes with three scoops in different flavors.
Where to find them: The Zoo is located in Harajuku. Here’s the address in Google Maps.
4. 3-D animal lattes @ Reissue
Reissue may make the most Instagrammable food in Tokyo: 3-D animal lattes. When you sit down at the café, you are given a book of animal lattes to flip through: you can choose from a Shiba Inu, a seal, an elephant, a bear, and more. My sister literally cried tears of joy when she saw her seal latte. Though they’re pricy ($10 or so) it’s worth it for the pure joy you’ll feel when you get your latte.
Where to find them: Reissue is located in Harajuku. Here’s the address in Google Maps.
5. Hello Kitty donuts @ Hello Kitty Japan
If you’re a Hello Kitty fan, you have to try the Hello Kitty donuts at Hello Kitty Japan. They come in a variety of flavors, and are topped with Hello Kitty’s signature accessory – a pink bow. Hello Kitty Japan also sells tons of Sanrio merchandise.
Where to find them: There are multiple Hello Kitty Japan locations in Tokyo. See a map here. Another fun Hello Kitty activity is to do a day trip to Puroland, the Sanrio theme park. Book your ticket in advance here.
Have you ever tried kawaii food in Tokyo? What was your favorite?
Another post you might enjoy: 9 Bizarre and Delicious Foods to Try in Japan
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