There’s no shortage of bakeries in Japan serving up fresh and delectable bakes. But if you’d like something other than the usual sourdough and rustic country loaves, head to Neko Neko Shokupan, which offers adorable cat-shaped shokupans that are a feast for the eyes and palate.
Image credit: @nekoneko_shokupan
Shokupan (食パン) is a type of Japanese white bread with a soft and fluffy interior that’s much more flavourful than your average toast. Usually toasted and enjoyed during breakfast, these breads are the perfect canvas for accompaniments such as fruit jam and butter.
Image credit: ALL HEARTS Company Inc
A Japanese bakery chain which goes by the adorable moniker “Neko Neko Shokupan” (ねこねこ食パン) has been serving up cat-shaped loaves since 2019.
Image credit: @nekoneko_shokupan
Made with locally sourced wheat flour and 100% whole milk, the bakery’s milky and pillowy bread makes for the purrfect breakfast that will start your day off on the right note.
Image credit: @nekoneko_shokupan
Aside from offering classic plain bread, Neko Neko Shokupan also likes to jazz up their shokupan with a rotation of flavours. Flavours include chocolate, red bean, cheese, raisins, and more. Depending on the flavour, each slice costs ¥190 (~USD1.74) onwards and a whole bread loaf starts at ¥680 (~USD6.23).
Image credit: @nekoneko_shokupan
And perhaps the cutest of the lot is the mikeneko – made with a combination of plain, caramel, and black cocoa dough – which resembles a calico cat with coloured fur patches.
Image credit: @nekoneko_shokupan
For cat lovers who have a soft spot for tabby cats, get the striped cat bread loaf which comprises swirls of flavoured dough.
Image credit: @chihiyof
Occasionally, Neko Neko Shokupan also launches seasonal releases and exclusive collaborations. In February 2021, to celebrate the release of the film Sailor Moon Eternal, the bakery unveiled a limited-edition Luna bread (¥1,200, ~USD10.99).
The base of the character bread is made with black cocoa dough, complete with vibrant pink strawberry-flavoured ears. It even comes with a yellow chocolate pen so fans can add Luna’s signature crescent moon as a finishing touch.
Outlet in Omotesandō, Tokyo.
Image credit: @yui__olive
Currently, Neko Neko Shokupan has outlets in multiple cities across Japan, including Tokyo, Osaka, and Kyoto.
To get to the Omotesandō branch in Tokyo, start at Tokyo Station. Hop on the train along the Marunouchi Line and alight at Akasaka-Mitsuke Station. Transfer to the Ginza Line and get off at Omotesando Station. A 6-minute walk will bring you to the bakery. You can also browse through their website to locate a branch nearest to you.
For a fuss-free purchase, order the bread via their online store. Shipping is limited to within Japan and the fees depend on your address, with additional charges applicable for delivery to Hokkaido and Okinawa.
Omotesandō outlet (Tokyo)
Address: 4 Chome-8-2 Jingumae, Shibuya City, 150-0001, Tokyo
Opening hours: 10AM-8.30PM, Daily
Telephone: 0367-21-0417
Website
For more cool spots to visit in Japan, check out:
Cover image adapted from (clockwise from left): @nekoneko_shokupan, @nekoneko_shokupan and @nekoneko_shokupan
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