The Japanese onomatopoeia fuwa fuwa (ふわふわ) conjures up images of cushy, soft, fluffiness. Therefore it could not be a more appropriate name for a neighborhood bakery cafe that churns out scrumptious freshly baked goodies.
The beautifully landscaped garden outside the shop is reminiscent of the Italian countryside and is especially lovely in the spring when the flowers are blooming. Inside, the cafe is equally inviting. Festive flags and cheerful children's books line the windows that look out into the garden while colorful stained glass lamps hang above the tables. Kids immediately feel at home in the cozy nook generously supplied with books and toys. The cafe's toilet is equipped with a diaper-changing table, noteworthy for a small establishment.
Most of Fuwa Fuwa's customers pop in just to buy a basketful of bread and cookies. The bakery proudly uses Japan-made flour for all their products. They source their nuts and dried fruits from nearby Alishan Organic Center and their eggs from a farm in Moroyama that does not use commercial feeds. Some of their breads such as their number one bestseller - the macadamia cranberry bread - uses whole wheat flour. If you cannot wait until you get home to try the breads, you can enjoy them right there at the cafe with a cup of coffee or tea.
Fuwa Fuwa is one of the income generating sources of the welfare service establishment 第３かわせみ (Dai 3 Kawasemi), an NPO for people with disabilities (PWD). Proceeds from the sales benefit this NPO. At the same time, the shop provides gainful employment for the differently abled who work behind the kitchen and serve as wait staff. Their artwork also brighten up the interior of the cafe.
It is best to call beforehand to make sure that the bakery cafe is open as their schedule varies slightly from month to month. On the last Monday of the month, the shop hosts an English Children's Book Circle and guests can enjoy various classic, popular and award-winning children's books and a delectable lunch and drink all for only ¥1,000. Reservation for this monthly event is necessary.
There are adequate parking spaces available and the shop is wheelchair accessible and blind-friendly. The nearest train station is Koma Station along the Seibu Chichibu Line and is about a 20 minute walk from the station or a short bus ride (Koma Elementary School bus stop).
