Just steps from Higashi-Zushi Station sits a shop I had been curious about for a long time: “fujico muffin,” a specialty bakery offering wholesome okara muffins made with fresh okara.
When I stopped by just before noon on a weekday, there was already a small line outside. Once, when I casually visited in the afternoon, a sign reading “Sold Out for Today” was posted—and I had to go home empty-handed. That day, I promised myself: “Next time, I’m coming at opening time.”
If you’re juggling work and childcare, you might often think, “I just want a gentle treat for myself,” “I need a little gift for a mom-friend gathering,” or “I want to bring home something local after sightseeing.”
That’s exactly when this small muffin workshop in Higashi-Zushi becomes your ally. In this article, you’ll find everything from what makes the shop special to why it’s so loved, plus family- and dog-friendly tips.
Charm 1: Wholesome Muffins Packed with Fresh Okara
The signature feature of “fujico muffin” is that nearly half of the batter is made with fresh okara delivered from the tofu shop “Tofu Kobo Tochigiya.” The muffins are crafted without dairy, animal products, or refined sugar. Instead, they use whole-wheat flour, organic cane sugar, organic soy milk, and cold-pressed oil—every ingredient is thoughtfully chosen.
Some may hear “okara” and imagine something dry or crumbly, but many reviews say the muffins are “fluffy and moist” with a clean flavor profile that highlights the natural ingredients. They’re satisfying without feeling heavy—a balanced treat you can enjoy anytime.
After trying them myself, I realized: “This isn’t a ‘healthy snack you eat out of obligation.’ This is simply delicious—something you’ll genuinely want to eat again.” They’re kind to the body yet still offer the joy of a true sweet treat. That balance is what makes this shop special.
Charm 2: Seasonal and Weekly Flavors that Make Choosing Fun
Inside the showcase, you’ll always find staples like Plain, Banana, and Chocolate, along with seasonal and weekly special flavors. In spring, you might see “Organic Strawberry Cream Cheese,” while another week may feature a vegetable-based muffin like “Carrot & Raisin.”
Among the most mentioned flavors in reviews are “Blueberry Cream Cheese” and “Maple Walnut.” Both are loved for their subtle sweetness and deep, natural flavor.
That moment when you think, “Which one should I get?” feels like a tiny reward, doesn’t it? For gifts to mom-friends, I recommend mixing classics with seasonal flavors.
Charm 3: A Tiny Workshop That Still Inspires People to Line Up
The shop is a cozy space—small enough that two people inside already make it feel full. When you open the large wooden door, a warm counter and a neatly arranged showcase greet you. The atmosphere feels handmade, personal, and welcoming.
The shop is open Wednesday through Saturday, from 12:00 to 18:00, but they close as soon as everything sells out. Many customers mention that “it was already closed when I arrived” or “only a few flavors were left in the afternoon,” so visiting earlier gives you more choices.
Fujico-san handles every customer herself with calm, gentle attention. Many regulars stopped by while I was there. Reviews frequently mention “warm and thoughtful service” and “a shopkeeper whose personality makes you want to come back.”
I personally feel that shops where you think “I want to buy from this person” are rare and precious. Even busy full-time moms can find a moment of comfort in the warmth of this tiny space.
Charm 4: The Story of How a Dream Led Her to Higashi-Zushi
Before opening her shop, Fujico-san worked as a nursery school teacher in Shiga Prefecture. On her days off, she baked muffins, supplied them to local cafés, shipped nationwide, and participated in weekend markets—gradually building her craft.
Her journey into plant-based baking began when her sister needed to avoid dairy products. Wanting to create sweets that were gentle on the body yet genuinely delicious, she started experimenting. She once mentioned how seeing half-eaten muffins thrown away made her determined to make something people would want to finish.
Later, she left her job as a nursery teacher to pursue her dream of having her own shop someday. She worked as an office employee while saving money, eventually moved to Zushi, and finally opened “fujico muffin” in April 2021.
Her words, “I always chose my dream over fun invitations,” stayed with me. You can feel that determination in every muffin that comes out of this tiny kitchen.
Baby & Family Notes
“fujico muffin” is a takeout-only shop with no dine-in seating. This makes it perfect for parents who want to stop by quickly with a stroller and enjoy their treats at home or in a nearby park.
However, because the shop is compact and often crowded right after opening, using a baby carrier or a smaller stroller can be more comfortable during peak times.
The muffins are mildly sweet and made with plant-based ingredients, making them easy to share with children who are past the baby-food stage. For specific age recommendations or allergy information, please check directly with the shop.
Dog-Friendly Notes
Because this is a takeout-only store, the usual style is for owners to quickly stop by during a walk and pick up muffins themselves. Dogs are not expected to enter the shop area.
Access Information
Address: 1-18-6 Numama, Zushi City, Kanagawa
Hights Takasaki 1F
Opening Hours: Wednesday–Saturday, 12:00–18:00 (Closes once sold out; often closes around 2 PM)
Closed: Sunday, Monday, Tuesday
Parking: None (please use nearby coin parking)
Nearest Station: JR Yokosuka Line “Higashi-Zushi Station” — approx. 2 minutes on foot
Instagram: @fujico_muffin
Website: https://fujico-muffin.com/
*Business hours, closing days, and payment methods may change. Please check the official website or Instagram for the latest updates.
Summary: A Place That Brings a Little Warmth to Your Everyday Life
“fujico muffin” is a small workshop in Higashi-Zushi that carefully bakes plant-based muffins using fresh okara and high-quality ingredients.
Its devotion to ingredients, its popularity that regularly draws lines, and especially Fujico-san’s personal story—all reflect her desire to create sweets that make people feel lighter and happier.
It’s perfect for full-time moms looking for a weekend treat, for bringing to a gathering, or as a local souvenir after exploring Hayama and Zushi. For shop owners, the story behind this small business may also inspire ideas for their own brand narratives.
When you pick up a small paper bag from “fujico muffin,” you’re taking home not just a snack but the heart of the maker and the warmth of the community surrounding this little shop.
Hayama Navi will continue sharing “small shops that light up the town.” We update Instagram almost daily—please follow us and join our community!
Sources: Tabelog, Official Instagram, Zushi Hayama Keizai Shimbun
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