🟠 Local-First — A dessert that truly comes together in Yamanashi: kinako, kuromitsu, and mochi in one bite.
A matcha–milk swirl drizzled with kuromitsu, dusted with kinako, and crowned with soft mochi cubes. “Shingen Soft” is the picture-perfect sweet to enjoy between Mt. Fuji viewpoints—best had on location.
Last updated: 2025-12-05
Introduction
Shingen Soft is Yamanashi’s signature soft-serve. The cold cream, the mellow sweetness of kuromitsu syrup, the roasted aroma of kinako, and the gentle chew of mochi stack into changing textures with every bite. Many visitors come for Mt. Fuji (Kawaguchiko, Fujiyoshida, the Fuji Five Lakes); this is an ideal handheld treat to grab as you wander—one that looks great the moment you hold it up for a photo.
What is “Shingen”?
“Shingen” refers to Takeda Shingen, the famed warlord who ruled Kai Province—today’s Yamanashi—during Japan’s Sengoku period. His name lives on in the local confection Shingen Mochi, soft rice cakes coated in kinako (roasted soybean flour) and finished with kuromitsu (brown-sugar syrup).
Shingen Soft recreates that flavor trio—kinako + kuromitsu + mochi—as soft-serve. Matcha or milk (or a swirl of both) gets a kuromitsu drizzle, kinako dusting, and mochi pieces for a very Japanese, walkable sweet.
What to Try
- Mix swirl (matcha × milk) — best balance and most photogenic.
- Kuromitsu — take a first sip for that deep caramel note.
- Kinako — melts in and blooms with aroma.
- Mochi — freshness matters; cube or warabi-mochi styles both pair beautifully.
How to Order
Order at the counter or ticket machine: choose size, flavor, and toppings. If you want photos first, plan for the quick-dripping syrup.
- Flow: receive → shoot 1–2 quick frames → sip the kuromitsu so it doesn’t streak → enjoy.
- Prep: ask for a napkin and spoon up front (keep one in your pocket).
- Walking tip: eat 1–2 mochi pieces first; it keeps the top light as it softens.
Tokyo or Trip?
🟠 Local-First — Eat this in Yamanashi.
Tokyo has soft-serve with kinako and kuromitsu, but the fresh, tender mochi, the warm lift of kuromitsu, and the Takeda-Shingen heritage feel most convincing on their home turf. If you’re touring Mt. Fuji (Kawaguchiko/Fujiyoshida), this is the sweetest quick stop between viewpoints.
Explore Nearby
- Torimotsu-ni at Okuto Honten (Kofu, Yamanashi) 🍲
- Cream Anmitsu in Asakusa (Tokyo) 🍨
- Kakigori at Tamaya (Enoshima) 🍧
- Warabi Mochi in Togoshi-Ginza (Tokyo) 🍡
- Aji-Fry at Hayakawa Port (Odawara) 🐟
Similar Dishes
- Unagiimo Mont Blanc Soft Serve in Togoshi-Ginza 🍰
- Taiyaki in Togoshi-Ginza (Tokyo) 🐟
- Castella Tiramisu (Nagasaki) 🍰
External Links
- Shingen Mochi — Yamanashi’s Signature Kinako & Kuromitsu Sweet 🏛️
- Kikyo Shingen Mochi Factory Theme Park — Hand-Wrapping & Tasting in Yamanashi 🏛️
About "Taste of Japan"
Hello, I'm Yuta.
Born in landlocked Yamanashi and having lived in the gourmet city of Sendai for 10 years, I now call Togoshi-Ginza home. My frequent business trips across Japan allow me to constantly explore the diversity of regional flavors.
Why Togoshi-Ginza?
This street is Tokyo’s longest shopping arcade (about 1.3 km), but it holds a special history. It was the very first street in Japan to adopt the "Ginza" name—a tradition that later spread across the country—after receiving bricks from the famous Ginza district following the 1923 Great Kanto Earthquake.
My Wish as a Local
I am not a culinary expert. However, as a Japanese local who knows both the convenience of Tokyo and the origins of regional food, I want to share the "atmosphere" and "personal feelings" that you won't find in standard guidebooks.
The Concept: "Tokyo or Trip?"
Visiting every region of Japan in a single trip is nearly impossible. Some food experiences are worth the travel to the source, while others offer a fully satisfying experience right here in Tokyo.
This blog is a guide to help you make that choice. Based in Togoshi-Ginza, I share my honest experiences and "my personal answer" to help you maximize your culinary journey in Japan.
- 🟠 Local-First: Best experienced in its home region. Worth a trip.
- 🟢 Great-in-Tokyo: A nationwide favorite or regional specialty that offers a fully satisfying, authentic experience right here in Tokyo.
- 🟣 Tokyo-Do-Must: A unique food culture born in or exclusive to Tokyo.