Japan: Saint Marc Cafe Revives and Upgrades Its Hit Collaboration with “Kikyou Shingen Mochi” — Three Popular Items Launching May 16

From May 16 to June 19, Saint Marc Cafe will launch three collaboration menu items featuring “Kikyou Shingen Mochi,” a famous local confection from Yamanashi Prefecture, at its locations nationwide across Japan. Prior to the official release, a special preview tasting event was held exclusively for the media.

This marks the second collaboration with “Kikyou Shingen Mochi.” The first, held last year, was a huge success, selling 650,000 items in just 35 days. Among the offerings, the “Premium Chococro Kikyou Shingen Mochi” was the top-selling item. This year, the cafe is introducing three upgraded collaboration menu items that build upon last year’s success.

The “Premium Chococro Kikyou Shingen Mochi” features a crispy croissant dough infused with brown sugar, filled with kinako white chocolate made from domestically grown soybeans, chewy mochi-style confiture, and a rich brown sugar syrup cream. This year, the brown sugar cream has been enhanced to deliver a more pronounced flavor. As a finishing touch, it is generously dusted with the same roasted soybean flour (kinako) used in the original Kikyou Shingen Mochi. The contrast between the crispy exterior and the chewy interior of the croissant dough makes it an irresistible treat.

The gyuhi (soft mochi) filling inside offers a chewy texture at first bite, which then melts into a smooth, gooey consistency. The croissant is generously coated with kinako (roasted soybean flour), yet it can be enjoyed without causing a dry, choking sensation. However, those wearing lipstick should take caution, as the kinako tends to cling to the lips. With its rich, direct kinako flavor, this treat delivers a highly satisfying dessert experience.

The kinako white chocolate is wrapped in its solid form and baked together with the croissant dough. Be sure to take note of the generous final touch—the kinako is sprinkled on with an almost over-the-top abundance, adding to the visual and flavor impact.

The “Kikyou Shingen Mochi Parfait” features the signature elements of Kikyou Shingen Mochi—brown sugar syrup (kuromitsu) and roasted soybean flour (kinako)—along with twice the amount of warabi mochi compared to last year. While last year’s version included two pieces of warabi mochi, this year’s has four. It also comes with a “kuromitsu dropper,” allowing you to add extra syrup to your liking. The parfait is layered from the bottom up with kinako and kuromitsu, cornflakes, soft-serve ice cream, kuromitsu cream, warabi mochi, and a final drizzle of kuromitsu on top.

The topping that resembles sweet red bean paste is actually the same brown sugar syrup cream used in the “Premium Chococro.” It has a light, fluffy texture and a smooth mouthfeel. The flavor lingers richly after swallowing, leaving you wanting to enjoy the brown sugar cream on its own again and again. The kinako and kuromitsu at the bottom have a bold, concentrated taste, which blends beautifully when eaten together with the melting soft-serve ice cream.

The “Kikyou Shingen Mochi Smoothie” uses the same kuromitsu (brown sugar syrup) and kinako (roasted soybean flour) found in Kikyou Shingen Mochi, and recreates the flavor more faithfully than last year. Inside the smoothie is approximately ten times the amount of kinako used for the topping, delivering a rich, nutty flavor that spreads across the palate. This dedication is evident in the tasting experience—the kinako presence is so strong it even adds a slightly powdery texture. Despite this, there’s no need to worry about it causing any choking sensation.

The smoothie is topped with soft-serve ice cream, two pieces of warabi mochi, and a drizzle of kuromitsu. When enjoyed together, the creamy sweetness of the soft-serve enhances the nutty aroma of the kinako, creating a perfectly balanced flavor. It truly lives up to its name as a “drinkable Kikyou Shingen Mochi.” Customers can choose whether they want it with or without soft-serve, and it is available in medium size only.

Please note that all items may be discontinued without prior notice. Prices may vary by location.

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