Shingen-Mochi Factory Theme Park

Kikyo Shingen Mochi Factory Theme Park is the headquarters factory where one of Yamanashi’s signature sweets—kinako-coated mochi eaten with kuromitsu syrup—is produced. “Kikyo Shingen Mochi,” born in 1968, continues to be made with the same traditional recipe and passion passed down since its creation. The site is spacious and offers more than factory viewing: you can also try the hands-on experience of wrapping the sweets in the signature furoshiki-style packaging (extra fee). There are many attractions, including the very popular “Green Outlet 1/2” where you can pack assorted sweets (including Shingen Mochi and seasonal items) into a dedicated bag at very reasonable prices (ends when sold out). The “Employee Special Price 1/2” corner sells items that may be close to their best-before date or slightly misshapen—still identical in quality and taste to regular products, great for home use. Because it’s extremely popular, purchase limits may apply to Shingen Mochi. The café sells freshly made items like Shingen Mochi manju and Shingen Mochi fried bread, and in summer there is a very popular Shingen Mochi soft-serve. Unexpectedly, they also sell original bento and deli foods made using vegetables from their own farm. There is even an Italian restaurant, making it a great stop for food plus factory touring during a drive. Access: by car, 5 minutes from Chuo Expressway “Ichinomiya-Misaka IC.” By train, about 20 minutes by taxi from JR Chuo Main Line “Isawa-Onsen Station.”