If you were anywhere near Japanese social media last summer, you probably saw the frenzy: Mister Donut’s ‘Mocchurin’ (もっちゅりん) sold out so fast that the company had to issue a public apology. Some stores reportedly sold out within hours of opening. The online pre-order site was hit with heavy traffic. It was, by any measure, a phenomenon.
Now it’s back. Starting June 3, 2026, Mister Donut will bring Mocchurin back in three flavors — including a brand-new strawberry. Kinako and mitarashi are scheduled to stay on sale through mid-August, while strawberry will only be available through late June. If you’re planning a trip to Japan this summer, here’s everything you need to know to actually get your hands on one.
What Is a Mocchurin, Exactly?
Mister Donut already has the Pon de Ring, its signature chewy donut inspired by Brazilian cheese bread (pão de queijo) that's been a fan favorite since 2003. The Mocchurin takes that mochi-like chewiness to a different level entirely. The name itself is a play on 'mocchuri,' a Japanese texture word that goes beyond standard 'mochi mochi' — think pillowy softness with a springy, satisfying chew.
Mister Donut originally launched the Mocchurin in 2025 to celebrate its 55th anniversary in Japan. The response was so overwhelming that the chain couldn't keep up with demand: many stores sold out daily, and frustrated fans flooded social media. For 2026, Mister Donut is trying to make them easier to get by increasing production and opening pre-orders earlier to give more people a chance to try them.
The Three Flavors (and What They Cost)
Mocchurin Kinako — ¥216 takeout / ¥220 eat-in
The simplest of the three, and probably the best way to experience the Mocchurin texture. Dusted with kinako (roasted soybean flour), this one lets the dough itself be the star. If you’ve never had a Mocchurin before, start here.
Mocchurin Mitarashi — ¥226 takeout / ¥231 eat-in
Coated with a mitarashi-style sweet-savory soy glaze — the kind you’ll recognize from traditional Japanese dango skewers. The combination of that sticky, umami-rich glaze with the chewy dough feels like a mashup of a donut and a Japanese confection, and it works surprisingly well.
Mocchurin Ichigo (Strawberry) — ¥237 takeout / ¥242 eat-in ← NEW
The 2026 newcomer. This one has strawberry filling inside, strawberry sugar on top, and is finished with whipped cream and even more strawberry filling. It’s the most visually striking of the three, and the sweet-tart berry flavor makes it a departure from the traditional Japanese flavors of the other two. Note: this one has a shorter sales window and is scheduled to end in late June.
When Can You Get Them?
In-store sales begin Wednesday, June 3, but the end dates differ by flavor:
Kinako & Mitarashi: June 3 – mid-August (ending gradually)
Ichigo (Strawberry): June 3 – late June only
If you want the strawberry, plan accordingly — you've got roughly three weeks. The kinako and mitarashi will stick around through summer, but even those could sell out at popular locations.
How to Buy: Pre-Order vs. Walk-In
Given last year's sellout chaos, the smartest move is to pre-order through Misdo Net Order (netorder.misterdonut.jp) or the Mister Donut app.
Pre-orders have been open since May 14, and they let you pick a store and timeslot so you can pick up your order without waiting in the regular line.
Fair warning: the site saw heavy traffic when pre-orders launched, with some users reporting long waits just to place an order.
If you'd rather just walk in, your best bet is to arrive early. Many Mister Donut locations open sometime between 7:00 and 10:00 AM, though hours vary by store. Popular stations and shopping-mall locations tend to sell out fastest. Note that net ordering is takeout only and isn't available at every location.
Mister Donut operates around 1,000 stores across Japan, including spots inside train stations and shopping centers. You should be able to find one fairly easily in Tokyo, Osaka, Kyoto, and other major tourist hubs.
Why Travelers Should Care About Mister Donut
Here’s the thing: Mister Donut started as an American chain, but its U.S. presence has largely disappeared. In Japan, the brand reinvented itself with Japan-only menu items and seasonal collaborations (Pokémon donuts, anyone?). A visit to Misdo is one of those small, everyday Japanese experiences that may not make most guidebooks but can still become a memorable part of your trip.
At around ¥700 (tax included) for all three Mocchurin flavors, it’s a cheap, fun little food experience to add to your Japan trip. Grab a tray, pick your flavors, and enjoy them with a cup of Misdo's surprisingly decent coffee. It's the kind of low-key Japanese moment that sticks with you.
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This article was translated from the original Japanese with AI assistance and reviewed by our editorial team. The Japanese version is authoritative.
