[Ichinoseki, Iwate Prefecture] Is Genbikei a mecca for dango shops? Dangos flying in the sky and looking at the waterfall

Genbikei, a famous spot in Iwate. Dango is a specialty here. Many people come here for the famous flying dango. Takimi dango and Itsukushi dango are also popular. Therefore, this time we will feature Genbikei's popular dango.

What is Genbikei?

Genbikei, located in Ichinoseki, Iwate Prefecture, is designated as a national natural monument.

This valley is made up of tuff deposited by the eruption of Mt. Kurikoma (1,652 m above sea level), which straddles the three prefectures of Iwate, Akita, and Miyagi, and has been eroded by the Iwai River flowing from the north slope of Mt. Kurikoma. This is Genbikei. The long-eroded valley is surrounded on both sides by steep cliffs. You can also see many strange-looking rocks, 48 ​​waterfalls, and rare natural holes in the rocks called potholes.

Article link: [Iwate] Genbikei, a famous place named by Date Masamune as a scenic spot within the domain

Genbikei's famous dumplings fly in the sky

Many people visit Genbikei just to see the ``flying dango''. Although the title sounds like something out of a picture book, it is actually a gourmet dish that you can enjoy watching. Be sure to check it out when you visit Genbikei.

The place that sells flying dango is ``Kakkoya'' in Genbikei.
It has also appeared on the popular TV show ``Wednesday Doso''. Flying Dango is sold under the name "Kakko Dango". The dumpling shop is located on the quay (rocky area) across the river from Guo Gongya. There is an arbor there that is used as a rest area. There is a rope in the arbor. This extends from Guo Gongya to the pavilion. That is what is coming across rivers and valleys. There is a basket attached to the rope of the gazebo. Add the dango money (400 yen for 3 pieces) to this. After putting money in, hit the board attached to the rope with the hammer that is also attached. Then, the shopkeeper pops out from the Guo Gongya on the opposite bank and slides the basket full of money down the rope. After a while, the basket will be returned. Inside, there are dumplings and tea. There are three types of dango: red bean paste, black sesame, and mitarashi.

It's worth seeing to see the basket full of dango gliding effortlessly along the rope through the steep valley of Genbi Gorge. It is truly a spectacular view that can only be seen here.

It has been featured in the media because it is a dango that flies through the sky. However, the taste is also exquisite. Rather than the usual spherical dumplings, they are cylindrical in shape. And it feels surprisingly soft to the touch. It does not contain any food additives or synthetic preservatives, so you can eat it with confidence.

INFORMATION

Takimi Dango comes in a set of 5 colors and is very satisfying to eat.

In addition to the famous Kakko Dango, there are actually two other popular dango shops in Genbikei. Many people visit all of them and compare them. One is Takimi Dango.

This dango shop is located on the banks of Genbikei and is run by a husband and wife team. The specialty is the five-colored dango. It costs 650 yen and includes 5 sticks: isobe, walnut, red bean paste, zunda, and sesame. The dango made with Sasanishiki from Ichinoseki is a special dish.

INFORMATION

Itsukushi dango is characterized by its rice cake-like consistency.

Another type of dango in Genbikei is Itsukushi dango.
Itsukushi dango comes from the fact that in ancient times, this area was called ``Itsukushi.'' Therefore, it is characterized by five dangos stuck on one skewer. The dango is made with 100% non-glutinous rice grown in Genbi Town. It has a reputation for being chewy and delicious. Popular menu items include the 3-bottle set of soy sauce, sesame, and red bean paste, and the 3-bottle set of soy sauce, zunda, and walnut. Both are 390 yen.

INFORMATION

TikTok videos

@neft_tohoku Genbikei, a scenic spot in Ichinoseki City, Iwate Prefecture. I ate Guo Gong Dango from Guo Gongya, which is famous as "Flying Dango"! On this day, there were many tourists from Taiwan, and the baskets were decorated with Japanese and Taiwanese flags. It was a great time to enjoy tea and dumplings while looking at the spectacular view 😋 #Iwate Prefecture #Ichinoseki City #Genbikei #Guo #Guo Gong Dango #Flying Dango ♬ Original song – Tohoku Rokken Trivia Media | NEFT