Genbikei Gorge bus stop

The "Flying Dumplings" are a delicious activity worth seeing! [Ichinoseki City, Iwate Prefecture]

is a famous scenic spot in Iwate PrefectureGenbi Gorge. Many tourists visit here in search of the famous "flying dumplings."

So this time we will be featuring the popular dango of Genbikei


What is Genbikei?

located in Ichinoseki City, Iwate PrefectureGenbikei Gorge,a national natural monumentis a scenic spot designated as

Genbikei Gorge

The tuff deposited by the eruption of Mount Kurikoma (1,652m above sea level), which straddles the three prefectures of Iwate, Akita, and Miyagi, was eroded into a valley by the Iwai River, which flows from the northern slope of Mount Kurikoma. This is Genbikei Gorge

The valley, which has been eroded over a long period of time, is surrounded on both sides by steep cliffs

ouketsu, which are round holes formed by river sand and pebbles being carried by the water current, gradually eroding massive rocks as they rotate. Here, you can observe a natural phenomenon created by nature over millions of years.


Genbikei's famous dumplings fly through the sky

Genbi Gorge"flying dumplings,"is famous for its

literally"exactly what it sounds like,"but it's also true that it's hard to convey unless you experience it yourself.

Flying dumplings "Kakkoya"

The shop that sells the flying dumplings isKakkoya.

It has also appeared on the popular TV program "Suiyō Dōdeshō" (How Do You Like Wednesday?). The flying dumplings"Kakkō Dango" (CuckooDumplings), and the dumpling stand is a gazebo located on the cliff (rocky area) across the river from Kakkōya.

A rope is stretched from the cuckoo's house to the gazebo, with a basket attached to the end of the rope

Put some money (3 pieces for 400 yen) into this and hit the board attached to the rope with a hammer

Then, a shopkeeper appears from the cuckoo's house on the opposite bank and carries away the basket containing the money, sliding it down a rope. After a short wait, the basket is returned, containing dumplings and tea

The dango comes in three flavors: red bean paste, black sesame, and mitarashi

Flying dumplings at Genbikei Gorge

It's worth seeing the sight of baskets of dumplings gliding along ropes through the steep valley of Genbikei Gorge. It's a sight you can only see here

These flying dumplings have been featured in the media. They taste amazing. They are not the usual spherical dumplings, but cylindrical. And they have an amazingly soft texture

It contains no food additives or synthetic preservatives, so you can eat it with peace of mind

Guo Gongya<Information>

Google Map


Takimi Dango comes in a five-color set and is extremely satisfying to eat. [Closed in 2020]

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

Located on the banks of Genbikei Gorge, this dango shop is run by a happy husband and wife. Their specialty is the five-color dango. There are five dangos - isobe, walnut, bean paste, zunda, and sesame - for 650 yen. The dango, made with Sasanishiki rice from Ichinoseki, is a speciality item

Postscript: Takimi Dango closed in 2020, much to everyone's regret, due to the owner's advanced age

Genbikei Gorge Guide Map

Itsukushi Dango is characterized by its sticky texture similar to mochi

Another type of dumpling from Genbi Gorgeいつくしだんご.

this region was once"Itsukushi" (五串)" comes from the fact that

The dumplings, made with 100% non-glutinous rice from Genbi Town, are known for their chewy texture and delicious taste. The popular menu items include a set of three with soy sauce, sesame, and red bean paste, and a set of three with soy sauce, zunda, and walnuts

Itsukushi Dango <Information>

Google Map


TikTok videos

@neft_tohoku Genbikei Gorge, a famous scenic spot in Ichinoseki City, Iwate Prefecture. I ate Kakkou Dango from Kakkouya, famous for its "flying dumplings"! There were many tourists from Taiwan that day, and accordingly, the Japanese and Taiwanese flags were displayed in the baskets. It was the best time to enjoy tea and dumplings while looking at the spectacular view 😋 #IwatePrefecture #IchinosekiCity #GenbikeiGorge #Kakkouya #KakkouDango #FlyingDumplings ♬ Original music – Tohoku Rokken Trivia Media | NEFT

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