Kakkouya at Genbikei

郭公屋

 Combine the joy of food with the beauty of nature.

Autumn colours at kakkoya

'Flying dango' is one of the main attractions of Genbikei. The skewered rice dumplings (dango) are a beloved staple for both locals and tourists. Typically, visitors will order dango by requesting them at the base end of the gorge, however, for those just seeking out the sticky treats , there is an alternative option: walking up to the dango shop that uniquely serves these tasty treats 'flying' down the gorge.

At the shop, guests are greeted by a tranquil ambiance. The gentle sounds of nature, combined with the stunning views, create the perfect backdrop for relaxation.

Whether you choose to enjoy your dango amidst the lively atmosphere at the base of the gorge or prefer the calm and picturesque setting of the shop, the dango remains a must-try delicacy that embodies the charm of this remarkable location.

Black Sesame flavour is my favourite if you can tell :P

There are three flavors of dango ↓

Koshian: red bean jam

Mitarashi: sweet soy

Kurogoma: black sesame (in comes in a paste form)

You might find these dango a little perplexing, as they differ from what you might expect. Instead of being formed into individual balls, their sticky nature means the dango are rolled and stretched into a long log shape before being sliced with a knife, resulting in a flat appearance. The texture is also unique—smooth, light, and sticky. You'll see what I mean!

For those who would like to try the 'flying' dango experience, here is how to do it. Please refer the the video below for a better idea. How to order dango at the gorge end: 1) put money into the basket (500yen) 2) knock on the wooden board 3) watch as your order gets hoisted up 4) wait for your order to 'fly' towards you.

Details

Address: Takinoue-211 Genbicho, Ichinoseki, Iwate Prefecture

Open: Most days from 9:30 am to around 3:00 pm (or until they run out). *As of 2025, the shop has closed days (For April 1, 8, 15). Winter months are closed.

Phone: 0191292031

Please check their Instagram for details: https://www.instagram.com/kakkou_dango/?hl=ja