Gembikei is well-known for its dango, or sweet rice dumpling, and at Gembikei Gorge, Iwate prefecture, you can experience the most famous of them all – Kakko Dango from Kakko-ya (aka the 'Flying Dango'). After putting your money in a basket, which sits on a cable overhanging the gorge, just knock the wooden board to signal your order request is ready. Watch as the basket gets pulled up to Kakko-ya across the gorge, and marvel as it comes flying back complete with dango and tea inside (with not a drop spilled). Dango comes in 3 varieties: goma (sesame), mitarashi (sweet soy sauce) and an (red bean paste).
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Find out more about Genbikei Gorge.
Tom Roseveare @tom.roseveare
Creative Director at Japan Travel, based in Tokyo. Feel free to reach out about living, working or travelling in Japan – just book a time.
