Genbikei Gorge is renowned for:

1)      The extraordinary landscape

2)      The unique (and delicious) ‘Flying Dango’ system that sends the sticky treats across the gorge.

‘Hana Yori Dango.’ A Japanese expression when directly translated means ‘Flowers over Dango,’ dango referring to the skewered rice cake snack that holds a special place in Japanese cuisine.
However, the saying emphasizes the value of substance over appearance.

At Genbikei however, experience the best of both worlds!
Enjoy the famed dango among the fleeting spring flowers.

One of the most sought out seasons for floral displays is around the corner.
Cherry blossoms and daffodils adorn the riverbanks of Genbikei Gorge.
Last year, I visited during the cherry blossom blooms in mid-April.
I took a leisurely stroll along the banks, and I could see why the feudal lord Date Masamune was fond of this location. It was under his directive that cherry blossoms were planted along the gorge.

At Genbikei however, experience the best of both worlds!
Enjoy the famed dango among the fleeting spring flowers.

One of the most sought out seasons for floral displays is around the corner.
Cherry blossoms and daffodils adorn the riverbanks of Genbikei Gorge.
Last year, I visited during the cherry blossom blooms in mid-April.
I took a leisurely stroll along the banks, and I could see why the feudal lord Date Masamune was fond of this location. It was under his directive that cherry blossoms were planted along the gorge.

Subtle pink hues and the emerald waters cascading from Mount Kurikoma.

If you can’t make the spring flowers, there are still many reasons to visit throughout the year. In summer, relax in lush greenery, providing an escape from the heat.
As autumn arrives, the gorge transforms into a canvas of dramatic foliage.
In winter, the banks take on a stark appearance (note that the dango is not available during this season).

Now, let’s delve into dango. Travelers journey to sample these unique ‘flying dango,’ and they do not disappoint. One might assume that the novelty of the flying dango could overshadow the quality and taste, but that is not the case.

As you take your first bite, you may find yourself questioning everything you knew about dango. Is dango meant to be this soft and smooth? How does it possess such a light yet sticky texture?
Again, you may wonder why they are flat, and not spherical.
Due to their gooey-sticky nature, rather than rolling the dough into small balls by hand, the dough is rolled and stretched into long log-like shapes and divided up by a knife.
They’re also bang-for-your-buck. 500 yen will get you three dango skewers and some tea. They will fill you up, so keep that in mind if you are ordering closer to lunch.

I have included a video below so you can see how the ‘flying dango’ system operates.

Kakkouya, view from the store

‘Flying’ dango can attract a crowd during peak times and popular seasons.
However, even during the busy seasons, the Kakkouya shop that sends the dango gliding across the gorge tends to be quiet. There, you can purchase them directly to take out, or dine in the tranquil shop space.

Cherry blossoms bloom later in the Iwate region compared to more famous locations like Tokyo, Kyoto, and Osaka. Therefore, if you happen to miss the peak bloom times in these southern locations, consider venturing off the beaten path north to Genbikei Gorge.

As of 2025, Kakkouya has irregular closed days. Please check their Instagram for details.
https://www.instagram.com/kakkou_dango/