🍜 Guo Gong House郭公屋 かっこうだんご

Yanmeixi is a scenic spot in Iwate, featuring a stretch of approximately 2 kilometers filled with strange rocks and giant boulders, showcasing unparalleled beauty of the valley. The most famous local specialty is a type of dango known for its unique purchasing method. From shops on the opposite bank of the stream, ropes are tied to both ends of the dango's location. Customers place their money in a bamboo basket hanging from the rope and lightly tap a wooden board to complete the transaction. When the staff hears the sound of the wooden board being tapped, they pull the bamboo basket back to collect the cash, then place the dango and tea into the basket and slide it back across the river to deliver the order. This "Flying Dango," delivered in a "flying" manner above the clear river, is very popular among travelers. Each serving of dango comes in three flavors. There is an irresistible soy sauce flavor that is sweet and savory, a rich and aromatic black sesame flavor, and a smooth red bean flavor with an elegant sweetness. The lightly bitter green tea that accompanies the set is a perfect match. Enjoying dango against the backdrop of the magnificent valley scenery makes it taste even more delicious.

The famous cuisine of Iwate's scenic spot "Genbikei" is particularly appealing due to its unique ordering method. A serving of dango consists of three skewers, each featuring a different flavor: soy sauce, black sesame, and red bean.