Discover Yamagata’s Mogamigawa Senbon Dango, a delicious Japanese treat that sells 1,000 pieces daily. It offers a taste of tradition and sweetness in every bite!
If you're planning to visit Yamagata soon, we highly recommend trying dango, a popular and unique Japanese dessert. Dango is made from steamed and pounded rice, creating a sticky yet soft texture.
In this blog, we'll take you to Mogamigawa Senbon Dango (最上川千本だんご) in Yamagata, where you can enjoy a healthy treat rich in delicious flavors.
What is Mogamigawa Senbon Dango?
Mogamigawa (最上川) is the river's name in Oishida district, Yamagata prefecture. Senbon (千本) means "thousand pieces" or "sticks." This context illustrates the popularity of this dango shop, as they sell a thousand dangos daily.
Japan has four seasons, and Yamagata shows off its differences. Winters here are super snowy compared to other places. It's pretty cool that the shop said they've been working their dangos using a method similar to that of their previous generation. They pound them to hit the right hardness depending on the day's temperature, all without any additives.
Additive-Free Dango
The shop has a sign that says '明日には、固いなるだんご' (ashita ni ha katai naru dango), which means 'Tomorrow, dango will be hard.' This just means their dangos have no additives or preservatives. The sweetness comes naturally from its organic ingredients.
So once you buy them, you better enjoy them that same day!
Price
In 2019, the price ranged from approximately 120 to 180 Yen.
However, starting from July 1, 2024, the store has adjusted the prices of their products. The new prices for each flavor are as follows:
- Dango with Green Bean Paste (ずんだんだんご) → 210 Yen
- Dango with Sweet Soy Sauce (しょうゆだんご) → 150 Yen
- Dango with Black Sesame Paste (ごまだんご) → 150 Yen
- Dango with Sweet Potato Paste (あんこだんご) → 180 Yen
- Dango with Walnut Paste (くるみだんご) → 210 Yen
- Dango with Mixed Nuts Paste (ナッツだんご) → 210 Yen
How to Enjoy Mogamigawa Senbon Dango
If you dine in, you'll receive complimentary hot tea with your dangos. This pairing is perfect for dessert and drink, especially in cool weather. A cup of hot Japanese tea enhances the enjoyment of eating dangos.
Best Time to Visit
We visited this place on a weekday before 10 a.m. When we arrived, there were only a few people there. However, after 10 a.m., many more began to queue up.
Therefore, it’s best to go in the morning before 10 a.m. to avoid the crowds.
How to Get There
By Train
Take the JR Yamagata Line to Oishida Station. After that, walk about 15 minutes toward the Mogami River.
Recommend: The easiest way to get around Yamagata Prefecture is by renting a car.
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