🟠 Local-First — Enjoy Kyoto’s Original Mitarashi Dango While Exploring Its Historic Streets.
Mitarashi dango can be found across Kyoto’s sightseeing areas—from Kiyomizu and Gion to Arashiyama and Fushimi. The photo shows a stall spotted along Sannenzaka in Higashiyama.
Last updated: 2025-12-05
Introduction
Mitarashi dango, skewered rice dumplings glazed with a sweet soy sauce, originated in Kyoto—said to come from the sacred Mitarashi Pond at Shimogamo Shrine. It’s one of the most walkable sweets in Kyoto, easily enjoyed on the go. While Sannenzaka in Higashiyama is a classic spot, you’ll also find freshly grilled skewers in Gion, Arashiyama, and on the approach to Fushimi Inari Shrine.
What to Try
Freshly grilled mitarashi dango — slightly charred on the outside, soft inside, with a glaze that balances sugar and soy. In Kyoto, you’ll often see five dumplings per skewer (though it varies by shop). Let it cool briefly before the first bite—the rising steam carries the aroma, and it’s perfect for a quick photo before eating.
How to Order
Order by the number of skewers at the counter. Simply say, “One mitarashi dango, please.” Some shops separate takeout from eat-here options—choose the latter for the full experience. During peak hours, many stands keep skewers semi-prepared for quick finishing, so the line moves fast.
Tokyo or Trip?
You can find mitarashi dango in Tokyo, but only in Kyoto can you taste it where it was born, surrounded by the city’s scenery. The combination of stone-paved streets, wooden townhouses, and the aroma of grilled dango is a sensory experience unique to Kyoto. Multiple shops stand within short walking distance, so take a stroll and compare a few.
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- Tenshin Chahan in Togoshi-Ginza — Japanese-Chinese Comfort 🍳
- Hotcakes at Kissaten Victor, Osaka 🥞
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About "Taste of Japan"
Hello, I'm Yuta.
Born in landlocked Yamanashi and having lived in the gourmet city of Sendai for 10 years, I now call Togoshi-Ginza home. My frequent business trips across Japan allow me to constantly explore the diversity of regional flavors.
Why Togoshi-Ginza?
This street is Tokyo’s longest shopping arcade (about 1.3 km), but it holds a special history. It was the very first street in Japan to adopt the "Ginza" name—a tradition that later spread across the country—after receiving bricks from the famous Ginza district following the 1923 Great Kanto Earthquake.
My Wish as a Local
I am not a culinary expert. However, as a Japanese local who knows both the convenience of Tokyo and the origins of regional food, I want to share the "atmosphere" and "personal feelings" that you won't find in standard guidebooks.
The Concept: "Tokyo or Trip?"
Visiting every region of Japan in a single trip is nearly impossible. Some food experiences are worth the travel to the source, while others offer a fully satisfying experience right here in Tokyo.
This blog is a guide to help you make that choice. Based in Togoshi-Ginza, I share my honest experiences and "my personal answer" to help you maximize your culinary journey in Japan.
- 🟠 Local-First: Best experienced in its home region. Worth a trip.
- 🟢 Great-in-Tokyo: A nationwide favorite or regional specialty that offers a fully satisfying, authentic experience right here in Tokyo.
- 🟣 Tokyo-Do-Must: A unique food culture born in or exclusive to Tokyo.