"Sasadango," a specialty of Niigata, is a traditional Japanese confectionery with a chewy texture and subtle sweetness. It has been loved as soul food by people of all ages.

Let's explore the characteristics and history of sasadango.

Characteristics of Sasadango

When you open the bamboo leaves, the soft mugwort mochi appears, and the natural aroma of the "Sasadango" spreads out. The chewy dough and the sweet bean paste are in perfect harmony, and you can enjoy a simple yet deep flavor.

Sasa dango is packed with ingenuity that can only be found in Niigata. First, the dough is made from rice flour, mugwort that has been soaked in water is added and kneaded well, then the red bean paste is wrapped around it and shaped into a ball. The dumpling is then carefully wrapped in three pieces of bamboo, tied with sedge or rush grass and steamed for around 20 minutes, which brings out the fragrant flavor of the bamboo and mugwort.

The way the tying is done varies depending on the region. In Niigata City, it is common to tie it in the center, but in former castle towns such as Shibata and Murakami, only the ends are tied to avoid association with "samurai seppuku."

When eating, open the bamboo like a banana peel to avoid getting your hands dirty, and tear it along the fibers of the bamboo to make it easier to peel. Even if it hardens, it can be steamed or heated in the microwave to make it delicious.

Sasadango is a charming dish that combines chewy mugwort rice cakes, lightly sweet bean paste, and the aroma of bamboo leaves, bringing back nostalgic feelings with just one bite.

The History of Sasadango

Niigata's specialty "Sasadango" is now beloved as a Japanese sweet, but its history dates back to the Sengoku period. It is said to have originated in the Chuetsu and Shimoetsu regions of Niigata and the Aizu region of Fukushima Prefecture about 500 years ago, and was originally used as a preserved food. As bamboo leaves have antiseptic properties, they were carried by military commanders on the battlefield, and one famous theory is that they were particularly popular with Uesugi Kenshin. There is also a theory that they were created as an effective way to make use of missing rice that could not be paid as tax.

Unlike today's sasa dango, the sasa dango of those days were not filled with bean paste, but were wrapped around leftover side dishes or kinpira (fried vegetables and vegetables stir-fried in soy sauce) and eaten as a staple food. For celebratory occasions, high-quality rice and red beans were sometimes used, and in some regions, the ones filled with bean paste were called "women's dango" (women's dango) and the ones filled with kinpira (fried vegetables and vegetables stir-fried in soy sauce) were called "men's dango" (men's dango).

Sasadango became very well known when it was recommended as a souvenir for the Niigata National Athletic Meet in 1964. Its shape, reminiscent of a rice sack, perfectly matches the image of Niigata as a rice-producing region, and it has become a favorite with many tourists.

Sasa-dango also had the meaning of warding off evil spirits. May was known as the "evil month" and was said to be a time when misfortunes and diseases were likely to occur, so the strong scents of mugwort and iris were used to ward off evil spirits. They were made as offerings for the Boys' Festival and to Yakushi, and were eaten while praying for good health.

With such a history, sasa dango still plays an indispensable role in Niigata's festivals, religious ceremonies, and when praying for a good harvest. In modern times, with the development of freezing technology, sasa dango is exported overseas and enjoyed around the world.

Japanese sweets shops throughout Niigata hold "Sasadango making experiences," providing tourists with an opportunity to experience the history and traditions of the region. Sasadango is an indispensable local delicacy that colors seasonal events in Niigata.

Sightseeing spots in Niigata

Niigata, where you can enjoy sasa dango, has a variety of tourist spots. This time, we will introduce three popular tourist spots in Niigata.

Niigata City Aquarium Marinepia Japan Sea

Located in Chuo Ward, Niigata City, "Niigata City Aquarium Marinepia Nihonkai" is one of the largest aquariums on the Japan Sea side. It exhibits approximately 20,000 creatures from 600 different species, and its attractions include the large "Japan Sea Tank" where fish that live in the Japan Sea swim, and the Marine Tunnel where you can experience walking on the seabed.

The especially popular "Dolphin Show" allows you to enjoy the dynamic performances of Pacific white-sided and bottlenose dolphins accompanied by commentary from the trainer. With its vast grounds and diverse exhibits, it is a valuable place where you can learn about biodiversity.

Niigata Senbei Kingdom

Niigata Senbei Kingdom is an experiential theme park operated by Kuriyama Beika, known for the popular rice snack Baka-uke. You can experience the fun of making senbei while experiencing Niigata's rice culture. In addition to being able to watch craftsmen roasting senbei over charcoal from the observation corridor, you can also experience roasting your own senbei and drawing pictures and letters on them. The "Extra Large Painted Senbei" experience is particularly popular.

In the food and drink corner, you can enjoy dishes that can only be tasted here, such as "Senbei Soft Serve Ice Cream" and "Baka-Uke Croquette." There are also plenty of souvenir shops selling limited edition "Baka-Uke" and Niigata specialties, making this the perfect spot to create memories of your trip.

Kiyotsu Gorge

Kiyotsukyo Gorge is one of Japan's three major gorges, alongside Kurobe Gorge and Osugidani, and is known for its stunning views of the steep, V-shaped gorge and the emerald-green Kiyotsu River, which has made it a designated national place of scenic beauty and natural monument.

The view from the Kiyotsukyo Gorge Tunnel is particularly popular, with three observation points inside the tunnel, and the final stop, Panorama Station, where you can enjoy beautiful views of the four seasons. It's also garnering attention as an Instagrammable spot, and there's a foot bath and cafe at the entrance, so you can relax and unwind.

How to get to Niigata

Niigata, which is attractive for its gourmet food and sightseeing, is located in a convenient location and there are various ways to get there, including by plane or JR.

If you take the Joetsu Shinkansen from Tokyo, you will arrive at Niigata Station in about 1 hour and 30 minutes.

From Nagoya, you can take the Shinkansen via Tokyo or Nagano, and the journey takes about 4 hours and 30 minutes.

The most common route from Osaka is to take the Shinkansen to Tokyo and then transfer to the Joetsu Shinkansen, which takes about 5 hours. There are also direct flights from Osaka to Niigata Airport, which takes about an hour.

We also recommend taking a leisurely drive to Niigata. Find the best way to get there.

Location of Niigata Prefecture

summary

Packed with wisdom for everyday life, sasadango has a taste that brings back memories no matter how many times you eat it. With just one bite, you can feel the warmth of Niigata's nature and people.

If you visit Niigata, be sure to try some sasa dango.

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