Opening hours, fees and event dates change. Before you go, please confirm the latest details on each facility's or organizer's official information.
Higashimurayama's “grilled dango”
Grilled dango is an old-time Higashimurayama snack, brushed with soy glaze and grilled fragrantly over charcoal. The Higashimurayama Chamber of Commerce's “Sato ni Hachikoku” introduces it as a regional taste of the town. The Chamber even makes a “grilled-dango shop map” — that's how rooted grilled dango is in Higashimurayama's food culture. Different from sweet red-bean dango, its charm lies in the fragrance of soy and the rustic taste of rice.
“Sasamoto Dango-ten,” said to be loved by Ken Shimura
Known as a grilled-dango shop is “Sasamoto Dango-ten” in Kumegawa-cho. It is said to be a flavor loved by Ken Shimura, a Higashimurayama native, and it has been featured on TV. Because they grill to order, you can enjoy them piping hot and fresh — that's the charm. The time you spend waiting for them to finish grilling is a treat in itself. The dango may sell out for the day, so earlier in the day is recommended.
- Sasamoto Dango-ten: Kumegawa-cho, Higashimurayama. Grilled dango is around 150 yen per skewer as a guide.
- Hours guide: roughly 9:30 a.m. to 4:30 p.m. (closing once sold out). Said to be closed on Tuesdays.
- Hours, closing days and prices can change. Check the latest before visiting.
There's a Ken Shimura-themed manju too
Higashimurayama also has wagashi (Japanese sweets) named after Ken Shimura's famous catchphrases: “Daijobu daa Manju” and “Daffunda Manju.” We introduce these souvenir-perfect sweets in detail in the souvenir guide.
To the souvenir guide, which features “Daijobu daa Manju” →Grilled dango prices, hours and closing days can change. The connection to Ken Shimura includes hearsay based on Chamber of Commerce and media coverage. Check the shop's latest and official information before visiting.
Sources