鹽竃神社博物館

The Dango Shop at Shiogama Shrine

Near Shiogama shrine, located at the apex between the massive red torii on the garden walk, the maritime museum, and the sakura garden, this little ramshackle building doesn't look like much. The offerings out front are small snacks and drinks. You can get a can of coke or green tea, even sake if you like, but nothing special. Nothing special, that it, if you ignore the dango. In addition to be in such a beautiful location, the shop offers some of the best dango I have ever eaten, seen here in 3 flavored heaps-- goma (black), miso (tea-colored), and azuki (reddish brown), and served with toothpicks and complementary tea. It is an unassuming sweet snack, but well worth the less than 600-800yen price tag it boasts. This is the perfect treat to brighten up the mid point of a nature walk on a nice clear day in spring or fall, but is also good all year round. Don't come late, though-- the shop is run by a couple of little old ladies and frequently closes by 3PM on weekdays.