Yamagata’s local dish Tama Konnyaku | A story about a famous Tama Kon shop and Chitose Inari Shrine
2025/03/04 This site contains advertisements. Category: local cuisine
Hello! Today I would like to introduce you to a delicious restaurant that serves “Tamakon,” a traditional local dish from Yamagata.
Have you heard of Yamagata’s local dish, “Tamakon”?
Its official name is “tama konnyaku” (ball konnyaku). It consists of three round pieces of konnyaku skewered on a skewer, looking similar to the three dango brothers, and is a dish that allows you to fully enjoy the flavor of savory soy sauce.
What is Tamakon, a local dish from Yamagata? Why Yamagata?
If you are from Yamagata, you will probably recognize “tamakon” as it has become so commonplace that you will see it at festivals, roadside stations, product centers, and other places.
The shop we visited this time was “Chitoseyama Konnyaku,” a long-established store founded in 1926, located at the foot of Mount Chitose in Yamagata City.
History
The reason why Tamakon originally became a local dish of Yamagata is said to be that, going back in history, konnyaku was torn into pieces like dumplings, rolled into balls, seasoned with soy sauce and served during the postwar food shortages of the 1950s and 1960s. After that, with the development of logistics as mass production became possible in factories, Tamakon spread throughout the country as a Yamagata specialty.
Tasting Chitoseyama Konnyaku’s “Tamakon”
I went to Chitoseyama Konnyaku, a place known only to those in the know for its delicious “tamakon,” where you can eat delicious tama konnyaku, so I’d like to introduce it to you.
We immediately tried the “Tamakon” from “Chitoseyama Konnyaku.” Chitoseyama Konnyaku’s “Tamakon” consists of three large tamakon skewered on a bamboo skewer. It looks impressive and looks like it would be quite filling.
This time, the owner kindly gave me a free ball. I’m so grateful!
Ask for mustard to taste. Tamakon and mustard are a perfect combination for those who like them.
As you can see, they are so big that you can’t eat them in one bite, and they are chewy and have a great texture.
The flavor is traditional soy sauce, and the taste and texture are excellent.
The soy sauce they use is from Yamagata Maruyama Soy Sauce.
Menu introduction other than “Tamakon”
Near “Chitoseyama Konnyaku” stands Mt. Chitose, affectionately known as “Onigiri Mountain” by the people of Yamagata.
The dengaku has a sweet miso sauce poured over it, creating an addictive deliciousness. The tamako konnyaku had a “firm!” texture that was enjoyable to bite into, while the dengaku had a “crisp!” yet soft consistency that was easy to eat.
Nearby Shrine Information
Near “Chitoseyama Konnyaku” stands Mt. Chitose, affectionately known as “Onigiri Mountain” by the people of Yamagata.
On the mountain side, there is a large stone torii gate. As you proceed along the mountain path from there, you’ll find the Chitose-yama Inari Shrine dedicated to Toyouke Omikami on the mountainside. Many people seem to enjoy trekking while also paying their respects at the shrine. The approach to the shrine is lined with torii gates, creating a mystical atmosphere. However, with exposed rock surfaces in places and many areas without stairs, it can’t be said to be easy to walk. For those with children, it’s recommended to either proceed with caution or worship at the “Fugen Bosatsu Hall” located within the “Chitose-yama Konnyaku” premises.
Also, it appears that you can receive a “goshuin” (shrine seal) at the building just before the shrine. (Prior contact is required.)
Also, for those who think climbing the mountain is a bit of a struggle, there is the Fugen Bosatsu Hall on the Chitoseyama Konnyaku grounds, which enshrines Fugen Bosatsu, who is believed to grant longevity, protection of women, good health, and increased happiness.
Location information
To access Chitoseyama Konnyaku, exit at Zao IC, go straight, pass the Yamagata Prefectural Office, turn left at the first traffic light, and it will be on your right immediately after that.
There is a parking lot in front of the store that can accommodate 5 to 6 cars.
In addition, those who go trekking or visit Chitose Inari Shrine can use the parking lot at the Chitoseyama Natural Recreational Forest Recreation Center Base, located behind the Chitoseyama Konnyaku building.
There are clean toilet facilities at the entrance to the shrine, making it a user-friendly facility.
summary
What do you think? Are you interested in trying “Tamakon”, a local dish of Yamagata Prefecture? This is a staple at festivals, roadside stations, and product centers in Yamagata Prefecture, so why not try it at a specialty store?
Also, the neighboring Chitose Inari Shrine is a mystical place lined with torii gates, so be sure to visit.
This time, we introduced a delicious “Tamakon” restaurant and the nearby “Chitoseyama Inari Shrine.”
