Sora no Yado Isogai Countryside Experience🧑🏻‍🌾

Isogai Farm is one of several farmstays located in western Tokushima, in the small village of Mikidochi, Tsurugi town.

 

The Isogai family is truly in touch with nature--surrounded by sweeping mountain peaks, they grow everything they use for daily life, to the point they have no need to venture into town! This area is even recognized as a World Agricultural Heritage site for safeguarding traditional farming methods, and they grow all kinds of colourful millet and grains characteristic of Nishi-Awa, such as soba, takakibi, kokibi and awa.

Of course, they cultivate their own ingredients for dango making, as well! Looking at the pictures, you might think these sweets look a lot like manju, and true, they’re much the same! Japanese sweets, however, tend to have their own culture and roots depending on the region, and according to Ms. Isogai, Tsurugi’s “manju” have been called “dango” for generations. The idea of “countryside dango” soon became iconic in Nishi-Awa; a delicious, huge steamed bun made with local fillings! Each region has its own flavour, so you really need to try them all… 😁

 

During this experience, you can choose from seasonal ingredients, such as azuki bean, chestnut, soramame bean and potato jams. The dango are then steamed over fire, the old-fashioned way, and you can enjoy them fresh with a cup of the Isogais’ homegrown tea. 🥰