“Tote-yaki” is a local food originating from Shiobara. While it looks like a crepe, the exquisite thickness of the dough creates a texture that is like castella cake. It’s incredibly fluffy. The dough is made with milk and eggs from Nasu-Shiobara, which boasts the largest raw milk production in Honshu, and the fillings vary from shop to shop. You can enjoy a total of 12 unique types of tote-yaki in the Shiobara Onsen area, ranging from sweet varieties using fresh cream, fruit, and red bean paste to savory varieties that wrap soba noodles and sushi.
Shiobara's famous horse-drawn carriage
Incidentally, the "tote" in "tote-yaki" comes from "tote-basha" (tote carriage). In the past, the trumpet-shaped horns used on these carriages made a sound like "tote, tote tote tote," hence the name "tote-basha." Tote-yaki is a food item created to resemble the shape of that trumpet. The tote-basha, which operated as a means of transportation in Shiobara from the middle of the Meiji era, unfortunately no longer runs on a regular schedule. (Only occasional runs are available.)
List of Shiobara Onsen Tote-yaki
Imaiya Confectionery
Black honey and kinako (roasted soybean flour) - ¥500
A fluffy, hand-baked cake rolled with fresh cream, coarsely ground kinako (roasted soybean flour), and black honey agar jelly! Absolutely delicious. Address: 786-8 Shiobara, Nasushiobara City TEL: 0287-32-2301 Parking: 10 spaces Business Hours: 6:30 AM - 5:00 PM Closed: Irregularly, once a month
Maitake mushroom tempura with curry salt flavor, and fresh vegetables and Japanese soba noodles served with tartar sauce for a salad-like dish. Address: 771-2 Shiobara, Nasushiobara City TEL: 0287-32-2127 Parking: 5 spaces Business Hours: 11:00-15:00 Closed: Irregular holidays
This is a Tote-yaki (a type of Japanese sweet) filled with vegetable soft serve ice cream, a specialty of the direct sales store that stocks delicious vegetables from Shiobara. Address: 747 Shiobara, Nasushiobara City TEL: 0287-32-4000 Parking: 23 spaces Business Hours: 8:00 AM - 4:00 PM Closed: Sales suspended from November 29th to mid-April due to the direct sales store's winter closure.
This is a hand-rolled sushi style dish made with vinegared rice using red vinegar, filled with marinated tuna, salmon roe, and other ingredients. Address: 725 Shiobara, Nasushiobara City TEL: 0287-32-2061 Parking: 5 spaces Business Hours: 11:00-15:00 and 17:00-22:00 Closed: Mondays
This is a delicious pastry filled with rich, creamy vegan cream made with organic soy milk and organic brown rice flour, and plenty of fruit. Fresh cream is also available as an alternative. Address: 689 Shiobara, Nasushiobara City TEL: 0287-32-2314 Parking: 3 spaces Business Hours: 11:00 AM - 6:00 PM Closed: Irregular
A variety of ingredients are used, including seasonal fruits, banana cream, and homemade bean paste. Chocolate is available for those who don't like bean paste. *Ends when ingredients run out. Address: 689 Shiobara, Nasushiobara City TEL: 0287-32-2155 Parking: 4 spaces Business hours: 8:00-18:00 Closed: Irregular
We've created a refreshing treat with homemade yogurt, plenty of strawberries, cream, custard, and blueberries. Address: 683-2 Shiobara, Nasushiobara City TEL: 0287-32-2178 Parking: 4 spaces Business Hours: 10:00 AM - 5:00 PM Closed: Irregular
Made with homemade strained bean paste, fresh cream, and custard cream. The custard cream is lightly caramelized for a crispy finish. Address: 618 Shiobara, Nasushiobara City TEL: 0287-32-2568 Parking: 3 spaces Business Hours: 7:00 AM - 5:00 PM (Sales hours: 10:00 AM - 4:00 PM) Closed: Irregular holidays
Local chicken meatballs are grilled, marinated in a special sauce, and served with highland vegetables, special mayonnaise, and cheese for a juicy, hand-grilled treat. Address: 323 Shiobara, Nasushiobara City TEL: 0287-32-2824 Parking: 40 spaces Business Hours: 10:00 AM - 5:30 PM *Sales Hours: 10:30 AM - 6:00 PM Closed: Irregular holidays
