Cook and Taste: Shiobara Onsen Gourmet - DIY Experience of Traditional Shiobara Crepes 'Tote-yaki'

【STORY】

Named after the leisurely sound of the horse-drawn carriage that once roamed through the Shiobara Onsen, tote-yaki gets its name from Tote basha the rhythmic sound "tote tote," a Japanese onomatopoeia.  Its charming form mimics the trumpet-shaped horn used in the carriage, and this local gourmet delight is served in various shops from cafes to sushi restaurants. Shiobara Onsen town is known for the joy of trying different flavors, including sweet and savory varieties, as each shop offers a unique taste.

The location for this program is the traditional Japanese sweets shop Eitarou. Established in 1915 by the first-generation owner, who trained at Eitarou in Nihonbashi, the shop is about to celebrate its centennial in Shiobara. Eitarou aims to create a lively atmosphere where people enjoy conversations while savoring their sweets. We use local ingredients as much as possible, emphasizing additive-free, delicious, and safe sweets, delivering their dedicated sweet bean paste to many.

Experience the joy of making the local delicacy tote-yaki using Nasushiobara city's fresh milk and eggs. This program offers a unique opportunity to interact with craftsmen from the long-established Japanese sweets shop Eitarou while enjoying a moment of connection. Taste your original tote-yaki, featuring additive-free sweet bean paste, all while surrounded by the natural beauty of the gorge.

【HIGHLIGHTS】 

• Experience making local specialty tote-yaki with locally produced milk and eggs from Nasu-Shiobara.
• An enjoyable time creating alongside a craftsman from a long-established Japanese sweets shop, engaging in direct dialogue.
• Savor your own original tote-yaki with our proud additive-free sweet bean paste, all while enjoying the natural beauty of the gorge.

【SCHEDULE】

[11:25] Gather at Eitarou
[11:30] Explore the story of tote-yaki and Eitarou
[11:40] Watch the Making of tote-yaki dough
[12:10] Hands-on tote-yaki making experience
　　　 Try making your own tote-yaki by wrapping your favorite ingredients, such as Eitarou's specialty bean paste and fruits

[12:30] Taste your tote-yaki
[13:45] Disband at your leisure

【THINGS TO NOTE】

• Duration：75 minutes
• Meeting point：Inside Eitarou　[MAP]
  689 Shiobara, Nasushiobara-shi, Tochigi, 329-2921
  
• Access：5 minutes walk from Shiobara Onsen Bus Terminal
• Language support：Japanese, English (Supplementary materials, mobile apps, other tools for support)
  
• Included：
  ・Explanation by an experienced Japanese confectionery craftsman
  ・Ingredients and production costs for one tote-yaki
  ・One drink (coffee/tea/apple juice)
• Participation requirements：
  ・No age restrictions
  (Elementary school students must be accompanied by an adult. Preschoolers will need someone else to handle the baking part on their behalf.)
  ・Accompanying without participating in the experience is also allowed. If you wish to eat together, you can order tote-yaki at the regular cafe price.
  ・The experience is generally conducted with other customers.
• Special support：
  ・Wheelchairs are accessible.
  ・Strollers are accessible.
  ・Infants are required to sit on laps.
  ・Luggage storage is available.
• Free Wi-Fi：〇
  
• Toilet：Yes (Western-style)
• Other things to note：
  ・If you have any allergies or specific concerns, please provide details in the reservation form.
  ・For those who are not fond of sweet red bean paste, it can be replaced with chocolate. Please inform us on the day of the experience.  

【CANCELLATION POLICY】

7 days to 72 hours before the experience start time to start time: 30%
From 72 hours before the experience start time to start time: 100%
Cancellation after the experience has started or cancellation without contact: 100%