Hida no Kataribe
A typical confectionery of Otowaya. Kneaded dough of Kinako (roasted soybean flour) and Kousen (roasted barley) is coated with silk-like pure white syrup. It is a Gem of representative tea confectionery of Hida region. “Kataribe” is an old term for “storyteller” in Japanese. The name of this sweet has derived from the image of it; eating it and drinking tea while sitting around the hearth and listening to old stories.
The soft texture is loved by people of all ages.
Typical Traditional Sweets in Hida
Genkotsu
A typical paste-like Dagashi. The chewy and soft texture makes you want to eat more and more.
Mameita
A representative delicious Dagashi of Hida. Peanuts are hardened into a round shape with starch syrup. Enjoy the crunchy texture and the delicious taste.
Senbei
There are thin to thick types with different textures.
Find your own best Senbei.
Ame
The sweet and delightful taste makes you happy, while it melts in your mouth.
Try one to take a good break.
Dagashi Made by
Traditional Methods
The Recipe has been Passed Down for Over 80 years
We make Dagashi by using the traditional methods which have been inherited since our founding. We use simple ingredients as soybeans, sesame, wheat, starch syrup, sugar, and so on. We mix, knead, add heat, stretch, and cut them all by hand.
The classical recipes bring out the classical Dagashi taste.
Dagashi (Japanese snacks) of Hida
We make and sell traditional Dagashi of Hida Region in Gifu Prefecture.
Kokusen
Different types of grains (Koku) are hardened together as crackers(sen). Local farmers used to make them for a long time.
Genkotsu
Mixed wheat flour and soybean flour are kneaded with starch syrup, the kneaded dough is stretched into a stick shape, and cut from the edge with a knife.
Nawa Karinto
Simple flavoured and crunchy textured sweets, characterized by the rope-like twisted shapes.
Oshibana Senbei
Lightly baked wheat rice crackers with precious decorations of edible petals.
Kankan bou
Fragrant paste-like sweets. Soybean flour is kneaded with starch syrup and stretched into the elongated stick shape.
Goma bou
Old-fashioned snacks. Black sesame and puffed rice are hardened with light starch syrup.
Ringo Ame
Cute tiny apple-flavoured candies in red and green.
Konpeitou “Iroha”
Large-sized Konpeitou (traditional sugar candies) taste different depending on the colours.
OTOWAYA Main Store
OTOWAYA is located in the centre of Takayama City.
The old-styled warehouse is used as it is.
Step in to feel the nostalgic atmosphere.
Take your time to choose your favourite type of Dagashi in OTOWAYA.
Our Profile
| Company Name | Co. Ltd. OTOWAYA |
| Address | 22 Yuraku cho, Takayama City, Gifu Prefecture |
| TEL | 0577-34-5577 |
| FAX | 0577-35-0605 |
| Representative Director | Tetsuya KIMURA |
| Senior Managing Director | Takuji KIMURA |
| Our Business | Confectionary Business |
| Our Products | Hida no Kataribe, All Sorts of Hida’s Dagashi |
| Main Store | 22 Yuraku cho, Takayama City, Gifu Prefecture TEL +81-577-33-4636 / FAX +81+577-35-0605 |
| Branch Store | Hida Bussankan of Takayama Green Hotel 2-180, Nishinoishiki cho, Takayama City TEL/FAX +81-577-35-0605 |
Our History
| 1870 | The great grandfather of the present owner started a company making and selling confectionery in Gifu City |
| 1937 | The grandfather of the present owner started the store in the current location |
| 1976 | The Heisei Emperor and Empress visited Takayama and bought “Hida no Kataribe” |
| 1980 | “Hida no Kataribe” received the Minister’s Award (the top award) at the National Tourist Souvenir Committee |
| 1989 | “Hida Dagashi” received the Honorary President Award (the top award) at the 21st National Confectionary Exposition |
| 1990 | The Heisei Emperor and Empress visited Takayama for the second time and bought “Hida no Kataribe” again |
| 1993 | “Assorted Hida Dagashi” was selected as a gift from Japan for G7 Advanced State Finance and Foreign Minister’s Meeting held in Tokyo |
| 2003 | “Hida no Kataribe” was selected for ANA’s international business class in-flight meals |
| 2012 | Crown Prince “Akishino” and Crown Princess “Kiko” visited Takayama and bought “Genkotsu” |