SaitamaLeisure

Soka Senbei no Niwa (草加せんべいの庭)

Flow of the course

Previous stop: Stroll the pine-lined promenade associated with Matsuo Basho and the bridge with a red railing

About 15 min from the previous stop

About 45 min here

About 15 min to the next stop

Next stop: Have an early dinner before the fireworks at a yakiniku and teppan restaurant 2 minutes on foot from Soka Station

About this spot

Soka is known as the home of Soka senbei rice crackers, a specialty dating back to the Edo period. Local senbei shops sometimes offer a hand-grilling experience where you can grill the dough over an open flame to make your own personal cracker, enjoying the toasty aroma and freshly grilled taste. A freshly grilled senbei with the fragrance of soy sauce glaze wafting up makes for a special memory you can't get anywhere else. It's an experience anyone, from kids to adults, can easily enjoy.

Tips

Whether the experience is offered and whether reservations are required varies by shop, so it's reassuring to check in advance. Freshly grilled crackers are hot, so be careful not to burn yourself. Buying extra as souvenirs is also recommended.