Greater Tokyo

SAITAMA

Soka Senbei Garden

A Traditional Rice Cracker Experience in Soka City

Step into the world of authentic Japanese rice crackers at Soka Senbei Garden (Soka Senbei no Niwa), where centuries-old craftsmanship meets hands-on cultural experiences in the heart of Saitama Prefecture. Escape Tokyo's urban bustle for a delicious journey into traditional Japanese snack-making—no culinary skills required.
Culture & Arts Experience & Activities Eat & Drink
At Soka Senbei Garden in Soka City, you'll witness master artisans crafting senbei rice crackers using traditional charcoal-grilling techniques passed down through generations. The facility welcomes walk-in guests for hands-on workshops where you can try making your own crackers under expert guidance, and no reservation is needed. Watch as skilled craftspeople transform simple rice dough into perfectly crispy senbei over glowing charcoal, then roll up your sleeves and create your own edible souvenir. The expansive shop showcases an impressive selection of approximately 100 varieties of rice crackers: from classic hard-baked senbei and crispy rice oil-fried okoge to unexpected treats like chocolate-coated senbei and emergency food sets, there's something for every palate. Among those, tenhare is freshly baked in the on-site workshop, ensuring maximum flavor and crunch.
After your workshop experience, relax in the garden café, surrounded by seasonal greenery that earned the facility an award from the city for its splendid scenery. The café's creative menu puts unique spins on traditional ingredients: try the Soka senbei soft-serve ice cream, donuts, senbei-based dashi udon noodles, or the healthy meat-free senbei burger. For drinks, sample juice made with locally grown komatsuna (Japanese mustard spinach), carefully brewed coffee and tea, or apple juice straight from Aomori prefecture.
History enthusiasts shouldn't miss the nearby Soka Matsubara, a 1.5-kilometer pine-lined path along the former Nikko Kaido highway. This scenic route, associated with poet Matsuo Basho's famous journey documented in "The Narrow Road to the Deep North," features 634 restored pine trees and preserves the atmosphere of the Edo period.
For an authentic taste of Japanese craftsmanship combined with culinary adventure, Soka Senbei Garden offers the perfect day trip from Tokyo, offering you the chance to enjoy one-of-a-kind snacks in a unique setting. Come hungry, leave inspired, and take home both memories and delicious handmade treats!
Phone number
+81-48-942-1000 / Inquiry form on the website (Japanese only)
Business hours
10:00–18:00 (Last order for the café and hand-grilling experience: 17:30) / Closed None (Open daily)