Handmade Senbei Experience

[Kitakata's Hidden Soul Food] 'Tamari Senbei' nurtured by famous water and breweries, and an inspiring hand-baking experience

Although often overshadowed by ramen and sake, Kitakata has a unique 'Tamari Senbei' culture that has been cherished locally for a long time. The clear underground water from the foot of Mount Iide nurtures exquisite rice, and the 'kura' that maintains a constant temperature and humidity supports the brewing of high-quality soy sauce (tamari). This land's unique climate has miraculously come together to cultivate a delicious rice cracker culture.

■ Established in the 33rd year of the Meiji era, facing the shichirin and charcoal fire

The 'Yamanaka Senbei Honpo' we will visit on this tour has been hand-baking each cracker carefully over charcoal in a brick oven for over 120 years since its founding.

• Unique experience: The charm here is the 'hand-baking experience' using traditional shichirin.
• Essence of handwork: The dough, only about 1mm thick, is sandwiched between a special baking stick and slowly held over the charcoal fire.

■ It's like magic! The dough expands 'as if dancing' in an inspiring moment

The heated dough changes to a whitish color and eventually puffs up 'as if dancing' over the charcoal fire, a moment so fascinating that even adults can't help but cheer.

• Dynamic dough: The rhythmic flipping to avoid burning becomes a simple yet profound experience.
• Enjoying it fresh: Enjoy the hot, freshly baked crackers right there. Please savor the inspiring handwork as the fragrant aroma and sweetness of the rice spread throughout your mouth.