Senbei Baking Experience

OVERVIEW

Try your hand at baking senbei rice crackers and visit a sprawling market where many of the ingredients are sold along with other local specialties. Niigata is one of Japan’s major rice-producing prefectures, so it is only natural that rice-based items such as sake and senbei are made in abundance. These crackers are so popular that one of the largest manufacturers opened a theme park in Niigata, where you can learn more than you ever thought possible about senbei. You will see all sorts of rice products at Minato no Marche at Pier Bandai, a gourmet food market along the Shinano River. Uncooked rice, sake and sashimi rice bowls are just a few of the offerings.

HIGHLIGHTS

• Watch artisans grill crackers made with rice grown in the Niigata Prefecture.
• Bake senbei rice crackers and enjoy them right away.
• See an array of rice products at a bustling waterfront market on the river.
• Dine on your own at the market, if you wish.

HELPFUL HINTS

• Dress in weather-appropriate clothing.
• Wear flat comfortable walking shoes.