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Niigata Senbei Oukoku: A Kingdom of Rice Crackers

Experience the art of senbei making, taste unique rice cracker creations, and explore the history of Japan's beloved snack at Niigata Senbei Oukoku.

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Niigata Senbei Oukoku, or Rice Cracker Kingdom, is a unique theme park in Niigata, Japan, dedicated to the art and enjoyment of senbei (Japanese rice crackers). Located in Niizaki, Kita Ward, Niigata, it offers visitors a hands-on experience in making their own senbei, tasting unique senbei-inspired dishes, and learning about the history and production of this iconic snack.

A brief summary to Niigata Senbei Oukoku (Rice Cracker Kingdom)

  • Monday 9:30 am-5 pm
  • Tuesday 9:30 am-5 pm
  • Wednesday 9:30 am-5 pm
  • Thursday 9:30 am-5 pm
  • Friday 9:30 am-5 pm
  • Saturday 9:30 am-5 pm
  • Sunday 9:30 am-5 pm

Local tips

  • Try the Senbei Soft Ice Cream, a unique combination of sweet vanilla ice cream, salty senbei, and special soy sauce.
  • Participate in the Super Large Senbei Baking Experience to create your own giant rice cracker with a personalized soy sauce design.
  • Visit the Bakauke Inari shrine to pray for the development of beika (rice confectionery).
  • Check the official website for information on irregular holidays and special events.
  • Explore the souvenir corner for limited-edition senbei flavors and unique Bakauke goods.
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Getting There

  • Train

    From JR Niigata Station, take the Hakushin Line towards Toyosaka, Murakami, or Shibata to Niizaki Station. The journey takes approximately 15 minutes. From Niizaki Station, it's a 20-minute walk to Niigata Senbei Oukoku. A single adult train fare is around ¥260.

  • Bus

    From Bandai City Bus Center, take the Niigata Kotsu Bus to Nigorikawa-Chugakkou. From there, it is a short 1-minute walk to Niigata Senbei Oukoku. A one-day pass for the Niigata City Loop Bus costs ¥500 for adults and ¥250 for children, offering discounts at various tourist spots.

  • Car

    Niigata Senbei Oukoku is approximately 20 minutes from Niigata Station or 15 minutes from the Niigata Airport exit on the Nihonkai-Tohoku Expressway. Parking is available at or near the location. However, availability may be limited during peak seasons. Parking costs are generally around ¥400 per hour.

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Discover more about Niigata Senbei Oukoku (Rice Cracker Kingdom)

Niigata Senbei Oukoku is more than just a theme park; it's an immersive experience into the world of senbei, a beloved Japanese snack. Niigata Prefecture is known as one of the largest rice producing regions in Japan. The amount of production of rice confectionery is also the largest in Japan. Here, visitors can witness the entire senbei-making process, from the pounding of rice to the grilling and flavoring of the crackers. The park features a hands-on corner where you can bake your own giant senbei, drawing your original picture with soy sauce on a large senbei which is about 25 cm in diameter. You can also create original senbei flavors. For those less inclined to DIY, you can watch professionals baking senbei in the factory, carefully spreading soy sauce and roasting them over a charcoal fire. Beyond the baking experience, Niigata Senbei Oukoku offers a range of unique culinary delights. Try the senbei soft serve ice cream, a surprising combination of sweet and savory, or indulge in Bakauke croquettes, which reproduce the taste and shape of a popular senbei. The souvenir corner is a treasure trove of senbei varieties, including limited-edition flavors and Bakauke goods. You can buy specialty and rare senbei crackers direct from the source. Learn about the history of rice crackers through tours and materials. The park is operated by Kuriyama Beika Co., Ltd (Befco), known for its popular banana-shaped senbei called Bakauke. You can also visit the Bakauke Inari, a shrine where one prays for the development of beika.

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