Matsuo Bashō and “Senbei” Rice Crackers: Exploring the Old Post Town of Sōka

A selection of Sōka senbei.

A statue of Matsuo Bashō, who stopped at Sōka during his famous journey through the Japanese countryside.

Pines line a path along the Ayase River. Several arched bridges called taikobashi add to the timeless atmosphere.

Cherry trees bloom on the banks of the Ayase River.

Senbei shops still stand along the old highway.

Shimeya stands on a corner of the old Nikkō Kaidō, about a nine-minute walk from Sōka Station on the Tōbu Isezaki Line.

A large window invites curious passersby of all ages to watch the senbei-making action—or to step in and give it a try.

Shimeya offers standard soy-sauce flavored senbei along with other tastes, including roasted sesame seed and shrimp.

Count to three and turn the cracker to ensure even grilling.

Applying the weighty ceramic oshigawara while the senbei is still soft keeps the cracker flat.

Uncooked senbei are available to customers wanting to make their own original crackers at home.

Carefully apply sauce with a brush, making sure to not miss any spots.

Finished senbei can be eaten in a dedicated spot outside the store or taken home to enjoy later.

A monument at Osen Park marks the birthplace of Sōka senbei.

A statue of Kawai Sora, a pupil of Matsuo Bashō who accompanied the poet on his famous journey.

A statue of the legendary Osen stands outside Sōka Station.

A display at the tourist facility Parisse shows how rice crackers were made during the Edo period.

The railing of a bridge spanning the Den’u River, near where Osen is said to have had her shop, features a senbei motif.

Shimeya’s rice crackers carry the “Honba no honmono” mark certifying them as authentic Sōka senbei.

The entrance to the Sōka Senbei Garden. The facility is around a nine-minute walk from Shinden Station on the Tōbu Isezaki Line.

Visitors can make two rice crackers for ¥650.

The large outdoor grilling space can accommodate up to 36 people at a time.

Customers browse the spacious interior of Yamakō’s shop.

The outdoor café offers soft drinks and light fare.

Soft-serve ice cream sprinkled with crushed senbei is a unique treat.