Catfish Cuisine and Rice Cracker Baking Experience
Unlike much of Japan, Saitama Prefecture lacks a coastline, giving birth to a unique culinary scene. Here, visitors can experience the art of hand-baking rice crackers, enveloped by the savory aroma of soy sauce in Japan’s rice cracker capital. Then, indulge in the rare delicacy of catfish cuisine, a specialty born from the region's river-filled landscape, at Ryotei Kojiya, which offers both exquisite dishes and beautiful seasonal gardens.
Start
Ueno Station (9:00 AM)
Approximately 60 minutes : 45 minutes from Ueno Station (Tokyo Metro Hibiya Line, Tobu Skytree Line) to Shinden Station, then a 13-minute walk to Yamako Senbei Honpo Main Shop
10:00 AM - 11:00 AM
Roll up your sleeves and savor the essence of Japan at Yamako Senbei Honpo, where the excitement of crafting your own senbei rice crackers comes alive in a hands-on baking experience!
Yamako Senbei Hand-Baked Rice Crackers
Take a train from Tokyo Station, and in just 40 minutes, you'll arrive at Yamako Senbei Honpo in Soka City, Saitama. Immerse yourself in the rich tradition of crafting Soka Senbei, a beloved Japanese delight. With Soka City's history of abundant rice production, Soka Senbei emerged as a flavorful solution using surplus rice. Now a celebrated snack with 41 shops in Soka City, it's time to relish the hands-on experience of baking Soka Senbei. Let the flavors come to life through your eyes, hands, and sense of smell. Creating your very own rice cracker is sure to be an unforgettable adventure!
Approximately 20 minutes : 13-minute walk from Yamako Senbei Honpo Main Shop to Shinden Station, then 3 minutes on the Tobu Skytree Line to Shin-Koshigaya Station. Walk to Minami-Koshigaya Station, and take the JR Musashino Line for 5 minutes to Yoshikawa Station
11:30 AM - 11:40 AM
A Giant Monument Embodying the Land of Catfish
Golden Catfish
The Golden Catfish monument stands as the symbol of Yoshikawa City. It can be found in the rotary of the south exit of Yoshikawa Station on the JR Musashino Line, welcoming visitors to Yoshikawa City, which promotes itself as the Land of Catfish. It was created by Kazumi Murose, a lacquer artist and Living National Treasure, and was installed on 9 May 1995.
Right outside the north exit of Yoshikawa Station on the JR Musashino Line
11:40 AM - 11:50 AM
Discover All Sorts of Catfish-Related Specialties!
A Little Catfish Souvenir Shop
Located at the north exit of Yoshikawa Station on the JR Musashino Line, Rappi-Land offers a wide range of catfish-related specialties unique to Yoshikawa, the home of catfish. This includes manju, dorayaki, monaka, rice crackers, and colas. A real pet catfish also greets visitors. The shop doubles as a tourist information center, so be sure to stop by when visiting Yoshikawa. Manju: Steamed bun with sweet filling Dorayaki: Sweet pancake sandwich with red bean paste filling Monaka: Crispy wafer filled with sweet bean paste
Approximately 60 minutes : Short taxi ride from Yoshikawa Station to Ryotei Kojiya
12:00 PM - 1:30 PM
Savoring Tradition : An Epicurean Odyssey of Exquisite Japanese Catfish Kaiseki at a Historic Ryotei Restaurant
Catfish Ryotei – Kojiya
Catfish dishes are celebrated as soul food in the American South, yet there exists a Japanese town equally proud of its catfish culinary heritage. Nestled between two rivers, the town of Yoshikawa boasts a gastronomic tradition spanning four centuries. Renowned samurai and influential Japanese artists have relished its flavors. Visitors to Yoshikawa can savor a diverse selection of Japanese courses, ranging from delectable sashimi to expertly grilled dishes and mouthwatering tempura.
Approximately 65 minutes : Take a taxi from Ryotei Kojiya to Yoshikawa Station, board a train on the JR Musashino Line to Minami-Koshigaya Station, walk over to Shin-Koshigaya Station (Tobu Skytree Line/Hibiya Line), and take a train to Ueno Station
Goal
Ueno Station (2:40 PM)