In the heart of Niigata, Japan’s rice capital, there’s a factory where you can paint with soy sauce and play with fire – all in the name of making your own giant rice cracker. At Kuriyama Beika’s Rice Cracker Kingdom, home of the famous Bakauke crackers, visitors can create massive 25cm senbei using traditional grilling methods. But is this hands-on experience worth the two-hour journey from Tokyo? After testing it ourselves, we’ll tell you exactly what to expect, from the satisfying crunch of perfectly grilled rice crackers to the slightly nerve-wracking moment when you flip your delicate soy sauce masterpiece. Whether you’re traveling with kids or seeking shelter on a rainy day, here’s our honest take on this unique Japanese food experience.