For a taste of Tokyo history that costs less than a cup of coffee, visit Kikumi Senbei Sohonten (菊見せんべい総本店) in Sendagi. This shop has been hand-baking its signature rice crackers for nearly 150 years, and its old-fashioned storefront is a beloved local landmark. What sets them apart is their distinctive large, square shape, a tradition dating back to the Meiji era. The senbei are baked by hand, using domestic rice and high-quality soy sauce from Chōshi, and displayed in beautiful old glass cases.
Reviewers consistently praise the deeply satisfying "bari-bari" crunch and the pure, toasted rice flavour. You can buy crackers individually, making it easy to sample. Favourites include the classic soy sauce (醤油せんべい), a sweet and salty version (甘せんべい), one with a strong matcha sugar coating (茶せんべい), and a mildly spicy chili cracker (唐辛子). The ability to buy a single piece is a highlight for visitors, as is the neat gift packaging for those buying souvenirs.
While overwhelmingly popular, a few customers note that the very firm, hard texture isn't for everyone. A small number also found certain flavours a little too salty or spicy for their taste. However, the consensus is that this is an authentic, high-quality product.
The value is exceptional. Reviewers in 2024–2026 reported paying just ¥80–¥110 for a single large cracker, with the soy sauce version often at ¥80–¥110 and the chili version at ¥90–¥110. A typical spend is well under ¥1,000, making it a perfect, low-cost way to experience a genuine piece of Tokyo's food culture.
- Getting There: The shop is a 1-minute walk from Exit 1 of Sendagi Station on the Tokyo Metro Chiyoda Line.
- Booking: No reservations are needed; this is a walk-in takeaway shop.
- Payment: Credit cards (Visa, Master, JCB, AMEX, Diners, UnionPay), electronic money (transportation IC cards like Suica, iD, QUICPay), and QR code payments (PayPay, etc.) are accepted. Carrying some cash is always a good idea in Japan.
- Seating: This is a takeaway-only shop with no indoor seating. There are public benches nearby if you want to eat your snack immediately.
- Children: Children are welcome.
- Parking: No dedicated parking, but a paid parking lot is located next to the store.








