Ever since Japanese cuisine was registered as a UNESCO Intangible Cultural Heritage, Japanese saké has been attracting attention around the world. Niigata Prefecture is famous for its saké and is in fact the second largest producer in Japan.

Ponshukan Echigo Yuzawa is like a theme park for saké and Niigata food culture and is conveniently located in CoCoLo Yuzawa, a building connected to Echigo-Yuzawa Station. The store’s Saké Tasting Room is stocked with famous saké from every single brewery in Niigata, so you can give them all a try.

After paying 500 yen at the door, you will be given a rental saké cup and a coin to try your favorite brands from the saké tasting machines. You can enjoy sampling up to five different saké.

The store offers a wide variety of carefully selected food items and saké from all of Niigata’s saké breweries, so you can purchase your favorite style from the saké tasting as well as snacks to enjoy back at your hotel or home.

Niigata is also famous as one of Japan’s leading rice producers. The simple, yet delicious, Japanese comfort food of onigiri (rice ball) is also a must-try.
The famous “bakudan onigiri” (stuffed rice ball), made with local Koshihikari rice from Minamiuonuma, is available with your choice of fillings, such as salted plum, salmon, and spicy cod roe. The onigiri are made to order, so you can be sure to enjoy yours hot and fresh.
Finish off your visit with a “saké spa” by relaxing in a natural hot-spring bath infused with a saké designed especially for bathing. The hot spring water and saké promote blood flow and make your skin feel soft and smooth.
Saké, Niigata cuisine, and a hot spring bath. You can enjoy the full range of Niigata delights, right inside the station!