Ponshukan, Sake Tasting at Niigata Station

Niigata is a prefecture on the Sea of Japan that is often called “snow country.” The area is famous for sake since it has an abundance of the two key ingredients – pristine water and high quality rice. You can experience sake tasting at Ponshukan, right in Niigata Station!

Ponshukan is located in Niigata Station South, but it’s not easy to find. Follow the signs to the Hotel Mets. You pass all the shops and walk through an empty corridor. Just when you think you’re lost, you pass a 7-11, see this guy and know you’re in the right place.

It is 500 yen for five tastings. Just place your cup in one of the machines and insert a token to dispense the sake. There is also an extensive selection of salt, and miso to cleanse the palate.

The main problem is picking from over 90 kinds of sake. The top 10 sakes are listed on the board.

The salt selection is just as intimidating.

The salt really enhances the taste of the sake.

Ponshukan has a cozy atmosphere.

It’s easy to forget that you are in the middle of a busy train station.

Ponshukan also has a good selection of sake and regional delicacies for purchase. It’s a great way to spend your time at Niigata Station!

Details

Niigata is approximately 2 hours from Tokyo by Shinkansen. The trip is covered by the Japan Rail Pass.

Ponshukan is located at Niigata Station South, follow the signs for Hotel Mets.  It is open from 9:00 – 21:00.  There are also locations at Echigo-Yuzawa and Nagaoka stations.

Find a hotel in Niigata.

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