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When you think of Niigata, Japanese sake immediately comes to mind. But do you ever find yourself wondering, “There are so many options—how do I choose?” or “Since I’m here in Niigata, I want to try a variety of sakes!”?
Did you know there’s a hidden gem inside Niigata Station where you can sample sake from every brewery in Niigata Prefecture? At “Ponshukan,” you can taste your choice of sake from an incredible selection of 111 local varieties for just 500 yen. Plus, they have an excellent selection of Niigata souvenirs!
Recently, word of mouth has boosted its popularity, especially among women. I visited myself, and it’s an unmissable spot for Niigata tourism! This article will give you a detailed report on all the charms of Ponshukan.
Located inside JR Niigata Station in Niigata City, Ponshukan Niigata Station Store is a souvenir shop where you can enjoy local sake and specialties from Niigata. This facility is especially appealing to sake lovers, offering a wide selection of local sakes brewed in Niigata Prefecture.
Ponshukan is renowned for its vast selection of Niigata’s specialties and sakes, with locations in Nagaoka Station, Echigo - Yuzawa Station, and Niigata Station.
The Niigata Station Ponshukan is no exception, offering a staggering variety of souvenirs. From snacks and prepared foods to processed goods and local sakes, it undeniably boasts the largest selection in Niigata City.
Its location, directly connected to JR Niigata Station, is incredibly convenient. Whether you’re traveling by Shinkansen or driving, you can easily stop by on your way home.
Ponshukan Niigata Station Store features a space called “Kikizake Bansho 93,” where you can taste sake from every brewery in Niigata.
For 500 yen, you receive five coins and a sake cup, allowing you to sample your choice of sake from 111 premium brands representing every brewery in Niigata.
For those aged 20, the price is just 300 yen—a great deal!
Here are the 111 types of sake available:
Niigata boasts the highest number of sake breweries in Japan. This lineup is truly impressive.
With so many choices, it can be hard to decide, but you can check the blackboard inside the store for recommendations.
The recommended sakes are numbered, making it easy to find your desired choice.
Each serving is one sake cup, and each sake requires either one or two coins.
Insert a coin and press the yellow button until the sake finishes pouring. If you want a smaller serving, simply release the button midway. Be careful—if you press the button only briefly, the sake will stop pouring, and you might waste a coin (I learned this the hard way!).
Interestingly, the majority of customers here are women—about 70–80%. It seems that women are more attuned to unique, premium experiences like this. Ponshukan is the only place offering sake from every brewery in Niigata, so it’s a must-try!
If you find a sake you like, you can buy it at the souvenir corner. They also offer domestic shipping, so you can travel home worry-free.
Don’t miss the sake tasting experience when visiting Ponshukan!
Ponshukan Niigata Station Store is a dream come true for sake enthusiasts. With all 111 breweries in Niigata represented and a tasting experience for just 500 yen, it’s an unparalleled luxury. When I visited, I saw people enjoying themselves as they explored the diverse offerings. The smiles when discovering a delicious sake were unforgettable, capturing the essence of Niigata’s charm.
Beyond sake, the store offers a wide variety of local souvenirs, making it a perfect way to wrap up your Niigata tour. You can even purchase your favorite sake to enjoy again at home, and their shipping service ensures convenience.
As a representative tourist destination in Niigata, Ponshukan Niigata Station Store is highly recommended. If you’re at Niigata Station, be sure to stop by.
