Niigata Prefecture is one of the leading rice-producing areas in Japan.

This is a region where high-quality sake is brewed using the cold climate and pure water. Niigata sake, which is brewed with great care and effort, attracts many sake fans from all over the country.

This time, we will explain the characteristics of Niigata sake and the secret behind its deliciousness.

Characteristics of Niigata Prefecture's sake

Niigata Prefecture has the most sake breweries in Japan, and boasts one of the highest production volumes in the country. Popular sakes include "Kubota," with its clean, smooth taste, "Koshi no Kanbai," which is refreshing and elegant, and "Hakkaisan," which is dry and light, and many people are intoxicated by their deliciousness. There are many different factors that go into the deliciousness of Niigata sake.

For example, Niigata's soil is perfect for growing rice, and the region is blessed with cold winters and soft water, including melted snow, which are some of the factors that make the sake it produces delicious. Another thing we mustn't forget is the tireless efforts that go into sake brewing. It is said that the presence of the "Echigo Toji", sake brewers who have continued to hone their traditions and techniques, plays a major role.

Niigata sake is known for its "light, dry" flavor, which leaves no aftertaste and is refreshing, making it easy to drink. Recently, a wide variety of sake has been released, including full-bodied, rich Junmai sake, fruity Ginjo sake, and crisp Honjozo sake.

The history of sake in Niigata Prefecture

According to the ancient records of Nunagawa Shrine in Itoigawa, sake brewing has been taking place in Niigata for over 1,000 years. The oldest sake shop in Niigata is said to have been founded around 1550, and the famous Uesugi Kenshin's exemption from taxes on sake, unrefined sake, and koji for five years is also said to have contributed to the development of sake brewing.

Also, shortly after the war, strong, sweet sake was popular in Japan, but with the arrival of Niigata's sake rice "Gohyakumangoku" in 1957, clean sake without any unpleasant flavors was produced, and as the culture of Western food spread, people gradually began to prefer lighter sake. As a result of this trend, Niigata sake, which is made with the utmost care for high-quality rice and water, began to attract attention.

Sake Regions and Brands

Niigata sake has different aromas and flavors depending on the region.

Kaetsu region (Murakami City, Niigata City, etc.)

Shimoetsu, home to the vast Echigo Plain, produces many refreshing, dry sakes, which are said to go well with sashimi and delicate dishes with dashi stock. Miyao Sake Brewery's Shimeharitsuru and Ginjoshu Jun are popular brands that have many fans outside the prefecture and are still loved today.

Chuetsu region (Nagaoka City, Uonuma City, etc.)

In the Chuetsu region, including Nagaoka City, fermentation culture has always flourished, and there are many sake breweries and miso breweries. In the mountainous areas, which are subject to heavy snowfall, local sake that is suitable for winter preserved foods is made, and there are many light and flavorful sakes. "Kubota" and "Hakkaisan", which played a part in the light and dry sake boom in Niigata, are very famous.

Joetsu region (Joetsu City, Itoigawa City, etc.)

In Joetsu, which includes Joetsu City, sake with a crisp aftertaste and the sweetness of rice is popular. "Kaganoi Junmai Ginjo," which goes well with seafood, and "Katafune Hanajikan," which is sweet and refreshing like a dessert wine, are recommended brands even for first-time sake drinkers.

Sado Region

Across the sea, there are five sake breweries on Sado, each with its own unique history. They produce a wide variety of unique sake, including many that are dry and full-bodied with umami, such as "Hiraku," which is popular among the islanders, and "Kitayuki," which has a gentle sweetness and full-bodied flavor.

How to enjoy sake

Sake made in Niigata pairs perfectly with local ingredients. Knowing this will make your dining experience there that much more enjoyable.

Niigata edamame has a sweet and unique flavor that spreads with every bite, making it a perfect match for sake. It also goes well with Tochio fried tofu, crispy rice crackers, and other local Niigata cuisine.

The beloved local home-style dish "Nina," "Noppe soup" made with dashi stock, and Murakami's specialty "Salmon marinated in sake" are dishes that will make you want to drink more sake.

Tourist spots in Niigata Prefecture

From here, we will introduce some recommended tourist spots in Niigata.

"Ponshukan" where you can find Niigata's leading brands

Ponshukan, located inside JR Niigata Station, Nagaoka Station, and Echigo-Yuzawa Station, is a place where you can casually enjoy representative brands from all the sake breweries in the prefecture.

For just one coin, you can get a sake cup and five medals, then set them in one of the many sake tasting machines lined up. Press the button and a glass of sake will be poured, allowing you to enjoy Niigata's local sake.

The brands change with the seasons, making it a great spot for sake lovers, as you can enjoy seasonal drinks whenever you visit.

"Hakkaisan Ropeway" recommended for sightseeing and mountain climbing

Mount Hakkai, known since ancient times as a sacred mountain, is a popular spot in Minamiuonuma City to see autumn leaves.

It takes five minutes to reach the summit station by ropeway through scenic views. From there, it's a five-minute walk to the large observation deck with a 360-degree view. You can enjoy snow and fresh greenery in spring, vibrant green trees in summer, autumn leaves in autumn, and skiing in the sparkling silver world in winter.

It is also popular as a hiking course, and you can take a ropeway up to the 4th station of Mt. Hakkai. Please enjoy the nature of the four seasons.

"Tsukioka Onsen" - Will you become beautiful after taking a bath?

Tsukioka Onsen opened in 1915. Its weak alkaline, emerald green sulfur springs are gentle on the skin and are known as the "onsen that will make you more beautiful."

You can also purchase the "Yutabi" foot bath and Niigata local sake. In the tourist garden "Moonlight Garden," the beauty of the colorful lanterns with Japanese patterns is overwhelming. At night, they brightly light up your feet.

Come and enjoy a special time in Tsukioka Onsen town, where you'll want to walk around for a change.

Access to Niigata Prefecture

There are two convenient routes to get to Niigata: the Joetsu Shinkansen and the Hokuriku Shinkansen. If you use the Joetsu Shinkansen, it takes about two hours from Tokyo to Niigata Station.

If you use the Hokuriku Shinkansen, you can get from Tokyo to Itoigawa Station in about two hours. If you are coming from Nagoya or Osaka, it is easily accessible in about an hour by plane. Please use this as a reference when traveling.

Location of Niigata Prefecture

summary

This time we introduced "sake" from Niigata Prefecture. This crisp, light and dry sake is a supreme drink made with the blessings of nature and the hands of artisans.

Be sure to give it a try the next time you visit Niigata.

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