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【せんりみち公式】Enjoy the best sake on a trip to Niigata! What are the hidden spots? /

Niigata Prefecture is known as a major sake producing region, along with its beautiful natural environment. This time, we will explain in detail about the attractive spots and activities related to sake that you can enjoy when traveling to Niigata. Enjoy delicious sake while feeling the traditions and culture of Niigata!

The charm of Niigata sake

Niigata Prefecture is known as one of the leading sake producing regions in Japan, combining a rich environment surrounded by beautiful nature and ideal conditions for sake brewing. The reason for this is the presence of the highest quality raw materials, good quality water, and a variety of sake breweries that combine tradition and innovation.

The best raw materials nurtured by rich nature

Niigata Prefecture is renowned as one of the leading rice producing regions in Japan, and the quality of its rice is among the best in the country. In particular, the varieties “Gohyakumangoku” and “Uonuma Koshihikari” are highly regarded as the best raw materials for sake brewing due to their good taste and balanced characteristics. These rice varieties are grown carefully in a climate with severe temperature differences, and have firm grains, moderate stickiness, and sweetness. These characteristics give Niigata sake its delicate and elegant taste.

High-quality groundwater produced by melting snow

Niigata Prefecture faces the Sea of ​​Japan and is blessed with abundant snowfall in winter. When this snow melts in the spring and seeps into the ground over time, Niigata’s soil is rich in highly pure groundwater. This groundwater has an exquisite balance of minerals and is characterized by a soft taste with few impurities. Water is so important in sake brewing that it is called the “water of life,” and the smoothness and deep flavor of Niigata sake cannot be discussed without the presence of this water.

More than 90 unique sake breweries

Niigata Prefecture is dotted with more than 90 sake breweries, each with a long history and unique techniques. Many of these breweries have inherited traditions for generations, while also continuing to challenge themselves with new brewing methods. Each brewery uses locally grown rice and water to produce a variety of sake that reflects their philosophy and regional characteristics. For example, some breweries specialize in crisp, dry sake, while others are characterized by a mellow sweetness, so there is no end to the fun of comparing the different types of sake.

Sake spots to visit on a trip to Niigata

When traveling to Niigata, you can enjoy a different kind of travel experience by visiting spots where you can experience sake culture. Find your favorite bottle while experiencing the charm of the region through a tour of sake breweries and tasting experiences.

Niigata Sake no Sato, a mecca for sake lovers

“Niigata Sake no Sato” is one of the spots you must visit if you visit Niigata. Here, more than 90 types of sake made by sake breweries in Niigata Prefecture are gathered together, and you can find the one that suits your taste while tasting. In addition, there are exhibits in the museum where you can learn more about the history and culture of sake brewing, and it is designed to be enjoyable even for beginners to sake. In addition to tasting, souvenirs and dishes using sake are also sold, allowing you to fully experience Niigata’s sake culture.

Deepen your understanding of sake by visiting a brewery

Many breweries scattered throughout Niigata Prefecture actively organize tours, and if you make a reservation, you can see the manufacturing process up close. The sight of skilled craftsmen painstakingly preparing the sake and the mysterious sight of fermentation will make you realize the depth of sake. Many breweries offer tastings after the tour, and the opportunity to purchase limited products and sake directly from the brewery is also attractive. In addition, some breweries offer accommodation attached to the brewery if you make a reservation in advance, allowing you to enjoy a luxurious experience of enjoying sake even more deeply.

Sake experience on a trip to Niigata

A special experience at your travel destination will make your travel memories even more rich. Niigata offers a variety of unique activities related to sake, which can be enjoyed by beginners and advanced drinkers alike.

Luxurious time with hot springs and local sake

Special plans that use plenty of sake are popular in hot spring areas in Niigata. For example, in the banquet halls of hot spring inns, dishes that combine local sake with seasonal ingredients are often served, allowing you to thoroughly enjoy the harmony of sake and food. In addition, local sake with special labels that is only available at hot springs is also available, which you can take home as a perfect souvenir of your trip.

Expanding the world of taste with a sake tasting experience

Sightseeing facilities and some sake breweries in Niigata offer “sake tasting experiences.” This is a way to enjoy the differences by drinking small amounts of sake from different breweries. The process of finding your favorite sake while feeling the differences in aroma, taste, and mouthfeel is very fun and is a great way to commemorate your trip. In particular, seasonal and rare brands are sometimes available, making it an irresistible time for sake lovers.

Summary

Niigata Prefecture is an attractive region where the sake culture nurtured by the blessings of nature and a long history is condensed. Sake, a fusion of locally grown rice and water and the passion of the craftsmen, deeply reflects the local climate and culture. By touring sake breweries and enjoying sake-related experiences during your trip, you’ll be able to discover new charms of Niigata. Be sure to enjoy all that Niigata has to offer while feeling pleasantly tipsy.

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