Ponshukan Niigata

Ponshukan Niigata Ekiten opened in 2013 in front of Niigata Station as a specialty shop aiming to “sell Niigata that even Niigata locals don’t know.” You can taste-test sake and purchase souvenirs such as snacks, traditional seasonings, soba, dried fish, Minamiuonuma Koshihikari rice, and more. The most popular feature is the “kikizake” tasting corner: for 500 yen you can enjoy up to five cups of sake tasting. Sake from all breweries in Niigata Prefecture is available, so you can discover new favorites. For those wanting to enjoy Niigata food, the “bakudan onigiri” is recommended—made with freshly pounded, freshly cooked, freshly formed Koshihikari rice and shaped after you order. With fillings packed in and satisfying volume, it’s sure to fill you up. With tasting, standing-bar drinking, meals, and souvenirs, Ponshukan Niigata Ekiten lets you enjoy Niigata in one place. It is directly connected to Niigata Station West Exit, located in CoCoLo Niigata West Building.