[2025 Niigata Attraction] Travel Guide for Ponshukan Marketplace(Niigata Main Store) (Updated Jun)

Took much trouble and a torturous one and a half hour standing ride on the Hayabusa to get here. Did not expect to have so much tourist in the late morning, else I qould have set off earlier from Tokyo. So go early if you're planning a day trip from Tokyo like me! Anyways, came all the way here for this amazing sake-vending machine experience! For ¥1000, you'll get an ochoko(sake cup) and 5 tokens. Depending on the type of sake you picked, insert the amount of tokens required to dispense the sake into the cup. You can purchase more tokens at the cashier for ¥100 per token if you would like to try more. Fotunately, I went to try this at noon when no one else drinks in the middle of the day. When I came back in the evening, there was a freaking long queue and I won't even get to enter at all. The 5 sakes that I tried were of the good value and taste for single coin each. There are alao plenty of other merchandise in the store. This sake vending machines is in the closed off area within the store. Will definitely be back for more! #japantravels #niigata #sake #japanesesake #vendingmachine #ponshukan #ochoko #junmai #junmaiginjo #tokubetsujunmai

Ponshukan Marketplace in Niigata is a must-visit for sake enthusiasts and curious travelers alike. The highlight? A one-of-a-kind sake tasting experience through their automated vending machine system. For just 100 yen, you can try a small cup of sake from a selection that showcases the diverse offerings of Niigata’s 90+ sake breweries. It’s both fun and educational — a great way to explore regional flavors without committing to full bottles. This spot has rightfully earned its popularity — we saw quite a few visitors (many likely inspired by the same YouTube videos we watched) sampling sake and comparing notes. Beyond the tasting area, the marketplace also sells a wide variety of Niigata specialty goods, from local snacks to souvenirs and sake-themed items, making it a great stop for both shopping and sipping. Whether you’re a seasoned sake drinker or just curious, Ponshukan offers a unique and interactive way to experience Niigata’s sake culture. #summervacay #PonshukanNiigata #SakeVendingMachine #NiigataSake #JapanTravelExperience #SakeTasting #HiddenGemJapan #NiigataEats #FoodieAdventures #JapanMustVisit #DrinkLikeALocal

☀️ Morning｜Furumachi Old Street × Port Town Strolling Route Hakusan Shrine & Hakusan Park One of Niigata's most iconic shrines, blending tradition and nature in a serene atmosphere. Start your day here to set the tone for your journey. Nearby Hakusan Park, lush with greenery, is a favorite local spot for leisurely walks. Furumachi Shopping Street Stroll Wander through Niigata's most historic old town district. Explore Furumachi Street for nostalgic Japanese vibes, creative goods, specialty bookstores, and cozy cafes, immersing yourself in Niigata's cultural heritage and local lifestyle. 🍱 Lunch Recommendation｜Elegant Sushi Lunch Tokiwa Sushi Omakase Lunch Set (Reservation Required) A renowned sushi establishment (main branch in Shibata, Niigata Furumachi branch is more traveler-friendly). The chef curates a menu featuring seafood from Niigata and Sado Island, offering refined and layered sushi flavors in a tranquil dining space. A must-try Japanese culinary experience. Alternative Option: Pier Bandai Food Stroll If you can't secure a reservation at Tokiwa Sushi, head to "Benkei Sushi" for Niigata's popular conveyor belt sushi. Nearby, the Toki Messe Observation Room offers free high-rise views of the Shinano River and port cityscape, making it an ideal spot for a post-lunch stroll and relaxation. ☀️ Afternoon｜Station Area × Sake Experience and Contemporary Vibes Imayo Tsukasa Sake Brewery Tour A century-old brewery offering free tours and tastings, making it the perfect introduction to Niigata's sake culture. Learn about brewing techniques and brewery design while enjoying an educational and sensory experience. You can also purchase exclusive flavors and retro-label sake souvenirs. Extended Recommendation: Niigata Station "Ponshukan" Sake Vending Machines A popular spot for trying sake, featuring vending machines with dozens of Niigata sake varieties available for tasting. Prices start at 100 yen, and the simple operation makes it a favorite among tourists. It's the best place to sample Japanese sake. 📍Niigata City One-Day Stroll Summary This itinerary perfectly showcases Niigata's diverse charm: a nostalgic yet relaxing morning at Hakusan Shrine and Furumachi Old Street, a memorable sushi lunch, and an afternoon dedicated to Japanese sake. Whether it's the Imayo Tsukasa Brewery tour or the sake vending machines at the station, both offer lighthearted and engaging experiences. If you enjoy a slow pace and want to explore local culture, Niigata is just right for you. 🥂🌸

#Spring0yentrip "Ponshukan" inside Niigata Station was a dream place for sake lovers! The smell of sake is already wafting from the entrance, and the excitement never stops. You buy 5 coins for 500 yen, and you can choose your favorite sake from the sake tasting machines lined up on the wall, and compare them. The system is so interesting! They have brands from all the sake breweries in the prefecture, and it was fun to find the one that suits you, from dry to fruity. There is also a sake tasting challenge, which is attractive because you can participate like a game. There is also a sake bath and a local souvenir corner, so it was a spot that you can enjoy even if you are not a sake lover! It is a place you definitely cannot miss if you go to Niigata! #Ponshukan #NiigataSakeTour #SakeTastingExperience #SakeLoversGathering #StationTouristSightseeingSpot

"Ponshukan Nagaoka Station" is a souvenir shop located at Nagaoka Station in Niigata Prefecture 🛍️ Here, there is an area recommended for sake lovers! You can buy coins and drink your favorite sake little by little, so you can enjoy it even in the gap time while waiting for the Shinkansen ♪ Even if you don't drink alcohol, you should definitely visit the shop because it has a lot of souvenirs such as Niigata Prefecture's specialties. 📍Address: 1-611-1 Jonaimachi, Nagaoka City, Niigata Prefecture 940-0061 CoCoLo Nagaoka Main Building 2nd Floor Nagaoka Station Building 🕰️Business hours 9:00-19:30 #Domestic travel record line #Niigata #Niigata trip #Niigata sightseeing #Nagaoka #Sake #Sake tasting

This is a dream come true for sake lovers, as you can taste representative brands from all of Niigata's sake breweries. After paying 500 yen at reception, you will receive a sake cup and five coins. Choose your favorite local sake from the rows of sake tasting machines. There are too many to choose from, but they have a wide selection, from well-known brands to connoisseurs' favorites. You can enjoy a maximum of five sake cups' worth of sake tasting. *Entry is not permitted for people under the age of 20 or with children. Facility name📍 Ponshukan Niigata Station Address📍 1-96-47 Hanazono, Chuo-ku, Niigata-shi, Niigata Business hours📍 9:30-20:30 (last admission 20:15) Access📍 0 minutes walk from the west exit ticket gate of Niigata Station #domestic travel#solo travel #girls' trip #couples' trip#sake #ponshukan #niigata #niigata trip #japan #japan #free air ticket to hong kong