Snow Country produces some of the best rice in Japan and also some of the best sake. Throughout the prefecture there are almost one hundred sake producers making many different kinds of sake. Sake is a vast subject comparable to fine wine in its complexity and different tastes. The Ponshukan or Japanese Sake Hall in Echigo Yuzawa Station can help guide you through the sake maze.
They have gathered together the 96 different brands from the region and offer them up for your delectation. 500 yen buys you 5 tokens, and armed with a tasting cup you can try the offerings from the different makers lined up on the wall of vending machines. It is fascinating to try the different styles and tastes, and you are sure to find some that suit your palette better than others.
If you find some you like there is a shop close by selling all the favorite brands. There is also a onsen topped up with sake in the same building if you fancy a hot spring bath with a difference. Or you can wander around the shopping area tasting the free samples of the local produce on offer.
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