Region: Niigata

Niigata is a prefecture on the west coast of Honshu island, known for its heavy rain, cold weather, beautiful landscape and abundance of sake breweries. Most Niigata sake breweries take advantage of the cold climate by using a long fermentation method at low temperatures. The heavy snowfall provides plenty of soft melted snow water for sake brewing. Typical Niigata sake is light and dry, also known as tanrei karakuchi. Many breweries use gohyakumangoku rice, which grows exceptionally well in Niigata. There are around 100 sake breweries in Niigata, some very well known and large scale, and some very small and artisan. All Regions »