Take Home a Piece of Niigata -Recommended Souvenirs-

Metalware and cutlery
from the Tsubame-Sanjo Regional Industries Promotion Center

This centre is where manufacturers from all over Tsubame and Sanjo showcase their wares, so whether you’re after fine cutlery, spanking new pots and pants, a specialty knife, or matching sake cups, you’re sure to find it all here. Plus, as you can shop tax-free here, you can enjoy some incredible savings.

Sake Secchubai from Maruyama Sake Brewing

The brewery takes pride in the fact that it still produces koji (rice mould for sake brewing) the traditional way, a process that has become automated at other breweries. That, coupled with the use of pure water, is responsible for the brewery’s soft and slightly sweet sake. The sake is always left to mature and is mixed with previous batches to ensure its consistent quality.

Doburoku Sweets from La Pâtisserie Kamada

Behold the wonder that is doburoku (“cloudy” or unfiltered sake). It can be enjoyed on its own, but the pastry chef at La Pâtisserie Kamada has taken it a step further and incorporated it into a variety of desserts such as cake, Japanese-style cheesecake, and jelly, which were created to encourage more people to enjoy doburoku (unfiltered sake). We found the dobukoru jelly to be not too sweet and very refreshing, without an overpowering taste of alcohol, and the fluffy cheesecake was so moreish, we found it hard to stop at just one bite.

Wine from Iwanohara Vineyard

This vineyard was founded in 1890 as a way to provide jobs for the local populace and boost the economy. Through a painstaking trial-and-error process, the vineyard has managed to produce a small selection of quality wines by creating its own hybrid grapes. It also has two wine cellars that make use of natural methods of keep the temperature at a consistent 17 degrees Celsius all year round. We especially enjoyed Miyukibana, an easy-drinking fruity wine with hints of floral notes that would pair well with grilled meat.

Yokan from Oosugiya

This traditional candy store is over 400 years old and its 20th generation of owners still take pride in its offerings today. The Yokan, red bean jelly cake is made with brown sugar and Daiganon red beans, following an age-old recipe. Yet, it still retains a delicate sweetness, along with a pleasantly chewy texture. The calligraphy on the box of Yakan is copied from the handwriting by Lord Kenshin Uesugi.

Onsen Bath Salts and Tote Bag from Akakura Kanko Resort & Spa

Buy a few packets of these bath salts to recreate your very own onsen experience from the comfort of home. The eye-catching tote bag features a painstakingly hand-drawn layout of the Akakura Kanko Resort & Spa.