Fodor's Expert Review Imayo Tsukasa Sake Brewery

Originally established as an inn and sake shop in 1767, but brewing since the Meiji period, Imayo Tsukusa is one of the ninety or so sake brewers that have made Niigata famous for nihonshu (sake). They run 30-minute tours of the brewery every day (hourly from 9 to 4 on weekends, and 1 to 4 on weekdays), where staff explain the sake brewing process. That's followed by a tasting session, where you can sample multiple brews. Better yet, it's free, and there is an English speaker available for each 2 pm tour. You need to book in advance, online or by phone, but that can be done same day. It's a 15-minute walk east of Niigata Station.