Yuzawa is known for its scenic ski resorts and fun snowy vibe, but just down the road is the iconic Echigo Yuzawa station with much to offer!
About 200 kilometers from Tokyo is this iconic train station in the Niigata prefecture that has become a hub for indulging in local delicacies and purchasing them in the form of souvenirs.
Echigo Yuzawa station is a popular stop for travelers passing through the region, particularly those heading to the Yuzawa Gala ski resorts, as it’s a place with a few iconic stores that reflect what the prefecture is all about!
Delicious Tsukemen
As part of Echigo Yuzawa station’s shopping hall known as CoCoLo Yuzawa, this restaurant Echigo Tsukemen Ishin serves up an authentic Japanese dish known as tsukemen.
A twist on the iconic ramen dish, tsukemen separates the noodles from the broth. Made using high-quality ramen noodles, the idea is that you appreciate the taste of the noodles as you dip them into the broth rather than allowing them to become soaked as with standard ramen.
Sake Museum?
Echigo Yuzawa station is perhaps most popularly known for its “sake museum” called Ponshukan.
It’s no surprise that Japan has a heavy drinking culture, but their love of sake is even more prevalent in the Niigata prefecture where the drink has been glorified in the form of take-home souvenirs, museums, and even vending machines!
That’s right, people quite literally come to Echigo Yuzawa’s Ponshukan where they can taste test countless flavors of sake from the many vending machines using special coins and a sake-tasting cup they buy from the counter.
The cool thing is you don’t have to partake in sake-tasting to enjoy the sake museum. Instead, you can browse around the artifacts and infographics detailing the history of sake in Japan.
Fresh Soft Serves
I’m not into alcohol myself, so I much prefer a good old ice cream cone to enjoy while the other happy visitors go sake-tasting.
I believe I get the last laugh, however, because this fresh milk soft serve cone is a hidden gem of Echigo Yuzawa station, featuring locally sourced dairy ingredients for a rich and creamy taste!
With so much to discover (and eat), I highly recommend making a stop at Echigo Yuzawa station if you find yourself passing through Japan’s Niigata prefecture!
Of course, if you are planning to visit Japan, you’ll need a way to get around the country as efficiently and affordably as possible. Japan Rail provides an abundance of travel passes to suit your travel needs. So whether you are traveling individually or as a group, the JR Pass is every traveler’s go-to for getting around and making the most of your time in Japan!