Ponshukan

**Strategic tasting:** With 117 choices and only 5 tokens, selection paralysis is real. Strategy: focus on one style (daiginjo if you like delicate/fruity, junmai if you prefer dry/savory) and select geographically — coastal breweries (Murakami, Sado) tend toward dry, mountainous regions (Uonuma, Myoko) toward sweet. The staff will mark your favorites on a take-home map. **Bottle purchase:** The museum shop sells full bottles of every tapped sake at near-wholesale prices (¥1,200–3,500 for 720ml). After tasting, purchase a bottle of your favorite — it's likely unavailable outside Niigata. The shop will pack bottles in bubble wrap for checked luggage. **Timing:** The museum is busiest 17:00–19:00 when salarymen stop post-work. Visit before 11:00 or after 20:00 for space at the taps. The foot bath is quietest mornings.