Japan's Niigata Airport lands new attraction with local sake on tap

Niigata Airport has introduced an interactive booth on its first floor that features local drinks on tap, including various types of sake, amazake, and fruit juices. The booth, called "Niigata de kampai" (Toast in Niigata), opened on August 19, aiming to enhance visitor satisfaction and encourage repeat visits. The booth offers four taps for sake from different regions of Niigata Prefecture, such as Joetsu, Chuetsu, Kaetsu, and Sado Island.

Each week, the brands served will change. Additionally, there is a "kaku-uchi" corner where visitors can enjoy craft beer, wine, shochu, and umeshu. The venue also includes local dishes like traditional noppe stew, edamame, and tare-katsu. Visitors can pair these dishes with the beverages. Admission is free, but tasting and food purchases require a Kampai Passport (Toast Passport) ticket ranging from 500 yen to 1,500 yen.

An opening event was held on August 19. The prefectural government hopes this initiative will strengthen Niigata's image as Japan's kingdom of sake. Special programs, such as recommendations by a Gold Master and special menu items by Niigata Gastronomy Award chefs, are held on weekends. The booth will operate until September 8 and may be made permanent depending on usage.