Despite its chilly moniker, the “Snow Country” of Niigata does in fact heat up in the summer months—sometimes incredibly so. As a result, pure snow-melted water filters through the prefecture, providing the ideal ingredient not only for the area’s renowned sake, but crisp refreshing beer as well.

Now that we’ve covered how Niigata led Japan’s craft beer revolution , let’s take a look at some of the incredible breweries that call this prefecture home. From the mountains to the coastline, craft beer has taken root all across Niigata. We cordially invite you to imbibe at any of these excellent ale-holes:

Echigo Beer (Niigata City)

Step into any provider of craft beer in Niigata and you’re guaranteed to find the OG beer that started it all: Echigo Beer. Over fourteen individual types await you, from pilsners, blondes and a bevy of IPAs, to lagers made from Niigata’s exclusive koshihikari rice. Its colorful cans and distinctive illustrations reflect the founder’s own dramatic nature and European inspiration, especially the iconic goat—the symbol of vitality and harvest.

Instagram: @echigo_beer

Moreover, Echigo Beer’s liquid gold isn’t restricted to Niigata prefecture, but can be found in taprooms, restaurants and stores spread out across the archipelago. Whether you’re a Niigata local or a pilgrim on a quest for the best beer that Japan has to offer, Echigo Beer should be first on your list. Just look for the goat!

Heisei Brewing (Nagaoka)

Nagaoka is a special place. It was once the capital of Japan for a 10-year spell, has one of the biggest fireworks festivals in the country and is all about the alcohol. Apart from Kyoto, Nagaoka is the second biggest brewing city in the nation, and has the most sake breweries in Niigata prefecture. Heisei Brewery’s craft beer is a natural inclusion for such a thirsty spot.

Photo Credit: Sakeya Heiseido Online Shop

Named after the Japanese era (1989 – 2019), Heisei’s deliciously diverse product line includes ambers, a plethora of IPAs, and some exciting local variants such as Nagaoka Ginger Soy Sauce Ramen Dashi, in honor of the area’s famous ramen dish. Additionally, each bottle is adorned in vivid illustrations that underscore the city’s history, and are as captivating as their legendary fireworks.

Yahiko Brewing (Yahiko)

Nestled at the foot of the sacred Mt. Yahiko is the eponymous Yahiko Village, the birthplace of Echigo culture and the home of the God of Echigo himself Ame-no-Kayama-no-Mikoto. Thus, the entire area is swarming with foot traffic during the peak season, and equally ripe for a craft beer that captures the charm of the village. Enter Yahiko Brewing.

Instagram: @yahikobrewing

Unlike Niigata’s other breweries, Yahiko uses specific Yahiko rice to make refreshing beverages with a juice-like aroma and taste, foregoing any trace of bitterness. Sweet ingredients include crushed chrysanthemums, strawberry milk, chocolate milk and sparkling grapes. Its rabbit logo stems from an old tale involving the God of Echigo helping rid the farmers of the pesky critters, and as such, rabbits can be seen all over Yahiko, and adorning each delightful bottle of Yahiko beer.

Tsumari Beer (Tokamachi)

When one thinks of the Snow Country, the city of Tokamachi may come to mind. Heavy clouds full of moisture dump sheets of white over the countryside each winter, sometimes lasting four months—ideal for a beer brewery. Established in 2018, Tsumari Beer was founded by a former Tokyo resident who returned home to her roots. Thanks to the clean snow water, fertile fields (they grow their own hops!) and abundance of farmers, the brewery has thrived.

Instagram: @tsumaribeer

As mentioned, Tsumari Beer’s selections take full advantage of the natural gifts Tokamachi offers, like buckwheat for soba-flavored beer, rhubarb, hibiscus and even Niigata’s specialty spicy sauce, kanzuri, which definitely packs a punch. Pay special note to the elaborate patterns on the labels, as they’re a nod to Tokamachi’s leading role in kimono production.

Myoko Kogen Beer (Myoko)

Deep in the heart of the Myoko mountain range sits the inconspicuous Hotel Alpen Blick, a cozy resort that connects to the adjacent restaurant/brewery Tatrakan. Apart from a buffet featuring over a hundred different kinds of regional foods, it is here that you’ll be treated to the award-winning offerings of Myoko Kogen Beer.

Instagram: @myokokogenbeer

While all of their products are worth sampling, it was the brewery’s Haneuma IPA that was the recipient of “World’s Best IPA” at the 2024 Beer Awards, beating out numerous international contenders! Myoko Kogen Beer’s use of pure mountain water from the Myoko highlands, highly-sought after hop varieties like Citra and quality European brewing techniques belie its humble location, giving you all the more reason to make the trek!

Otama Brewing (Joetsu)

Once home to one of Japan’s most famous Warring States period (1467-1615) daimyos, Uesugi Kenshin, the Joetsu area is a hidden gem with a rich history, and one of the top spots in the nation for cherry blossom viewing. Joetsu is already renowned for its annual sake festival, and now craft-beer is carving out its own place with Otama Brewing.

Instagram: @otamabrewing

Relatively new on the scene, Otama has wasted no time in keeping glasses filled at taverns and picking up accolades at 2025’s Great Japan Beer Awards with two of its signature IPAs. Like Niigata’s other microbreweries, Otama infuses each of its beers with a mix of local traditions, like Yawa Yawa IPA (“Yawa Yawa”means “take it easy” in the Joetsu dialect), Ume No Hana Hazy IPA’s use of regional sake lees, and Yukiyama Weekender’s inclusion of local Joetsu rice. Stop by and “yawa yawa” if you get a chance.

Sado Land Beer (Sado Island)

Heading thirty-two kilometers off from Niigata’s shores, we come to Japan’s biggest little island, Sado Island. The parallelogram-shaped rock is renowned for its gold mines, the endangered crested ibis, and a surprisingly robust alcohol scene, including Sado Land Beer.

Located smack in the middle of the island, the relatively young brewery currently offers five beers, ranging from Echigohime fruit beer with strawberries from Sado, to a stout made from local toya nuts, but perhaps the most acclaimed is the Ondeko IPA. The beer gets it name from a traditional Sado dance featuring drums and demons, hence the two foreboding figures on the label. As is the case with most Niigata beers, Sado Land Beer is an exclusive affair and can best be enjoyed with an in-store visit.

As you can see, there are plenty of venues to wet your whistle around Niigata and enjoy succulent craft beer that’s made with quality, dedication and above all, love. So next time you raise a glass, skip the usual Asahi, Kirin, or Sapporo, and toast instead with one of Niigata’s craft creations. Each sip is not just a drink, but a taste of Snow Country’s culture and passion. Kanpai!

Even though Joshua Furr is from North Carolina (home of bluegrass, flight and Pepsi), he prefers a life outside the U.S, specifically Niigata prefecture. He has a beautiful wife and two sons, all whom he forces to listen to Japan-based conversation and 80s city-pop. Around lunch, he dreams about eating gyudon at Sukiya. When he’s not spending time with his family, he’s writing, teaching or jogging with his dog in the forest.