Craft Beer Tourism in Japan- Nuttari Beer, Niigata City, Niigata Prefecture

Niigata, known as Japan’s rice capital, is home to many sake breweries thanks to its abundance of high-quality rice. But beyond sake, the city is also home to craft beer breweries. One such place is Nuttari Beer, located northeast of Niigata Station in an area called Nuttari.

Nuttari Beer
Address: 2-9-5 Nuttari-Higashi, Chuo Ward, Niigata City, Niigata Prefecture

Nuttari is about a 20-minute walk from the north exit of Niigata Station. The area still retains the feel of an old-fashioned Japanese shopping street. A recently renovated row of buildings now houses a charming collection of small restaurants, vintage shops, and general stores, known as the “Nuttari Area Shopping Street.” It seems to serve as the cultural and commercial hub of the neighborhood.

A short walk around the area reveals two or three old temples, adding to the sense that Nuttari is a place steeped in history. Just a few minutes' walk from the shopping street is Nuttari Beer.

The brewery and brewpub are tucked behind a parking lot. Following the sign and turning into a small path on the left brings you to a sliding-door entrance. The brewpub, converted from a 40–50-year-old house, has a cozy Japanese feel—you take off your shoes and slip into indoor slippers to enter. The nostalgic, homey atmosphere inside is distinctly Japanese and quite welcoming.

At the counter facing the taps, I looked over the menu and spotted several locally inspired beers: “Koshihikari Weizen” and “Sado Bancha Ale,” made with local rice and tea. Another offering featured La France pears, a regional fruit. I chose a Hazy IPA with the poetic name “Koisutefu.”

Since I visited shortly after opening, I had the pleasure of chatting with the owner. He explained that the brewery had relocated from another area, and that he had transformed a former private home into the current brewpub. Though I visited on a Friday in mid-March, he mentioned that they were about to change their opening hours and expand the food menu starting the following week.

Unfortunately, I couldn’t stay long because I had a shinkansen to catch, but I bought some souvenirs: their “Amanogawa Pale Ale,” “Niigata Old Days” (an Old Ale), and an adorable beer glass—just like the one in the photo.