I stayed at another Accommodation in the same group not long ago, but this was my first return to Tamakiya in 10 years.
Last time, discovering Abe Shuzo through the sake pairing was a real highlight, so I did it again this time. Since it was a special occasion, I decided to pay the extra fee and choose the optional premium sake course. It more than lived up to expectations—I truly enjoyed a wide range of excellent sakes, including some with a playful twist.
The sommelier’s stories were fascinating, and I wished I could have listened even longer. I was traveling solo, but the staff were consistently courteous and attentive, no different from how they treated larger groups, which I really appreciated.
The food was also outstanding: a course featuring plenty of local Niigata ingredients, with every dish delicious from appetizers to dessert. Next time, I’d love to stay in midwinter when there’s deep snow.