Yamanashi is the birthplace and heart of the Japanese wine industry, centred on the Katsunuma area near Kofu, where the mild climate and the native Koshu grape, a pale pink variety used to make crisp, delicate white wines, have supported winemaking since the 1870s. Today the region is home to dozens of wineries ranging from historic family operations to modern estates, many offering tastings, cellar tours and even hands-on blending experiences, set among vineyards that turn golden in autumn and often within walking or cycling distance of one another.
🗓️ At a Glance
| Location | Katsunuma, Koshu, Yamanashi |
| Hours | Winery hours vary; some require reservation |
| Admission | Tastings from a few hundred yen; tours vary |
| Time needed | Half day to full day |
| Best time | Autumn for harvest and golden vineyards |
What to Do
- Tastings of crisp white wines from the native Koshu grape.
- Cellar tours at historic family wineries and modern estates.
- Hands-on wine blending experiences at some wineries.
- Vineyards turning golden in autumn, walkable between wineries.
Combine Your Visit
- Combine with Koshu Wine & Grape Picking for the harvest experience.
- Pair with Yamanashi Wine Festival if visiting in autumn.
- Read our Yamanashi overview .
Getting There
- By train: JR Katsunuma-Budokyo Station, in the heart of the wine district.
- By car: convenient for reaching wineries, but designate a non-drinking driver for tastings.
Tips
If you plan to enjoy tastings, avoid driving and use the train or a designated driver, as wine samples add up across multiple wineries. Many wineries in Katsunuma are within walking or cycling distance of the station, making a self-guided winery walk a practical and enjoyable way to visit several in a day; check ahead as some require reservations for tours or tastings.
