Introduction
Getting There
- ๐ By Train: Express trains run several times a day from Shinjuku Station in Tokyo to Katsunumabudokyo or Enzan stations.
- ๐ By Bus: Buses are available from Shinjuku Bus Station to Koshu Valley, with stops near major wineries.
- ๐ By Car: Approximately 90 minutes from central Tokyo by car, depending on traffic conditions.
- ๐บ๏ธ Navigation: Use Google Maps for real-time navigation and to find the best routes.
- ๐ Local Transport: Taxis are available but may need to be pre-booked, especially for return trips.
<br>
Wineries
- ๐ท Marufuji Winery: Founded in 1890, offers tours and tastings of their Rubaiyat series.
- ๐ฐ Chรขteau Mercian: Oldest winery in Japan, features a wine museum and tasting cafe.
- ๐ Lumiere Winery: Known for high-quality wines and a unique tasting card system.
- ๐ Katsunuma Winery: Offers a variety of wines including sparkling options, with stunning vineyard views.
- ๐ Wine Taxi: Yamanashi Wine Taxi provides guided tours of multiple wineries.
<br>
Local Cuisine
- ๐ฃ Japanese Dishes: Koshu wines pair well with sushi, sashimi, and marinated seafood.
- ๐ฝ๏ธ French Cuisine: Many wineries offer French-style dishes, such as canapรฉs and cheese fondue.
- ๐ Fusion Food: Fusion cuisine combining Japanese and Western flavors is popular in the region.
- ๐ท Wine Pairing: Local wines are often paired with meals, enhancing the dining experience.
- ๐ด Restaurant Recommendations: Le Vent at Katsunuma Winery and the cafe at Chรขteau Mercian.
<br>
Activities
- ๐ถ Winery Tours: Guided tours available at most wineries, often including tastings.
- ๐ Grape Picking: Seasonal grape-picking activities are popular among visitors.
- ๐ Hot Springs: Enjoy natural onsen (hot springs) in the region, perfect for relaxation.
- ๐ถ Hiking: Trails in the surrounding mountains offer stunning views of Mount Fuji and the Japanese Alps.
- ๐๏ธ Wine Shopping: Purchase local wines directly from winery shops.
<br>
Historical Sites
- ๐ฏ Daizenji Temple: Known as 'The Grape Temple', offers wine tastings and is said to be the birthplace of the Koshu grape.
- ๐๏ธ Chรขteau Mercian Museum: Features historic artifacts and exhibits on local winemaking.
- ๐ก Fujiwara House: A mid-18th-century farmhouse turned community center in Ashigawa.
- ๐ Fukuzoin Temple: Main landmark in Kamijo Village, surrounded by traditional buildings.
- ๐๏ธ Mount Kurokawa: Historical gold mine and hiking trails with views of Mount Fuji.
<br>
Accommodation
- ๐จ Suzuki-en B&B: Casual, six-room B&B in Katsunuma, set in 19th-century wooden buildings.
- ๐ก Moshi Moshi House: Traditional thatched house in Kamijo Village, offers cooking classes.
- ๐๏ธ Zen and Bed: Minimalist lodging next to Erinji Temple, includes meditation and vegetarian meals.
- ๐ Loof Inn Ashigawa: Private houses with communal dinners and a selection of over 100 wines.
- ๐จ Hanayagi No Sho Keizan: Ryokan in Isawa Onsen with open-air stone onsen and nightly drum shows.
<br>
Best Time to Visit
- ๐ Autumn: Most popular time for visitors, coinciding with the grape harvest season.
- ๐ธ Spring: Enjoy peach blossoms in full bloom, especially in early to mid-April.
- โ๏ธ Winter: Fewer tourists, offering a more serene experience and clear views of Mount Fuji.
- ๐ Summer: Warm weather, ideal for outdoor activities like hiking and grape picking.
- ๐ Year-Round: Many wineries are open for tastings and tours throughout the year.
<br>
<br><br> <div class="-md-ext-youtube-widget"> { "title": "ALL YOU CAN DRINK Wine Tasting in Yamanashi \u2014 Napa ...", "link": "https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=RsuNR36ORKI", "channel": { "name": ""}, "published_date": "Nov 22, 2019", "length": "" }</div>
<div class="-md-ext-youtube-widget"> { "title": "KOSHU Wine Tour - The History of Yamanashi Wine", "link": "https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=40krLgJTTtM", "channel": { "name": ""}, "published_date": "Nov 23, 2020", "length": "" }</div>
<div class="-md-ext-youtube-widget"> { "title": "Koshu of Japan: Present to the world Japanese wines from ...", "link": "https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=rDazh5K0zSs", "channel": { "name": ""}, "published_date": "Feb 15, 2024", "length": "" }</div>
