Katsunuma Winery Hopping One-Day Course

Spreading across the eastern part of the Kofu Basin, Katsunuma is known as the birthplace of Japanese wine, a land of grapes and vineyards. Rolling hills covered with grapevines, long-established wineries dating to the Meiji era, and crisp white wine made from the native Koshu grape await. Here is a relaxed grown-up day spent enjoying tastings.

Course Route

10:00 Start at Katsunuma-Budokyo Station The journey begins at this JR Chuo Line station perched on high ground overlooking the Kofu Basin. From the Tokyo direction it is convenient to take an express to nearby Enzan or Kofu and change trains. The area around the station is also famous for cherry blossoms in spring.

10:30 Learn the history of winemaking at an old winery Visit a historic winery founded in the Meiji period and tour the story of its craft. Underground cellars and small museums bring the tale of Japanese wine to life. Some places offer free tours and tastings, while others have paid plans, and the details vary by winery.

12:00 Lunch at a restaurant with vineyard views At a hilltop restaurant, enjoy dishes that pair with wine. The view of vineyards spreading below is a feast in itself. Popular spots get crowded, so a reservation is reassuring.

13:30 Hop between small wineries Katsunuma is dotted with distinctive producers. Sample as you go and seek out your favorite bottle. Paid tastings start from a few hundred yen a glass as a guide, and hearing directly about the craft of each producer is part of the appeal.

15:00 Panorama and tasting at Budo-no-Oka This hilltop tourism complex called Budo-no-Oka offers a sweeping view of the Kofu Basin. Its underground wine cave is famous for letting you compare many labels once you buy a dedicated tasting cup called a tastevin. The fee is around 2,200 yen and you may keep the cup afterward (prices and the number of labels may change).

16:30 Finish with souvenir shopping Take home the lingering pleasure of the trip with a bottle you liked, grape juice or local jam. The shop at Budo-no-Oka and stores near the station stock plenty of local goods.

Highlights

The greatest charm is the landscape of vineyards covering the hills and the wine they yield. The clean Koshu white wine pairs well with Japanese cuisine. Autumn brings the harvest season, when grape picking is also possible. The historic winery buildings themselves are well worth seeing.

Access and Tips

Using an express from the Tokyo direction takes about ninety minutes as a guide. Since wineries are scattered along slopes, taxis or a shuttle bus are more comfortable than walking. If you plan to taste, never drive, and rely on public transport instead. Some wineries require advance reservations, so check ahead.

Practical Travel Notes

• Access: The starting point is Katsunuma-Budokyo Station on the JR Chuo Line. Slopes lead up to the wineries, so combining a local bus, taxi and a seasonal loop bus makes the round easier.
• Drinking and driving: If you plan to taste, absolutely do not drive yourself. Decide in advance on public transport, a driving-agent service, or sharing roles with a companion.
• Tasting fees: These range from free venues to paid tastings of a few hundred yen a glass and the Budo-no-Oka tastevin at around 2,200 yen. Carrying a little extra cash is reassuring.
• Reservations: Some wineries require booking for tours or tastings, and some producers have closed days. Narrowing your visits to a few places and confirming ahead keeps the schedule smooth.
• Best season: The grape harvest and new-wine season is roughly autumn. This period overlaps with grape picking and events and is livelier still.

A Quick Tip

On a day when you drink, always plan not to drive. Taking turns with a companion or making good use of the shuttle bus and taxis lets you enjoy the tastings with peace of mind. Avoid overdoing it, sip water regularly, and take your time seeking out a bottle you love, the refined way to enjoy Katsunuma.