Katsunuma Wine Country
Japan's wine capital — the Katsunuma Valley produces 40% of Japan's wine on terraced hillsides visible from the Chuo Line train. The local Koshu grape (pink-skinned, crisp and mineral) is Japan's signature variety, classified as a European-style vinifera grape in 2010. Forty wineries offer tastings in walking distance from Katsunuma-Budokyo Station.
Half day
Free (tastings ¥500)
Wineries typically 10:00–17:00; closed Mon–Tue (varies)
September (harvest), October (foliage), Year-round
Katsunuma-Budokyo Station on JR Chuo Line (100 min from Shinjuku)
Location
Why Visit
- 1
The Koshu grape is Japan's only internationally recognised wine variety — crisp and mineral
- 2
40 wineries within walking distance — Chateau Mercian and Grace Wine are the most acclaimed
- 3
Harvest season (September) lets visitors pick grapes and press wine in the same morning
Local Tips
The Katsunuma area has over 30 wineries within walking distance of each other. September harvest season (budo-gari) lets you pick Koshu grapes directly from the vine. Take the Chuo Line to Katsunuma-budokyo Station — no car needed.
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