IN KATSUNUMA,YAMANASHI.
a guide for Katsunuma Winery in Yamanashi.
Katsunuma is known as the birthplace of Koshu.
I went to wineries and grape hill (BUDOU NO OKA) in Katsunuma, Yamanashi. When I arrived at Katsunuma
Budokyo Station, I was welcomed with a sign that read "The Town of Grapes and Wine".
You can get to Katsunuma from Shinjuku by train in about two hours.
There are many wineries in this area, but since the bus frequency is low, I took a taxi first to Chateau Mercian, which cost about 1,800 yen and took about 10 minutes. I recommend checking the bus schedule beforehand if you plan to travel by bus. ”Yamanshi Wine Taxi” also operates, but advance reservation is required.
Chateau Mercian has a wine museum that can be viewed for free, which features not only their own wines but also a comprehensive display of "Japanese wine" traditions.
Their motto is "Making Japan a world-famous wine region".
The view from the gallery is magnificent, although it's a pity that the weather was somewhat cloudy.
You can also taste their wine at the tasting counter, which offers a wide variety of wines.
Next, I walked about 3 minutes to Morita Koshu Winery.
There is a pillar in the neighborhood, and there are facilities such as the "Grape Country Museum" and the Wine Village Kasen Park in the surrounding area.
"The Town of Grapes and Wine"
It took about 10 minutes on foot to reach Ikeda Winery, whose exterior is cute.
from there, I walked about 5 minutes to Katsunuma winery. The taxi driver highly recommended it.
From there, I walked slowly to the grape hill, which took about 30-40 minutes, but I finally arrived.
When you call a taxi, it will come to pick you up.
the grape hill『BUDOU NO OKA』
You can not only eat houtou, a traditional noodle of Yamanashi, but also take a hot spring bath (onsen) there.
The wine curve in the basement is attractive, where you can taste about 180 types of wine for 1,520 yen.
You can taste as much as you want without time limits. If you purchase wine for 3,000 yen or less, you can get a plate called "tastevin" as a bonus for tasting.
I drank a lot and stumbled my way back home. It took about 20 minutes on foot to get to Katsunuma Budokyo Station. The beautiful natural scenery is comfortable, and I hope that the transportation and wine tourism will be further developed with an increase in tourists.
