Katsunuma Budou no Oka

Katsunuma Budou no Oka stands as a multipurpose wine tourism complex overlooking the Kofu Basin in Koshu City, Yamanashi Prefecture. Situated in the heart of Japan's premier wine region, this hilltop facility serves as both a showcase for the Katsunuma area's viticulture heritage and a gateway to understanding Japanese wine culture. The region has cultivated grapes for over 1,300 years, with wine production beginning in 1877 when two local pioneers, Masanari Takano and Ryuken Tsuchiya, traveled to France to study winemaking techniques and established Japan's first commercial winery upon their return.

The complex centers around an impressive underground wine cave that maintains approximately 180 to 200 varieties of Koshu City wine, totaling around 20,000 bottles at any given time. Visitors can purchase a traditional French tastevin tasting cup for ¥1,100 to ¥2,200 and sample unlimited wines throughout the cellar, which organizes selections from full-bodied to sweet varieties. The cave's cool, wine-scented atmosphere provides an ideal environment for discovering the distinctive characteristics of wines made from the native Koshu grape, known for its light citrus notes and crisp acidity, as well as Muscat Bailey A red wines with their sweet, fruity profiles.

Beyond wine tasting, the facility encompasses multiple restaurants including a panoramic observation restaurant on the third floor that serves Western and local Yamanashi cuisine paired with regional wines while overlooking views of the Southern Alps and Kofu Basin. The complex also features Tenku-no-Yu, a natural hot spring bath with alkaline waters and open-air sections offering valley views, available to both overnight guests and day visitors. Additional amenities include hotel accommodations, outdoor barbecue facilities, a gift shop stocking an extensive selection of local wines, and seasonal vineyard views that transform with spring's peach blossoms, summer greenery, autumn foliage, and occasional winter snow.

The facility is located approximately 20 minutes on foot from JR Katsunuma Budokyo Station, which is accessible via the JR Chuo Line from Tokyo's Shinjuku Station in approximately 1.5 hours by express train or 2 hours by local train. Alternatively, visitors can take a 5-minute taxi ride from the station or drive directly with available on-site parking. Highway buses from Shinjuku offer another option, typically taking 1.5 to 2 hours under normal traffic conditions. The complex operates year-round with only a brief closure in January for facility maintenance. Entry to the grounds and shops is free, with separate fees only for wine tasting, dining, hot spring use, and accommodation.