How does the wine tasting work at Katsunuma Budou no Oka?

Purchase a tastevin cup for ¥1,100 to ¥2,200 at the cave entrance for unlimited tastings from 180 to 200 wine varieties. Wines are organized by style from full-bodied to sweet. The cave holds approximately 20,000 bottles from local Koshu City wineries.

Can I visit Katsunuma Budou no Oka as a day trip from Tokyo?

Yes, Katsunuma Budou no Oka makes an excellent day trip from Tokyo. The journey takes approximately 1.5 hours by express train or 2 hours by local train on the JR Chuo Line from Shinjuku Station to Katsunuma Budokyo Station, followed by a 20-minute walk or 5-minute taxi ride. Highway buses from Shinjuku are also available and take 1.5 to 2 hours under normal traffic conditions.

What facilities are available besides wine tasting?

The complex includes an observation restaurant on the third floor, Tenku-no-Yu hot spring baths with open-air sections, hotel accommodations, outdoor barbecue areas, and a wine shop. Entry to grounds and shops is free. Wine tasting, dining, hot springs, and accommodation require separate payment.

What makes the wines from this region special?

The Katsunuma region has over 1,300 years of grape cultivation history and is considered the birthplace of Japanese wine, with commercial production beginning in 1877. The area is renowned for wines made from the indigenous Koshu grape, which produces light, crisp white wines with citrus notes, and Muscat Bailey A, which creates sweet, fruity red wines. The underground wine cave at Budou no Oka maintains around 20,000 bottles representing the diversity of local winemaking.

Katsunuma Budou no Oka

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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.

What other travelers are saying about Katsunuma Budou no Oka

This hotel, spa and wine cave is in heart of Yamanshi wine country. I would characterize the area as the Sonoma Valley of Japan. Wines featured at the Wine Cave are typically lighter and sweeter matching Jaoanese preferred qualities. It's enjoyable to taste wines from 40 wineries located in the area.

Mark Snell

Nov 16, 2025

I visited the Winery for a day out and spent a few hours here. For ¥2200 you can try as much of their wines as you want. It’s in a beautiful location and the staff were really friendly. After I struggled with my Japanese and explained I’m still learning but get nervous speaking, the staff member went out of her way to explain everything in English. The balcony has a beautiful view of the valley and the facilities were clean and organised. I hope to come back in the future. Thank you!

Lovely location with amazing views. Did the wine tasting, some interesting wines in Japan, especially from someone used to South African wines. Mono brought me here

The onsen was nice and the view of the vineyards was pretty. I came by tour bus after sightseeing in the area. I was disappointed with the wine tasting as they charge for tasting plastic cup and the tasting is so small. Wouldn't recommend.

The area was beautiful and peaceful. My friends and I enjoyed tasting the different wines. You're even able to purchase wines that were your favorites. Pricing is not bad either and their are restaurants on site. You can go in and out the wine cellar tasting area also to take breaks and grab a bite in-between tastings or just roam the grounds and take in the scenery.