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Beautiful day in the Yamanashi vineyard tasting Koshu wine with Winery Tours Japan.

FAQs: About Winery Tours Japan

Frequently Asked Questions – Winery Tours Japan

Planning your private Yamanashi winery tasting tour?

Our Yamanashi Wine Tours FAQ will help you understand everything you need to know before booking your private or group wine tour through Yamanashi’s beautiful Koshu Valley.

 


How do I get to Yamanashi from Tokyo?

We recommend taking the JR Kaiji or Azusa limited express trains from Shinjuku Station to Kofu or the Koshu Valley. It’s a comfortable, fast and scenic train ride through the countryside and takes approximately 90 minutes.

What types of wine are included in the tastings?

You’ll taste a range of premium Japanese wines including:
Koshu white wines – clean, crisp, and food-friendly
Muscat Bailey A reds – fruit-forward and elegant
Sparkling, skin-contact, and barrel-aged wines from boutique producers
Other local varietals such as Chardonnay, Semillon, Delaware, Black Queen, Kai Noir, and Yama Sauvignon
Each tour includes a curated selection of at least 20 red and white wines. Learn more in our Japanese Wine 101 guide.

Where are your wine tours located?

Our tours take place in Yamanashi Prefecture, Japan’s leading wine region, just 90 minutes from Tokyo. Most of our tastings and vineyard visits are located in the Koshu Valley, made up of Katsunuma and Enzan wine areas and home to Japan’s signature Koshu white wine and scenic views of Mount Fuji.

Are your tours private or group-based?

We offer both private tours for couples, families, and small groups, as well as private small-group experiences that are social and relaxed. We also offer private solo traveler wine tasting experiences. All Yamanashi wine tasting tours are led by a local bilingual wine guide and customized to your preferences and interests. We also offer premium curated and luxury Yamanashi wine tasting excursions.

Do your tours include food?

Yes! Most full-day tours include a farm-to-table Japanese lunch thoughtfully paired with local wines. Menus change seasonally and highlight Yamanashi’s fresh produce and traditional flavors. Vegetarian options are available. See our Japanese Wine & Lunch Pairing Experience for more details.

How long are the wine tours?

Our full-day tours run approximately 6–7 hours and include visits to 5 wineries. Custom itineraries are also available. We’ll coordinate pickup/drop-off around your train or accommodation schedule.

What is the best season to visit?

The Koshu Valley is stunning year-round:
Spring (March–May): blossoms and mild weather
Autumn (Sept–Nov): grape harvest, colorful foliage
Summer: lush greenery and vibrant vineyards
Winter: peaceful scenery, snow-capped Mt. Fuji, and cozy tastings

Can I buy wine and ship it internationally?

Some wineries offer international shipping, but availability depends on your country’s import rules. Your guide can help you navigate this. Alternatively, you may bring bottles home in checked luggage within airline alcohol limits.

Are your tours family-friendly?

Yes! While designed for wine lovers, our tours are flexible for families. Non-drinkers enjoy the scenery, food, and culture, and we can adjust stops for travelers with children.

How do I book a Yamanashi wine tasting tour?

Booking is easy! Visit our Contact Us page, complete the form, and we’ll follow up within 24 hours to confirm your personalized itinerary.

Can I do a wine tour as a day trip from Tokyo?

Absolutely. Many guests take a day trip from Tokyo using the JR express train (90 minutes). We time your tour to match your travel schedule — it’s one of the most convenient and fun day trips from Tokyo.

Do you offer custom or themed wine tours?

Yes! We offer fully tailored experiences — from sparkling wine and natural wine tours to vineyard photography or food-pairing adventures. Let us know your interests when booking.

Why is Yamanashi considered Japan’s top wine region?

Yamanashi is home to over 80 wineries and is the birthplace of modern Japanese winemaking. With volcanic soils, ideal elevation, and a long history of Koshu grape cultivation, it’s the heart of Japanese wine. Plus, it’s easily accessible from Tokyo and offers stunning views of Mt. Fuji. Explore it on our Koshu Valley tours.

What Our Guests Are Saying

“Highly recommend! If you are interested in wine and Japanese culture this is a must. Morey is super accommodating, knowledgeable, and goes above and beyond.”

— Paige – Florida USA

“Our one-day wine tour in Japan was an unforgettable experience. The organization was outstanding – from the very beginning, we felt exceptionally well taken care of.”

— Tamara and Paolo – Switzerland

“The 3 day wine tasting tour with Winery Tours Japan was fantastic, we visited many interesting wineries and breweries in the Koshu region and had interesting delicious meals along the way as well.”

— Gerard T. – Singapore

Read More Customer Reviews →

 

Still have questions?

We’re happy to help. Contact us here or send us a message to get personalized support from our bilingual team. Whether you’re new to Japanese wine or a seasoned wine traveler, we’ll help create an unforgettable experience in Yamanashi’s wine country.

🍷 Ready to explore?

Book your private Japanese wine tour now and taste the best of Japanese wine.