Private One-Day Yamanashi Wine Tour

Private tour · Usually five wineries · All winery tastings included · Seasonal lunch · Local transport · Bilingual English-Speaking Local Guide

A typical itinerary includes:

• Most tours begin around 10:30.
• Two wineries during the morning
• Seasonal farm-to-table lunch at around 12:30
• Three wineries during the afternoon
• Finish in the late afternoon

This provides enough time to experience a varied selection of producers and wine styles without making the day feel rushed. Some tours follow a proven route that works particularly well, with a good balance of wineries, efficient travel and lunch placed naturally within the day. Other days require adjustments according to winery opening days, reservations, the season, where guests are staying and the overall flow of the tour.

There is also room for a little flexibility along the way. When the season and timing allow, the day might include a quick stop at a local farm stand for Yamanashi peaches, grapes or other fruit, or a visit to a local shop before guests return to Tokyo, continue to their hotel or travel onward. These smaller stops are not fixed parts of every itinerary. They are part of the natural flexibility that comes from exploring the region with someone who lives here and knows the area well.

Morey carefully plans the winery route for each tour. When you enquire, he may ask whether you are relatively new to wine, a wine enthusiast, a wine professional, or someone working in the wine, drinks or hospitality industry. You are also welcome to mention any particular interest in wine.

This helps Morey understand the right level of detail for your group and whether there may be an opportunity to include a grape, wine style or subject that interests you. Guests are not expected to select the wineries or design the route themselves. The final itinerary is planned according to winery opening days, reservations, the season, travel distances, lunch arrangements, where guests are staying, and the overall balance and flow of the day.

The aim is to introduce guests to the remarkable variety of Japanese wine and show how different the wines can be from one producer to another. A well-planned day may compare wines shaped by different vineyard locations, growing conditions, terroir, winemaking decisions and production methods. The tour may also include a thoughtful balance of larger, medium-sized and small family-run wineries.

Guests may taste familiar international grape varieties alongside Japanese grapes, different expressions of Koshu and Muscat Bailey A, and signature blends that reflect the individual style of a particular winery. Some days follow a proven itinerary that already offers an excellent range of wineries and wines. Other days are adjusted according to availability, season and the interests of the group.

If you mention a particular interest, Morey will try to take it into account where practical. Specific wineries, wines and bottles cannot be guaranteed in advance.

Yamanashi is the historic heart of Japanese winemaking and the home of Koshu, Japan’s signature native white grape. Depending on the wineries visited, guests may taste several expressions of Koshu alongside Muscat Bailey A, Japanese-bred red varieties, international grapes and original winery blends.

For a deeper explanation of the grapes and wine styles, see the Koshu wine guide and our overview of the wines of Yamanashi. Guests interested in how producer size can shape the visitor experience can also read about large and boutique wineries in Yamanashi.

The contrast between producers remains an important part of the day. Similar grapes can result in very different wines because of vineyard location, growing conditions, winemaking decisions and each producer’s individual style.

Across a typical tour, guests often taste around 20 or more wines. The exact number and selection depend on the wineries visited and the tastings available that day. All winery tastings included as part of the planned tour are covered by the tour price. Specific wines, grape varieties and bottles cannot be guaranteed in advance.

All Winery Tours Japan experiences are personally guided by Morey, a Bilingual English-Speaking Local Guide who has lived in the Koshu Valley for more than a decade, has years of guiding experience throughout Japan and Yamanashi, and has built long-standing relationships and friendships with winery owners, winemakers, and residents throughout the valley.

After living in the Koshu Valley for many years and having in-depth conversations with many of the region’s winemakers, Morey has developed a deep understanding of Yamanashi’s vineyards and winemaking, individual winemaker techniques, and the wider national development of Japanese wine.

He carefully plans each itinerary after each guest’s pre-tour consultation, taking into account their individual wine interests, experience level, preferred styles, pace, and priorities, then curates the winery selection and day accordingly. During winery visits, he provides interpretation and context that connect the wines with Yamanashi’s food, history, culture, and local way of life.

Drawing on this local knowledge and the information discussed during each guest’s pre-tour consultation, Morey decides:

› Which wineries best match each guest’s interests
› Which producers and wine styles complement one another
› How much time to allow at each stop
› Which route is practical for the date and winery schedule
› How to balance large, medium-sized, and small producers
› How to explain differences in vineyard location, terroir, grapes, production, and winemaking
› How to place each wine within its regional and cultural context

When winery owners, winemakers, or staff explain their wines, vineyards, or production methods in Japanese, Morey interprets both the language and the meaning behind it. This helps guests understand not only what was said, but why a producer has chosen a particular grape, blend, vineyard method, or winemaking approach.

Morey’s long-standing local relationships can sometimes create opportunities for more personal conversations and insights during winery visits. Meetings with winery owners or winemakers are always appreciated when they occur, but they are not guaranteed because availability depends on the winery’s work and production schedule that day.

Winery owners, winemakers or other staff members may sometimes be available to speak with guests. This is always appreciated when it happens, but it is never guaranteed because their availability depends on their work at the winery that day.

The tour is private for your group. There are no guests from another booking and no shared group schedule.

This allows questions, conversation and the level of detail to develop naturally throughout the day. Guests can enjoy the experience at a comfortable pace, whether they are tasting Japanese wine for the first time or already have considerable experience.

The route is professionally curated by Morey, while the experience remains personal and responsive to the group.

Private does not mean that guests need to choose every winery, wine or stop in advance. It means the day is organised for one group, with personal attention, natural flexibility and enough time to appreciate the different wines and wineries properly.

A seasonal farm-to-table lunch is included and is normally served at around 12:30. The restaurant is selected according to the winery route and availability for that day.

Depending on the route, lunch may feature Japanese and Western fusion, rustic local Japanese dishes, Japanese–French cuisine or other seasonal regional cooking.

The lunch is an opportunity to enjoy local ingredients and good food as part of the wider Yamanashi experience.

• ✓All winery tastings included as part of the planned tour
• ✓Seasonal farm-to-table lunch
• ✓Local transportation throughout the tour
• ✓Bilingual English-Speaking Local Guide
• ✓English–Japanese interpretation during winery visits
• ✓Professional planning of the winery route
• ✓Meeting and travel guidance before the tour

• —Transportation to Yamanashi before the tour
• —Transportation after the tour
• —Accommodation
• —Bottles and other personal purchases
• —Tastings requested separately outside the planned tour
• —Other personal expenses

Private one-day tour

¥45,000 per person

Based on two guests travelling together

¥60,000 total for a solo private tour

Pricing for larger private groups is confirmed by email.

The price includes all winery tastings on the planned itinerary, seasonal farm-to-table lunch, local transportation throughout the day, and a Bilingual English-Speaking Local Guide with English–Japanese interpretation.

The tour begins from an agreed local meeting point in Yamanashi. The exact arrangement depends on where you are travelling from, where you are staying and the winery route planned for the day.

Coming from Tokyo

Many guests travel from Shinjuku by limited express train. The journey to Yamanashi usually takes around 90 minutes. Travelling by train avoids Tokyo traffic and allows everyone in the group to enjoy the tastings.

Tokyo pickup is not provided. Once your tour is confirmed, Morey will send the recommended train and meeting information for your date.

Staying in Yamanashi

Guests already staying in Yamanashi may be able to arrange pickup from their hotel or another suitable local meeting point, depending on the accommodation location and the planned route.

Staying around Kawaguchiko or the Mt. Fuji area

Guests staying around Kawaguchiko, the Fuji Five Lakes or the wider Mt. Fuji area may also be able to arrange a suitable hotel pickup or local meeting point.

Please provide your accommodation details when enquiring so the most practical arrangement can be considered. The tour is not limited to guests travelling from Tokyo.

For broader regional context, see the Yamanashi wine region guide. Visitors planning independent travel can also use the Koshu Valley travel guide for more detailed transport and destination-planning information.

1Send the essential details

Please include:

• ◆Your preferred date
• ◆Number of guests
• ◆Where you will be staying
• ◆Whether you are new to wine, a wine enthusiast, a wine professional or work in the industry
• ◆Any particular wine interest you would like Morey to know about
• ◆Any birthday, anniversary or other occasion

2Morey confirms availability

Morey will reply personally to confirm availability and discuss the most suitable local meeting arrangement. He may ask a small number of additional questions if needed to plan the day properly.

3Final details are provided

Before the tour, you will receive the confirmed meeting time and location, together with any relevant travel information. Guests travelling from Tokyo will receive recommended train guidance. Guests already staying locally will receive the agreed hotel pickup or meeting details where applicable.

The standard wine tour is for guests aged 20 and over. Guests under 20 may be accepted only after consultation.

Some guests are discovering Japanese wine for the first time. Others are experienced enthusiasts, wine professionals, hospitality staff, importers, producers or people who simply want to enjoy a private day in the Yamanashi countryside.

The tour is well suited to:

• First-time visitors to Japanese wine
• Wine enthusiasts
• Wine professionals and industry members
• Couples
• Friends and small private groups
• Solo travellers
• Guests celebrating birthdays or anniversaries
• Visitors travelling from Tokyo or elsewhere in Japan
• Guests staying in Yamanashi, Kawaguchiko or the wider Mt. Fuji area

No previous knowledge of Japanese wine is required. The conversation and level of detail develop naturally around your group.

The day can remain relaxed and accessible or explore more detailed and technical subjects when that is of interest. Anyone who drinks alcohol must not drive.

Read verified accounts from previous Winery Tours Japan guests, including first-time visitors, wine enthusiasts, professionals, couples, friends and solo travellers.

Accommodation is not included or booked by Winery Tours Japan.

Some guests choose to stay in the Koshu Valley before or after a one-day tour. Guests joining longer tours usually stay in the area during the tour.

Morey may suggest suitable places to stay, but guests always make their own reservations directly.

Can this tour be taken as a day trip from Tokyo?

Yes. Many guests travel from Shinjuku to Yamanashi by limited express train and return to Tokyo after the tour. The journey normally takes around 90 minutes each way.

Where does the tour begin, and is Tokyo pickup included?

The tour begins from an agreed local meeting point in Yamanashi. Tokyo pickup is not provided. Morey sends the recommended train and meeting information after the tour is confirmed.

How long is the tour, and how many wineries are normally visited?

Most tours begin around 10:30 and finish in the late afternoon. A standard day usually visits five wineries, although availability and timing can occasionally change the route.

Is the tour private, and can solo guests book?

Yes. The tour is private for one booking, with no guests from another group. Groups normally include two to five guests, and solo private tours are available.

What is included in the price?

All winery tastings on the planned itinerary, seasonal farm-to-table lunch, local transportation during the tour, route planning and a Bilingual English-Speaking Local Guide are included. Bottles, accommodation, travel to and from Yamanashi, and personal purchases are not included.

Can we request a winery, grape or wine style?

You are welcome to mention a particular interest. Morey will try to take it into account where practical, but specific wineries, wines, grape varieties and bottles cannot be guaranteed in advance.

What is the age requirement?

Guests must be 20 or older. Guests under 20 may be accepted only after consultation.

How far ahead should we enquire?

Earlier enquiries are recommended for weekends, autumn and the harvest period, when winery and restaurant availability can become limited. It is still worth asking about shorter-notice dates.

For additional questions about booking, weather, custom tours and practical arrangements, see the full Yamanashi wine tour FAQs.

For guests looking for a longer or more customised experience, the following private options may also be available:

• ›Two-Day Private Yamanashi Wine Tour — a more immersive visit with additional time to compare wineries, grapes and wine styles across the Koshu Valley.
• ›Three-Day Wine, Sake and Japanese Whisky Tour — two days of Yamanashi wine followed by a day that may include historic Shichiken, where guests can experience Yamanashi’s finest sake, and the Suntory Hakushu Distillery.
• ›Wine and Mt. Fuji Sightseeing — a customised itinerary combining Yamanashi wine with selected scenic and cultural stops in the wider Mt. Fuji area.
• ›Private Nagano Wine Tour — a customised visit to Nagano producers and wine areas, planned separately according to dates and availability.
• ›Luxury and VIP Wine Experiences — a more extensively tailored itinerary that may include selected premium tastings and gourmet dining.

These alternatives are planned separately from the standard private one-day Yamanashi wine tour and depend on dates, availability and the interests of the group. Use the enquiry form to ask about a longer or customised private tour.

Enquire about your private Yamanashi wine tour