Discover the Hidden Gem of Japan’s Wine Country: Koshu Valley Wine Tours & the Legendary Grape Temple
Nestled among the scenic mountains of Yamanashi Prefecture, just two hours from Tokyo, lies one of Japan’s best-kept secrets: the Koshu Valley, home to Japan’s oldest and most prestigious wine region. With its stunning vineyards, charming wineries, and rich cultural heritage, this region offers an unforgettable journey for wine lovers and cultural explorers alike.
And no wine tour of the Koshu Valley is complete without a stop at the famous Grape Temple – Daizenji.
🍇 Wine Tasting Tours in Koshu Valley: A Taste of Japanese Terroir
The Koshu Valley—particularly the Katsunuma area—has long been celebrated as the heartland of Japanese winemaking, with its signature Koshu grapes producing crisp, citrusy wines that pair beautifully with Japanese cuisine. Winery Tours Japan offers expertly guided wine tasting experiences that take you beyond the bottle: stroll through rows of grapevines, meet local winemakers, and savor limited-edition vintages you won’t find anywhere else.
Your customized wine tasting adventure includes:
- Visits to historic and boutique wineries
- Koshu and Muscat Bailey A tastings as well as other varietals of the region.
- Scenic vineyard walks
- Meeting local winemakers to discuss the winemaking process
But what sets this tour apart? It’s the perfect pairing of wine, culture, and nature—which brings us to one of the most extraordinary stops along the way.
🏯 Daizenji – Japan’s Legendary “Grape Temple”
High above the vineyards on a hillside covered in grapevines, the Daizenji Temple—fondly known as the Grape Temple—blends spiritual tranquility with vinicultural legacy like nowhere else in the world.
A Temple Born From Grapes
The story begins over 1,300 years ago, when a Buddhist monk named Gyoki had a divine vision. The Medicine Buddha, Yakushi Nyorai, appeared to him holding a bunch of grapes and a vial of healing elixir. Inspired, Gyoki carved a statue of the deity holding grapes and founded Daizenji Temple—establishing both a sacred site and Japan’s earliest known grape cultivation.
In fact, the temple’s grounds still produce wine, and its head monk doubles as a vintner, producing around 9,000 bottles of Koshu wine annually. Visitors can explore the serene gardens, admire ancient wood-carved deities, and taste the very wine that honors this centuries-old tradition.
🏞️ Beyond Wine: Nature and Cultural Experiences
The Koshu Valley isn’t just about sipping wine—it’s a full sensory journey through Japanese countryside charm. Winery Tours Japan curates full-day or multi-day experiences that include:
- 🚶♂️ Nature Walks through vine-covered hills and fruit orchards
- 🏞️ Visits to local shrines, hidden temples, and mountain waterfall viewpoints
- 🍱 Farm to Table lunches in family-run ryokans or local eateries
Whether you’re an aficionado of wine, a lover of nature, or a culture-seeker, this tour offers a uniquely Japanese blend of taste, tradition, and tranquility.
🏆 National Treasures at Daizenji
As you walk through the peaceful temple grounds, you’ll encounter:
- The Yakushi-do Hall – Built in 1290, this is the oldest building in Yamanashi, and a National Treasure of Japan.
- The Seated Yakushi Buddha – A secret statue shown only once every five years, carved from a single block of cherry wood in the early Heian period.
- Twelve Heavenly Generals and Guardian Statues – Imposing wood-carved protectors dating back to the Kamakura period.
- Scrolls Hidden Within Statues – Ancient petitions and prayers preserved inside the statues themselves.
It’s a spiritual and cultural experience that transcends a typical wine tour—and makes Daizenji a must-visit on any Koshu Valley wine itinerary.
✨ Why This Tour Is a Must
✅ Explore the roots of Japanese winemaking
✅ Taste authentic Koshu wines with local winemakers
✅ Walk through vineyards, temples, and tranquil nature trails
✅ Learn the myth, history, and magic behind Japan’s Grape Temple
✅ Enjoy a curated, stress-free experience with Winery Tours Japan
📅 Book Your Koshu Valley Wine & Culture Tour Now!
Whether you’re planning a romantic getaway, a unique cultural experience, or a relaxing escape into nature, our Winery and Wine Tasting Tour in Yamanashi’s Koshu Valley is the perfect choice.
🎟️ Reserve your seat now with Winery Tours Japan and discover a side of Japan few travelers ever see.
🍷 Taste the wine. Touch the tradition. Walk the valley where grapes and gods meet.