Frequently Asked Questions – Winery Tours Japan
Planning your private Yamanashi wine tasting tour in the Koshu Valley?
This FAQ is written for international travelers planning a private wine tour in Japan’s premier wine region. Below you’ll find clear answers about transportation from Tokyo, tour style, wineries, tastings, meals, and what makes Winery Tours Japan a relaxed, locally guided experience designed for travelers who want a deeper, more personal visit.
All Winery Tours Japan experiences take place in Yamanashi Prefecture, the birthplace of modern Japanese winemaking and home to over 80 wineries.
Most tours focus on the Koshu Valley, including the historic Katsunuma and Enzan areas, where Japan’s signature Koshu white grape is grown. The region is also known for scenic vineyard landscapes, historic wineries and views of Mount Fuji.
The most comfortable and efficient way to reach Yamanashi is by JR limited express train.
We recommend the Kaiji or Azusa limited express trains from Shinjuku Station to Kōfu, Katsunuma, or nearby stations depending on your itinerary. The journey takes approximately 90 minutes, is scenic, and allows you to arrive relaxed and ready to enjoy the day.
We assist all guests with clear train guidance and timing so your travel is seamless.
Our tours are designed to maximize time in the vineyards, which is why most guests travel independently to Yamanashi by express train and meet us locally.
For guests who strongly prefer door‑to‑door service, private Tokyo pickup can be arranged upon request as a premium option. Availability depends on schedule, group size, and season, and additional fees apply due to the distance and round‑trip travel time.
Many guests find the train option faster, more comfortable, and better value.
Yes. The Koshu Valley is one of the easiest wine regions in the world to visit as a day trip from Tokyo.
With a 90‑minute express train ride each way, guests enjoy a full 6–7 hour guided wine experience in Yamanashi without long highway transfers.
Most full‑day tours run approximately 6–7 hours and typically include visits to five wineries. Starting at 10:30 am visiting 2 wineries, with lunch around 12:30 and then 3 wineries in the afternoon ending around 4:30pm.
Multi‑day itineraries (2‑day and 3‑day tours) allow for deeper exploration, additional wineries, relaxed pacing, and optional sake or Japanese whisky experiences.
All Winery Tours Japan experiences are private or very small‑group tours.
We offer:
• Fully private tours for couples, families, and friends
• Solo traveler wine tours
• Small private groups with a relaxed, social atmosphere
Every tour is led by a locally based, bilingual English‑Japanese wine specialist who lives in Yamanashi and maintains long‑standing relationships with regional wineries.
You’ll enjoy a curated selection of premium red and white Japanese wines, including:
• Koshu white wines – crisp, elegant, and food‑friendly
• Muscat Bailey A red wines – fruit‑forward and refined
• Sparkling, skin‑contact, barrel‑aged dry and sweet wines
• Other regional varietals such as Chardonnay, Semillon, Delaware, Black Queen, Kai Noir, Yama Sauvignon, Merlot, Cabernet Sauvignon and other unique varieties and blends.
A typical full‑day tour includes tastings of 20 or more wines, depending on the itinerary and winery selection.
Yes. Most full‑day tours include a farm‑to‑table Japanese lunch thoughtfully paired with local wines.
Menus are seasonal and highlight Yamanashi’s fresh produce and regional cuisine. Vegetarian and dietary accommodations are available with advance notice.
For us, luxury is not about rushing, oversized vehicles, or rigid schedules.
Luxury means:
• Time to taste premium Koshu wines without pressure
• Delicious curated gourmet local cuisine
• Access to winemakers and boutique producers
• Deep understanding of Japanese wine culture
• Thoughtful pacing and dedicated personal attention
Many guests describe the experience as relaxed, personal, and deeply immersive rather than formal or scripted.
Yes. Non‑drinkers and family members often enjoy the scenery, cultural visits, food, and relaxed pace of the day.
We can adjust winery selections and include additional sightseeing or food‑focused stops as needed.
Yamanashi is beautiful year‑round:
• Spring (March–May): blossoms and mild weather
• Summer: lush vineyards and mountain scenery
• Autumn (September–November): grape harvest and colorful foliage
• Winter: quiet wineries, clear air, and snow‑capped Mount Fuji
Each season offers a different unique perspective on Japanese wine culture.
Some wineries might offer international shipping depending on destination country regulations.
Your guide will assist with winery policies, shipping options, and other advice if you plan to carry wine home.
Yes. Every tour is fully customizable.
Themes may include:
• Specific grape varieties (Koshu Red or White, Bio wines, sparkling wines)
• Boutique or family‑run wineries
• Food and wine pairing experiences
• Photography‑focused vineyard visits
• Multi‑day wine, sake, and whisky itineraries
• Birthday, Honeymoon, and Anniversary or other celebrations
Winery Tours Japan is locally based in Yamanashi and specializes in private wine tasting experiences in the Koshu Valley. Because we live here, our tours feel natural, unrushed, and locally connected — not like a packaged itinerary. Over the years, we’ve developed close relationships with regional wineries and restaurants, allowing guests to enjoy a smooth, relaxed, and highly personalized day. Our tours are designed for international travelers who want an authentic, premium wine experience in Japan’s most important wine region.
• We are locally based and living in Yamanashi
• Tours are led by a bilingual local wine specialist, not a driver
• We focus on depth, education, and personal connection
• Our itineraries are never rushed or mass-produced
• Guests consistently praise the experience as a highlight of their Japan trip
Many travelers discover us through personal recommendations and repeat visitors.
Yes. We welcome solo travelers and regularly design private wine tours for individual guests.
Because we are locally based in Yamanashi and operate private, flexible itineraries, we are able to accommodate solo travelers more easily than large tour companies or luxury-only operators.
Solo guests often tell us that the personal attention, relaxed pace, and opportunity for conversation with winemakers make the experience especially memorable.
Yes. Many wineries and restaurants in Yamanashi require advance reservations, especially for tastings conducted in English or visits to smaller, family-run producers.
As a guided tour operator with long-standing relationships in the region, we handle all winery reservations in advance. This ensures smooth access, appropriate tasting times, and the ability to visit wineries that are not always available to walk-in visitors.
Yes. All Winery Tours Japan wine tours are led in English by a local bilingual English–Japanese wine specialist with over 15 years experience in Yamanashi and the Koshu Valley.
While many wineries primarily operate in Japanese, your guide provides full interpretation during tastings, explains winemaking techniques and grape varieties, and facilitates meaningful conversations with winemakers.
This allows international guests to fully understand and enjoy the experience without language barriers.
We recommend booking as early as possible, especially for weekends, peak travel seasons, and special occasions. If your travel dates are flexible, we can often suggest the best day based on winery availability and seasonal highlights.
The legal drinking age in Japan is 20. All guests joining wine tastings must be 20 or older, and Winery Tours Japan follows Japanese law and encourages responsible drinking throughout the tour.
No. Drinking and driving is strictly prohibited in Japan. Our tours are planned so guests can enjoy wine tastings responsibly and travel safely throughout the day.
Booking is simple. Visit our Contact Us page, share your travel dates and interests, and we’ll respond within 24 hours to design your personalized itinerary.
What Our Guests Are Saying
“Highly recommend! If you are interested in wine and Japanese culture this is a must. Morey is incredibly knowledgeable and accommodating.”
— Paige, USA“Our one-day wine tour in Japan was unforgettable. We felt exceptionally well taken care of from start to finish.”
— Tamara & Paolo, Switzerland“The three-day wine tour was fantastic. Incredible wineries, wonderful meals, and a guide who truly loves Japanese wine.”
— Gerard, Singapore
Still have questions?
We’re happy to help.
Whether you’re new to Japanese wine or a seasoned wine traveler, contact us anytime and we’ll help you plan an unforgettable experience in Yamanashi’s wine country.
Ready to explore?
Book your private Japanese wine tour and experience the best of Yamanashi with Winery Tours Japan.
