Yamanashi Wine Tour FAQs – Winery Tours Japan

Where are Winery Tours Japan tours located?

Most Winery Tours Japan experiences take place in Yamanashi Prefecture, with the standard wine tours focused on Katsunuma, Enzan, and other parts of the Koshu Valley.
Custom wine trips in Nagano may also be arranged by consultation.

Can I visit Yamanashi as a day trip from Tokyo, and how do I get there?

Yes. Most guests travel from Shinjuku Station to Kofu Station on the JR Limited Express Kaiji or Azusa. The journey is usually about 90 minutes.
The standard full-day tour normally meets at Kofu Station at around 10:30 am. After booking, we provide clear guidance on the recommended train and meeting arrangements.

Do you provide pickup from Tokyo hotels or stations?

No. Winery Tours Japan does not provide pickup from Tokyo hotels or stations. Guests travel independently to Yamanashi by train and normally meet the guide at Kofu Station.
Guests already staying in Yamanashi or the Kawaguchiko area can discuss a suitable local meeting point in advance.

Are the tours private, and what group sizes can you accommodate?

Tours are private and planned for your party. Typical bookings are for two to five guests, with solo travelers accepted by request. Larger private groups may sometimes be possible after consultation.
There are no shared public departures added to your booking.

Who is Morey, and what experience does he have?

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.

He carefully plans each itinerary after consultation, taking into account each guest’s 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.

What types of wine are included in the tastings?

The selection depends on the wineries visited, but a full-day tour may include dry and sparkling Koshu, Muscat Bailey A, Black Queen, Kai Noir, Chardonnay, Delaware, Merlot, Cabernet Sauvignon, Petit Verdot, and other regional wines and blends.
Red and white wines produced in the wider Koshu Valley may also be described regionally as wines from Koshu. The Koshu grape itself is a white grape, and Koshu white wine refers specifically to wine made from that grape.
A typical full-day itinerary often includes 20 or more wines, although the exact number and selection vary.

Does the full-day Yamanashi wine tour include lunch?

Yes. The standard full-day Yamanashi wine tour includes a bilingual English–Japanese local guide, local transportation during the tour, all standard winery tastings, and a relaxed farm-to-table lunch using seasonal local ingredients.
Inclusions for custom, half-day, Nagano, or multi-day itineraries may differ and will be confirmed in the quotation.

Will we meet winemakers during the tour?

Meetings with winemakers or winery owners are sometimes possible, especially at smaller producers, but they are not guaranteed. Availability depends on the winery, production schedule, season, and who is present on the day.
The tour is planned so that the visit remains worthwhile even when a winemaker is unavailable.

Are the tours suitable for non-drinkers, families, or guests under 20?

Non-drinkers may join by prior consultation and can still enjoy the food, scenery, winery settings, and cultural aspects of the day.
The legal drinking age in Japan is 20. No guest under 20 may take part in wine tastings. Families travelling with anyone under 20 must contact us before booking so we can confirm whether the itinerary is suitable.

Do you offer private tours for solo travelers?

Yes. Solo travelers are welcome by request. The standard one-day solo tour is priced separately because the guide, transportation, reservations, lunch planning, and full itinerary are provided for one guest.
Solo availability depends on the date and winery schedule.

What is the best season for a Yamanashi wine tour?

Tours operate throughout the year, and each season is different. Spring brings mild weather and blossoms; summer has green vineyards; autumn is associated with harvest activity and changing foliage; and winter is quieter with clear mountain air.
Winery access, vineyard conditions, weather, and seasonal scenery vary, so no single season is best for every guest.

Do wineries require reservations, and are tastings available in English?

Reservation and visitor policies vary by winery and can change. Some wineries accept walk-in visitors, while others require advance arrangements or have limited tasting hours.
Winery Tours Japan plans the visits and handles required reservations. Morey provides bilingual interpretation during the tour, so guests do not need to depend on English service being available at each winery.

Can the tour be customized, including Nagano or multi-day options?

Yes. We plan the itinerary after learning your dates, group size, accommodation location, wine experience, interests, and questions. Preferences may include small producers, historic wineries, Koshu, Muscat Bailey A, sparkling wine, skin-contact styles, food pairing, or a balanced introduction to Yamanashi wine.
Custom Nagano wine trips, half-day itineraries, and two- or three-day trips combining wine with sake or whisky may also be available. Final routes depend on winery access, travel time, and the season.

Can I buy wine and ship it internationally?

Wine purchases are usually possible at the wineries visited. International shipping is not available from every producer and depends on the destination country, carrier rules, taxes, and winery policy.
Your guide can help you ask about available shipping or explain practical options for carrying purchased wine, but international delivery cannot be guaranteed.

Can I walk between wineries or drive myself?

Some wineries are within walking distance of one another, but walking alone is not practical for the normal full-day itinerary. Winery areas are spread out, and visits must be coordinated around reservations, opening hours, and travel time.
Guests must not drink and drive. The standard full-day tour includes local transportation during the tour so guests can enjoy the tastings without driving.

How long is the standard full-day tour, and what is the usual schedule?

The standard full-day Yamanashi wine tour lasts approximately six to seven hours. A typical day begins around 10:30 am, visits two wineries in the morning, includes lunch at about 12:30 pm, and visits three wineries in the afternoon before finishing around 4:00 to 4:30 pm.
The exact order and timing may change according to reservations, traffic, winery schedules, and the pace of your group.

What does the one-day Yamanashi wine tour cost?

The standard one-day private Yamanashi wine tour is ¥45,000 per person, based on two guests. The standard solo option is ¥60,000.
The price includes a private itinerary with a bilingual English–Japanese local guide, local transportation during the tour, all standard winery tastings, and the farm-to-table lunch. Custom group sizes, Nagano trips, and multi-day itineraries are quoted after consultation.

Is accommodation included in multi-day tours?

No. Winery Tours Japan does not include, reserve, or book accommodation. We can suggest suitable areas or lodging options based on the itinerary, but guests make and pay for their own reservations.
The quotation will clearly state which guiding, transportation, tastings, meals, and activities are included.

How far in advance should I book, and how do I enquire?

Booking early is recommended for weekends, harvest season, Japanese holiday periods, and special occasions because winery access and guide availability are limited.
For the initial enquiry, provide your preferred dates, group size, accommodation location, wine interests, and questions. We will reply with availability and the next booking steps.