Discover Kōshū

If you’re looking for a hotel in Kōshū, you can plan your trip around Katsunuma’s winemaking history and the cultural and natural attractions of the Shioyama area. Fruit growing has long been widespread in Kōshū, and the Shioyama area is home to cultural properties, hiking destinations, and diverse landscapes. This gives you the chance to decide which themes you want to shape your stay.

Winemaking and the roots of Japanese wine

Katsunuma, in the city of Kōshū, is considered the birthplace of Japanese wine: in 1877, Dainihon Yamanashi Budōshu Kaisha was founded there as Japan’s first private wine producer. In the region, grape growing, practiced since the Edo period, developed alongside the wine industry that emerged in the Meiji era, creating a cultural landscape found nowhere else. Its history brings agriculture and winemaking together in one specific place.

At the Budounooka wine cellar, you can sample more than 100 wines recommended by Kōshū using a special tasting vessel. Tasting availability may change, so check before your visit to confirm whether it is offered. In the city of Kōshū, Miyakōen refers to the winery and tourist vineyard founded by Miyazaki Kōtarō. Today, the site has been converted into a museum. On display are historic film footage, photographs, and wine labels from the time, offering a glimpse into the roots of Japanese winemaking.

Kōshū and the Shioyama area: cultural heritage, literature, and seasonal events

In the city of Kōshū, the former residence of the Takano family, Kyū Takano-ke Jūtaku (Kanzōyashiki), preserves the layout of a residential complex from the late Edo period. It is designated an Important Cultural Property of Japan and is open to the public as a historic park. Visiting arrangements may change, so check before your visit. Kanzōyashiki is also associated with the Enzan Tōgenkyō Festival, featuring Hina dolls and peach blossoms: it takes place every year from February 11 to April 18 and is held mainly at Kanzōyashiki. Check the dates before your trip.

Temples and shrines associated with the Takeda family remain in the Shioyama area, including Erinji and Kōgakuji. Among Kōgakuji’s cultural properties is the National Treasure painting “絹本著色達磨図”; it is housed at the National Museum. The Shioyama area is also connected with literary history: its name comes from Mount Shio-no-yama in the southwest of Kōshū. The mountain is mentioned in an auspicious poem in the Kokin Wakashū and was regarded by court poets of the time as a kind of “paradise.”

Ichiyō Higuchi is also connected with the area. The Shioyama area in the city of Kōshū is considered the region her parents came from; in her work “Yuku Kumo,” the area is portrayed as the protagonist’s hometown. The Ichiyō-no-Sato walking route in the Shioyama area leads to Jiuunji, known for its Itosakura cherry tree, and to a literary monument to Higuchi. Hinata Yakushi and Takimoto-in offer seasonal views. From the route in the Shioyama area, you can see peach blossoms spreading out like a pink carpet; bloom times vary from year to year.

Mountain landscapes and outdoor trails

Mountains, gorges, and forests cover 80 percent of the Shioyama area. In Kōshū, Daibosatsu-Rei, one of Japan’s 100 Famous Mountains, and the Sanukubo Highlands are visited by many hikers, particularly from the Greater Tokyo Area. Daibosatsu-Rei offers hikes for different experience levels, including options for families and experienced hikers. Check the latest trail and access information before setting out.

Shioyama Fureai-no-Mori Sōgō Kōen sits on elevated ground in the Shioyama area and offers sweeping views across Kōshū, including Mount Fuji. Its nature-walk area features seasonal flowers and trees, as well as a walking trail; there is also a playground, a pond, and an observation tower. The facilities are open to everyone. Facilities may change over time, so check current conditions if you plan to use specific areas.

Ryūmonkyō Gorge is located in the Hikawa Valley. Its walking trail is easy to navigate and suitable for families, and parking is available. As trail conditions and facilities may change, check the situation before your visit. The area offers a range of ways to enjoy nature, from a walk through a gorge to hikes on Daibosatsu-Rei for different experience levels.

Fruit growing and planning your route

Fruit growing has long been widespread in Kōshū. The “Eight Treasures of Kōshū” include grapes, peaches, persimmons, pomegranates, apples, chestnuts, pears, and either ginkgo nuts or walnuts. As far back as the Edo period, these fruits were prized as popular souvenirs and shipped to the Edo market. The local food culture thus extends beyond winemaking.

In addition to privately operated local buses, municipal buses serve routes in Kōshū. The city contracts transport companies to operate them. Routes and service status should be checked again before traveling, so it’s worth looking up the right connection for your plans in good time.

Discover more destinations: Hokuto, Fuefuki, Yamanashi, Funatsu, Minobu, Yamanaka, Fujikawaguchiko, Nirasaki

For the regional travel overview: Yamanashi Prefecture.