Experiences & Reviews

The Yamanashi Winery Tour is easily accessible, and located only about 2 hours from Shinjuku. If you take the train, it’s common to take a taxi from JR Chuo Line’s Katsunuma Budokyo Station to the winery, but you can also get there by bus.

If you take the bus, you should get off at “Chuo Expressway Shakado Bus Stop.”

This bus stop, located within a highway parking area, is an undiscovered winery tour base with many popular wineries within walking distance.

Why Chuo Expressway Shakado Bus Stop?

The greatest appeal of the Chuo Expressway Shakado Bus Stop is its location. Because it’s inside a parking area, facilities like restrooms and shops are well-equipped, making it safe even for first-time highway bus travelers. Several historic wineries and restaurants are all within walking distance from this bus stop. It’s truly an ideal location to enjoy wine, especially since it is illegal to drive in Japan after drinking a sip of alcohol in Japan!

How to get there:

Outbound: Shinjuku Bus Terminal to Chuo Expressway Shakado

Take a highway bus from Shinjuku Bus Terminal heading toward Kofu via Kofu-minami. Travel time is approximately 1.5-2 hours. Using a morning bus, you can start winery touring from the morning.

• Boarding location: Shinjuku Bus Terminal (directly connected to JR Shinjuku Station’s New South Exit)
• Drop-off location: Chuo Expressway Shakado Bus Stop (drop-off only)
• Fare: Approximately ¥1,800-¥2,000 one way

Return: Chuo Expressway Shakado (boarding only) to Shinjuku Bus Terminal

For returning to Shinjuku, you can board from the bus stop in the upbound (Tokyo-bound) Shakado Parking Area on the opposite side. If you take the evening bus, you can enjoy 6-7 hours of winery touring.

Note: Buses via Isawa or express buses between Shinjuku and Kofu don’t stop at Chuo Expressway Shakado Bus Stop. For these services, use Katsunuma Bus Stop instead.

Top 3 Recommended Wineries

1. Fujiclair Winery

Established winery founded in 1963

Located on a small hill overlooking the Kofu Basin, Fujiclair Winery is dedicated to making “wines that pair with Japanese cuisine.”

Reviews

Highlights:

• Spectacular view of the Kofu Basin below
• Weekend winery tours (reservation required, ¥1,500)
• Underground tunnel cave and brewery facility tours
• Free tasting of over a dozen wines
• “Life and Wine Marche” area proposing wine lifestyle

Hours: 10:00-16:00
Closed Days: None (except year-end/New Year holidays)
Location: 2770-1 Shimoiwasaki, Katsunuma-cho, Koshu City, Yamanashi
Access: 14-minute walk from Chuo Expressway Shakado Bus Stop

Fujiclair Winery is committed to using 100% Yamanashi Prefecture grapes and produces wines that bring out the unique characteristics of the Koshu variety. Wine tasting at the wine shop is free, and you can purchase any wines you like on the spot.

2. Maruki Winery

Japan’s oldest existing winery

Founded in 1891, Maruki Winery has an incredible history. The founder’s belief that “just as French wine pairs with French cuisine, Koshu grapes must pair with Japanese food” continues to this day.

Reviews

Highlights:

• Experience the history of Japan’s oldest winery
• Environmentally conscious grape cultivation using no-till grass-growing methods
• Sheep roaming freely in the vineyard
• Flagship “La Fille” wine series
• Japanese variety wines specializing in Koshu and Muscat Bailey A

Hours: 9:00-16:30 (tours and tastings available)
Location: 2488 Shimoiwasaki, Katsunuma-cho, Koshu City, Yamanashi
Access: 15-minute walk from Chuo Expressway Shakado Bus Stop

What makes Maruki Winery unique is its innovative winemaking with sustainability as a fundamental concept. They implement ‘no-tillage grass cultivation,’ managing vineyards in a state close to nature, and achieve environmentally friendly cultivation without using herbicides by free-ranging sheep.

3. Marufuji Winery (Rubaiyat Wine)

Historic winery with a poetic name

Founded in 1890 (Meiji 23), Marufuji Winery’s beautiful brand name “Rubaiyat” was coined by poet Konosuke Hinatsu. Meaning “collection of quatrains” in Persian, this name expresses the fusion of wine and poetry.

Reviews

Highlights:

• Historic winery with buildings from its founding era
• Early pioneer in dry-style Koshu wines “Kura-Con” (winery concerts)
• Tours (weekends and holidays at 14:00, phone reservation required)
• Wine-making that fuses tradition and innovation

Hours: 9:00-16:30
Closed: None (except year-end/New Year holidays)
Location: 780 Fujii, Katsunuma-cho, Koshu City, Yamanashi
Access: 12-minute walk from Chuo Expressway Shakado Bus Stop

Rubaiyat Winery cultivates European varieties of wines such as Cabernet Sauvignon and Chardonnay, centered around dry wines made from the Koshu variety. Aiming for “Japanese wine to be proud of worldwide,” they continue meticulous winemaking from grape cultivation through to brewing.

3 Restaurants Within Walking Distance

After enjoying some wine at one of the wineries, you might want to check out some eateries around the area. Within walking distance of the Chuo Expressway Shakado Bus Stop, there are many restaurants with classy and stylish atmospheres, making for a perfect addition to your winery trip.

① IWAI TERRACE

— Maruki Winery’s 2nd Floor: Scenic View Cafe & BBQ Terrace

A cafe & restaurant located on the 2nd floor of Maruki Winery, popular for its terrace seating with panoramic views of the Kofu Basin and the Southern Alps.

• Instagram-worthy menu items like homemade burgers and “drinkable French toast”
• Enjoy craft beer made at the adjacent “IWAI BREWERY” and wines from Maruki Winery

From spring to autumn, there’s also a BBQ plan available on the terrace seating, making it perfect for lunch or an early dinner after visiting the wineries.

② Restaurant Kaze

— An Authentic European Restaurant on the Hill, Directly Managed by Katsunuma Winery

Ristorante Kaze is a European styled restaurant situated on high ground overlooking the vineyards. The restaurant offers different wines from the Katsunuma Winery

• Enjoy panoramic views of vineyards that change colors with each season
• Overlook the Chichibu mountain range through large windows
• Abundant course meals featuring specially selected Japanese Wagyu roast beef and local vegetables and fruits

You can enjoy a variety of pairings with Koshu wine, so its great for days when you want to treat yourself a little! Both lunch and dinner are centered around course meals, so advance reservations are recommended.

③ BISTRO Mille Printemps

— A French Bistro Featuring Japanese Wine & Local Ingredients

A French restaurant that opened in 2010, this bistro promotes “the marriage of Japanese wines”, including those from Yamanashi Prefecture, with local ingredients.

• Enjoy authentic French cuisine by an owner who served as chef and sommelier at a renowned Ginza restaurant
• Features primarily Yamanashi Prefecture wines, along with Japanese wines from across the country and renowned wines from around the world

A restaurant that values “casual yet slightly special moments”, making it perfect for a concluding dinner after touring wineries.

Itinerary Ideas

8:35 Depart from Shinjuku Bus Terminal

Board a highway bus bound for Kofu (via Kofu Minami) from Shinjuku Bus Terminal, directly connected to Shinjuku Station’s New South Exit. You can enjoy views of Mt. Fuji and the Southern Alps from the bus window as you travel.

10:11 Arrive at Chuo Expressway Shakado Bus Stop

This bus stop is located within Shakado Parking Area, where restrooms and shops are available. You can purchase light snacks and drinks as needed.

10:30 Fuji Clair Winery

First, head to Fuji Clair Winery with its excellent views. Enjoy wine tasting while taking in the spectacular scenery of the Kofu Basin. You can purchase any wines you like on the spot.

12:00 Maruki Winery / IWAI TERRACE

Walk to the next winery. Experience the history of Japan’s oldest winery while savoring wines made from grapes cultivated using no-tillage grass cultivation methods. You might even be able to meet the free-ranging sheep!

Optional: Lunch at IWAI TERRACE on the premises

15:30 Marufuji Winery (Rubaiyat Wine)

Finally, visit Rubaiyat Winery. You can tour the original buildings and underground cellars from the founding era, and taste traditional dry Koshu wine.

17:04 Return to Chuo Expressway Shakado Bus Stop

After resting at parking area, board from the opposite side of where you got off in the morning and take the evening bus back to Shinjuku Bus Terminal.

18:40 Arrive at Shinjuku Bus Terminal

Note: Buses via Isawa or express buses between Shinjuku and Kofu don’t stop at Chuo Expressway Shakado Bus Stop. For these services, use Katsunuma Bus Stop instead.

Items to Bring With You

• Eco bag for wine purchases
• Cooler bag for summer wine transport
• Comfortable walking shoes
• Hat and sunscreen
• Water for hydration between tastings
• Cash (some wineries cash only)
• ID for age verification

Winery Etiquette

1. Drivers should refrain from drinking alcohol (no worries with bus travel!)
2. Taste in moderation when visiting multiple wineries
3. Purchasing after tasting is optional
4. Ask before taking photos in brewing facilities
5. Make reservations for tours in advance

Recommended Seasons

Spring（March-May）

This season is when new grape buds emerge. The crisp, pleasant weather makes it perfect for touring wineries.

Early Summer (June-July）

Grape flowers bloom and lush green leaves blossom in this season. It’s also the season for peaches and cherries, so you can combine your visit with fruit picking.

Fall（September-November）

As this is the harvesting season, wineries around this time are most lively. This time is best if you want to try new wine or enjoy the beautiful autumn colors.

Winter（December-February）

Though it’s the cold season, Mt. Fuji can be seen clearly. Make sure to wear warm clothing.

The Appeal of Shakado Parking Area

Don’t Miss Shakado Parking Area, where the Bus Stop is located! The upbound and downbound side of the parking area is operated by Kikyoya and features a full array of Yamanashi’s specialty products and souviners. Additionally, there is also a Shakado Archaeological Museum, which exhibits artifacts from the Jomon Period. This museum is accessible by foot from the parking area, so if you have time, it’s worth stopping by.

Conclusion

Going on a winery tour via Chuo Expressway Shakado Bus Stop allows you to enjoy an authentic wine experience without driving. Since in Japan, even one drop of alcohol is prohibited when driving, taking this route is your best option considering its remote location. That being said, its easy to reach, with under 15 minutes of walking if you take the bus from Shinjuku Bus Terminal.

At these historic wineries, you can enjoy wine passionately crafted by its makers and enjoy spectacular views of the Kofu Basin while you’re in the area.

Yamanashis wineries are special as you can both experience the history and future of Japanese wine culture. Not to mention, the area is absolutely beautiful and there are many aesthetic restaurants around the area to make your day feel more luxurious.

One day trips from Shinjuku

Important Notes

• Bus operations may vary depending on weather and season. Please check the latest information on each bus company’s official website in advance.
• Winery business hours and closing days are subject to change. We recommend contacting each winery directly before your visit.
• You must be 20 years or older to drink alcohol.
• Never drink and drive.
• Drinking alcohol during pregnancy or while breastfeeding may adversely affect fetal and infant development.

From the Corritrip.jp Editorial Team: This route is ideal for those who want to enjoy alcohol to their hearts content, without having to worry about breaking any rules. Since this route uses public transportation, you can travel to the wineries with an ease of mine. Please experience Yamanashi’s rich nature and wine culture for yourself. We hope you have a wonderful trip!