Updated: April 22, 2026
Looking for an easy winery getaway from Tokyo?
A day trip to Katsunuma, one of Japan’s best-known wine regions, is easier than you might think.
With a direct highway bus from central Tokyo, you can leave the city in the morning, spend the day visiting wineries, and return to Shinjuku by evening.
This time, I visited Chuo Expressway Shakado Bus Stop, a little-known stop on the expressway that works surprisingly well as a base for exploring the area on foot. From there, I walked to four wineries — Fujiclair Winery, Maruki Winery, Marufuji Winery (Rubaiyat), and Katsunuma Jozo — and enjoyed a relaxed day of wine tasting in Katsunuma.
If you want to enjoy Japanese wine at your own pace, this is a great alternative to a guided tour.
Why Visit Katsunuma by Highway Bus?
Katsunuma is one of Japan’s most famous wine-producing areas, but many visitors assume they need a car or taxi to get around. In fact, it is possible to enjoy several wineries in one day using only public transportation and walking.
The key is Chuo Expressway Shakado Bus Stop, located inside the Shakado Parking Area on the Chuo Expressway. Because it is part of a parking area, there are restrooms and shops available, making it a comfortable place to start your trip. Even better, several wineries are within walking distance.
For travelers who want a flexible and independent wine day trip from Tokyo, this route is a great option.
What makes this route especially appealing is that you can enjoy a full Katsunuma wine day trip using only a highway bus and walking — no rental car, taxi, or train transfer required.
A Day Trip from Shinjuku to Katsunuma by Highway Bus
The journey begins at Shinjuku Expressway Bus Terminal, which is directly connected to JR Shinjuku Station’s South Exit.
Take a highway bus bound for the Kofu area via Kofu Minami. The ride takes about 1 hour and 40 minutes, making it an easy and comfortable day trip from Tokyo.
- Boarding point: Shinjuku Expressway Bus Terminal
- Get off at: Chuo Expressway Shakado Bus Stop (drop-off only)
- Fare: about JPY 1,800–2,000 one way
8:35 AM — Depart from Shinjuku Expressway Bus Terminal
After leaving Shinjuku, the city scenery gradually gives way to the open landscapes of Yamanashi. Since the bus goes directly to the area, there is no need to transfer trains or arrange a taxi. It is one of the easiest ways to reach Katsunuma for a day of wine tasting.
Around 10:11 AM — Arrive at Chuo Expressway Shakado Bus Stop
Once you arrive, you will immediately notice that the atmosphere feels different from a typical train station area. Although the bus stop is inside a parking area, the surrounding scenery quickly becomes more rural, with vineyards and quiet roads nearby.
Just behind the Shakado downhill parking area is the Shakado Museum of Jomon Culture, which displays pottery and clay figures excavated before construction of the Chuo Expressway. It is a nice place to get a sense of the area’s history before starting the winery walk.
Next to the museum is Komazawa Farm, where peach blossoms bloom beautifully from late March to early April. In spring, the soft pink flowers add a lovely seasonal touch to the beginning of the trip.
Morning: Fujiclair Winery｜A well-established winery founded in 1963
Opening hours: 10:00 AM–4:00 PM
Closed: Open daily except during the year-end and New Year holidays
From the Shakado Museum, walk downhill along the road. After a short walk, you will see a bridge leading to the uphill parking area. Turn left, cross the bridge, then turn right and continue walking for about 15 minutes. Soon, you will spot a decorative wine barrel — that is Fujiclair Winery.
One of the most special things about this route is how unusual it feels: it is not every day that you can get off a highway bus and walk to a winery in about 15 minutes.
Even though the expressway is nearby, the walk feels surprisingly calm and peaceful. The journey to the first winery is part of the fun.
When I visited a little after 10:00 AM on a weekday, I was the only guest there. A cute wine barrel stood by the entrance, and after walking up the stairs, I reached the shop. The female staff member who welcomed me was incredibly kind and helpful.
I was told that complimentary wine tasting was available, so I happily started with a white wine. It was crisp, refreshing, and perfect for the fresh morning air.
Then came an unexpected surprise: although I had arrived without a reservation, the staff kindly offered me a winery tour (JPY 2,000). Since I was the only visitor at that time, it felt like a very special experience.
Inside the barrel storage area, the rich aroma of wine filled the air. I also happened to see part of the bottling process for sparkling wine, which was especially fascinating for me as a sparkling wine lover. It was one of those behind-the-scenes moments that makes a winery visit feel truly memorable.
Late Morning to Lunch: Maruki Winery & IWAI TERRACE｜Visit Japan’s oldest existing winery
Opening hours: 9:00 AM–4:30 PM
IWAI Terrace website here
After Fujiclair Winery, the next stop is Maruki Winery & IWAI TERRACE, only about a five-minute walk away. The triangular roof visible in the distance makes it easy to spot.
Maruki Winery is known as the oldest existing winery in Japan, making it a must-visit for anyone interested in Japanese wine history.
For lunch, head to IWAI TERRACE, the café attached to the winery. This airy café overlooks the Kofu Basin and the Southern Alps, creating a beautiful setting for a midday break. In addition to food that pairs well with wine or beer, it also offers sweets and gelato.
Lunch with a view was the perfect pause in the middle of the day. After walking since morning, everything tasted especially good.
Early Afternoon: Marufuji Winery (Rubaiyat)｜A historic winery with the warmth of a traditional Japanese house
One convenient detail about Marufuji Winery is that the bus stop is right in front of the property, making it feel especially easy to visit on foot as part of this route.
After lunch at IWAI TERRACE, continue on to Marufuji Winery, known for its Rubaiyat wines. With Maruki Winery behind you, turn right and walk along the road for about eight minutes. Turn right at the Fujiinaka intersection, and you will arrive.
As you walk into the property, a beautifully restored traditional-style building comes into view. The interior is warm and inviting, with the scent of wood in the air, decorative wine barrels, and tasteful tables and chairs. The renovated old house atmosphere makes it feel especially calm and welcoming.
I ordered a five-wine tasting set for JPY 500 and enjoyed sampling the wines while chatting with the staff at the counter. There were several tasting options available, so next time I would love to try a different set as well.
This winery has the quiet confidence of a long-established producer, and it is easy to understand why people would want to stay longer here.
While I was there, I also learned from the staff that Katsunuma Jozo was only about a 10-minute walk away, which made the next stop an easy decision. I spent a little more time resting, browsing brochures, and soaking in the atmosphere before heading out again.
Late Afternoon: Katsunuma Jozo｜A refined winery where you can explore the depth of Japanese wine
Opening hours: 9:00 AM–4:30 PM
Closed: Open daily except during the year-end and New Year holidays
Leave Marufuji Winery, turn right, and continue along the road. Cross the first bypass, then turn left at the second intersection. Soon, you will see the sign for Katsunuma Jozo.
The entrance looks almost like the gate of a traditional estate, and inside is a sleek, modern tasting space that feels very different from the previous wineries of the day.
The tasting system here is convenient and fun. First, you purchase a prepaid card worth JPY 1,000. Then, you insert it into a machine, choose the wine and the amount you want to taste, and the wine is dispensed automatically. Prices vary depending on the wine and pour size.
Because you can choose exactly what and how much you want to taste, it is a great way to explore the lineup at your own pace. Since I was already there, I decided to try a higher-end win
Katsunuma Jozo also has a terrace and observation area, so it is easy to relax and enjoy the scenery. It is a great spot for photos as well, especially on a clear day.
Heading Back to Tokyo
After a full day of winery hopping, it was time to head back to Chuo Expressway Shakado Bus Stop in the uphill parking area for the 5:04 PM highway bus back to Shinjuku.
Instead of retracing the entire route, it is possible to take a shortcut from Katsunuma Jozo back to the uphill parking area, which makes the return walk easier.
The return bus departs from the uphill-side bus stop inside the parking area, bound for Tokyo. It is surprisingly satisfying to spend a full day walking between wineries and still be back in central Tokyo by evening.
With the evening return bus, you can comfortably enjoy around six to seven hours of winery hopping before heading back to Tokyo.
That balance of freedom and convenience is what makes this trip so special: you can leave Tokyo in the morning, enjoy Katsunuma at your own pace, and return the same day without needing a car.
Note about bus stops
Not all highway buses between Shinjuku and Kofu stop at Chuo Expressway Shakado Bus Stop. In particular, some of the more frequent services via Isawa and certain limited-stop buses skip this stop.
If your bus does not stop at Chuo Expressway Shakado Bus Stop, use Katsunuma Bus Stop instead.
Final Thoughts
In practice, the walking distances felt much easier than I had expected, and the route made it possible to enjoy both the scenery and the wines without feeling rushed.
This Katsunuma winery route is a wonderful way to experience Japanese wine without driving. Starting from Shinjuku Expressway Bus Terminal, taking a highway bus, and walking between wineries makes the whole day feel easy, flexible, and surprisingly relaxed.
Over the course of one day, I was able to enjoy historic wineries, taste a wide range of wines, admire the scenery of Yamanashi, and discover just how rewarding a self-guided winery trip can be.
If you are looking for a day trip from Tokyo that feels both refreshing and a little special, Katsunuma is an excellent choice.
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-style restaurant set on a hillside overlooking the vineyards. The restaurant also offers a selection of wines from Katsunuma Jozo.
- 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 it’s 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.
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
- Drivers should refrain from drinking alcohol (no worries with bus travel!)
- Taste in moderation when visiting multiple wineries
- Purchasing after tasting is optional
- Ask before taking photos in brewing facilities
- Make reservations for tours in advance
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!
