Hey, everyone! Today I paid a visit to the grape paradise of Katsunuma, a town in Koshu in Yamanashi prefecture! The aim of my trip was simple—to enjoy my fill of seasonal grapes!
After riding along on the train from Shinjuku, Tokyo for about one-and-a-half to two hours, I arrived at Katsunuma-budokyo Station!
A wide variety of different seasonal fruits have long been grown here, and the area is the birthplace of grape cultivation in Japan. A white wine grape variety unique to Japan, known as the Koshu grape, was developed here, and it’s now a thriving area for wine production. Known today as the “town of grapes and wine,” come harvest season a huge variety of grapes can be found in Katsunuma—large Kyoho grapes, Pione, Rosario Bianco, Kaiji, Muscat Bailey A, and more! What’s more, you can also enjoy grape-picking at the tourist vineyard inside the town!
Nothing but grapes, as far as the eye can see! In high spirits, I head through the rows of grape trees with their heaving branches, towards the vineyard!
As soon as I set foot inside the vineyard, I’m surrounded by the soothing, mellow aroma of grapes!
The whole fun of grape-picking is picking the grapes yourself—and then eating them there and then! There’s nothing like the flavor of a grape that you’ve just plucked from the branch! I pick a glistening grape from a bunch hanging from the fruit-laden branches, and pop it in my mouth. As soon as I do, I’m greeted by an irresistible aroma, and struck by the grape’s freshness and flavor!
Once I’m done enjoying my fill of freshly-picked grapes, I take some fresh ones home as souvenirs!
Fresh grapes, nurtured by Mother Nature in a colorful vineyard situated amid beautiful scenery. Why not pay a visit here for a delicious and relaxing day?
Information
- Yamanashi Tourism Organization
http://www.yamanashi-kankou.jp/fruits/index.htmlContains details on orchards where you can enjoy fruit-picking.
- Vineyard visited:
Tenshaen
http://www.koshu-kankou.jp/map/budo/tenshaen.htmlShimoiwasaki 2788-3, Katsunuma, Koshu
(There are lots of different vineyards in the region, so you can always visit some others, too.)
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