Experience the finest grape picking in the unexplored region of Yamanashi! A blissful trip to taste the golden autumn with all five senses

Welcome to the Yamanashi Grape Kingdom

Hello everyone, I am the administrator of Private Wisdom. Today, based on my personal experience, I would like to talk about the fascinating grape picking in Yamanashi Prefecture. Yamanashi is known as one of Japan’s leading fruit-growing areas, and in particular, it is one of the nation’s top producers of grapes. The vast vineyards spreading out at the foot of Mt. Fuji are like a picturesque landscape. I myself have vivid memories of visiting this area several years ago and immersing myself in grape picking. It is also a popular destination for foreign tourists, and a look at TripAdvisor’s Yamanashi page shows that grape-related spots are gaining popularity: a search for “Yamanashi grape picking” on Google Maps turns up numerous farms, indicating that they are easy to access. For example, the Katsunuma Budogo area is conveniently located about an hour from Tokyo by train. In this article, I have compiled useful information, along with my own experiences, to make you want to visit in person. Focusing on the fall harvest season, I will provide detailed information on everything from how to enjoy yourself to what to look out for.

Best Season for Grape Picking and Recommended Spots

Grapes picking in Yamanashi mainly peaks from late August to October. The climate is mild and the view of golden leaves is breathtaking. I visited in mid-September, and it was pleasant to walk through the fields in the cool morning air. Popular varieties include Kyoho grapes, Muscat Baily A, and Shine Muscat. There are more and more English-speaking farms for foreigners, which is a relief. One recommended spot is Katsunuma Budogo in Katsunuma Town. It has a winery and offers wine tasting after grape picking, and is highly rated by TripAdvisor reviews by families and couples. Another good place to visit is the farm near the Ishiwa Onsen hot springs in Fuefuki-shi. A one-day plan combined with the hot springs is available. I actually went to a small family-run farm and was lucky to get in without an advance reservation. looking at Google trends, queries such as “Yamanashi grape picking reservation” and “Yamanashi fruit picking for foreigners” are popular, showing that everyone is planning their visit.

My grape picking experience: a pleasure for the senses

Now, let me elaborate on my experience. I arrived at Katsunuma Station early in the morning and took a rented bicycle to the vineyard. On the way, I was impressed to see the silhouette of Mt. When I arrived at the farm, the staff warmly welcomed me and handed me a pair of scissors and a basket. The way to choose grapes is to go for the ones with darker color and plump grapes. The moment I picked one of the grapes and put it in my mouth, the juicy sweetness spread out and was unforgettable. After an hour or so, our baskets were full and we packed them in boxes to take home. The fee was about 2,000 yen for the entrance fee plus the amount picked. Surprisingly reasonable. It rained a little during the tour, but we were able to continue in the covered area. What I learned from this experience was the importance of checking the weather. Check the app in advance. Another key point is the high nutritional value of grapes. Rich in vitamin C and polyphenols, they are perfect for health-conscious people. On a related note, “Yamanashi wine tour” is also a trending word, so combining it with grape picking makes for a fulfilling trip.

Practical Tips: Preparation for comfortable enjoyment

I will share some tips for enjoying grape picking to the fullest, including some of my own mistakes. First, clothing must include long sleeves and a hat that can get dirty. Don’t forget sunscreen. In my case, I forgot to apply insect repellent and got bitten by mosquitoes, but next time, be prepared. As personal belongings, a water bottle and wet wipes are useful. Some farms have picnic areas, and eating the grapes you picked on the spot is recommended. Transportation is easily accessible by the JR Chuo Line, and a day trip from Tokyo is possible. A rental car offers more flexibility, but beware of traffic congestion. For foreigners, the official Yamanashi Tourism website provides English information. Budget is around 1,000 yen for admission and additional for picking. If you go in a group, you can share and save money. As you can see from the trend “Yamanashi fruit picking for children,” there are many families, so as a tip with children, choose a farm that has scissors for children. At the farm I visited, the staff was kind to children.

Attractions in the vicinity: Enrich grape picking even more!

Grape picking alone is a waste! Combine it with other attractions in Yamanashi. For example, a winery tour in Katsunuma. At Chateau Mercian, you can tour the vineyards and have a tasting. I also visited there and fell in love with the depth of red wine. If you like hot springs, relax at Ishiwa Onsen. The combination of fruit picking and hot springs is the perfect way to relieve fatigue. I also recommend a drive to the Fuji Five Lakes area. Search the trending word “Yamanashi Fuji drive” and you will find many routes. On my trip, I stopped at Lake Kawaguchi after grape picking to watch the sunset. On the food side, I had the local Houtou hot pot. It goes perfectly with the grape dessert. Combined, these can make a full 2-day/1-night plan. Many foreign reviewers agree that the combination of nature and food is wonderful.

Cautions and Sustainability Perspectives

This is a fun experience, but a few cautions. It gets crowded during harvest season, so aim for weekdays. If you go on a Saturday like I did, the parking lot was full. Reservations are required at an increasing number of farms. If you have allergies, be careful of the grape skins. In terms of the environment, choose a place where the farm has eco-friendly practices. For example, an organic vineyard. During my experience, the staff talked about “sustainable agriculture” and impressed me. As you can see from the trend “eco-tourism Yamanashi,” this kind of awareness is growing. Bring a cooler box for take-out grapes, as freshness is essential.

Private Wisdom-like Summary

Picking grapes in Yamanashi is more than just picking fruit; it is a special experience that stimulates all five senses. For a traveler like me, who is away from the daily routine, the aroma and sweet taste of the fields are food for the soul, and in the spirit of Private Wisdom, I would like to share this secret paradise with you, while carefully preserving it. We hope you will find it useful for your next trip. Be safe and create wonderful memories.