Things To Do
in Kōshū
Kōshū is a scenic city in Yamanashi Prefecture renowned for its rolling vineyards and Koshu wine. Nestled between the foothills of the Japanese Alps, it offers a tranquil escape with rural charm and historic temples. The region combines grape-growing culture with hot springs, traditional wooden architecture, and scenic viewpoints over a wine-country landscape.
Visitors can enjoy winery tours, nature walks, and seasonal festivals that celebrate local produce and craft.
Day Trips
Spend a day exploring around
You arrive at Kōshū’s JR station and board a scenic bus through cedar forests toward Shosenkyo Gorge, feeling the mountain breeze on your face. The sun filters through the maple leaves as you wander along the riverbank, marveling at the sheer granite cliffs and crystal-clear waters. Your camera clicks nonstop, capturing emerald pools and moss-covered boulders.
After a riverside soba lunch, you tackle the well-marked trail toward the iconic Sengataki and Kudan Falls, pausing to listen to the roar of cascading water. Midway, you discover a hidden rock shelf where you can sit and dip your toes into the icy stream. The soft chirping of cicadas and rustling leaves lull you into a state of calm.
Check into a traditional ryokan perched above the gorge and change into a fluffy yukata, the walls paper-thin to let in distant waterfall echoes. Unwind in the rotenburo under a sky full of stars, inhaling the scent of cedar wood and hot spring minerals. A multi-course kaiseki dinner arrives with seasonal delicacies, each dish artfully plated and bursting with local mountain mushrooms.
You lace up your boots and set off on a rugged trail that climbs along limestone cliffs, stopping to admire narrow canyons carved over millennia. Mist rising from hidden pools creates an ethereal atmosphere as beams of sunlight dance on water-slicked stones. Birds dart overhead, their calls echoing against the rock walls.
At the summit, you unpack a bento of grilled trout and rice balls, surveying the panoramic peaks of the Southern Japanese Alps. A gentle breeze carries the aroma of pine resin as you trace your route back down through ancient cedar groves. Each waterfall you pass feels like a new secret revealed.
You arrive at a secluded onsen lodge with outdoor tubs heated by volcanic springs, steam drifting into the cooling air. Under a tapestry of stars, you soak away every ache, listening to the night wind rustle through bamboo groves. Dinner features hearty nabe stew and locally grown vegetables, warming you from the inside out.
Prices
| Item | Price |
|---|---|
| 🍔Meal at inexpensive restaurant | $10-15 |
| 🍽️Meal for two at a mid-range restaurant | $25-60 |
| 🍷Bottle of local Koshu wine in a restaurant | $15-40 |
| 🚆Local transit day pass | $5-12 |
| 🏨Mid-range hotel per night | $90-150 |
Strengths and Weaknesses
- Renowned wine culture and vineyard scenery
- Delightful mix of nature, temples, and rural charm
- Good day-trip access from Tokyo via the JR Chuo Line
- Excellent seasonal produce and comforting regional dishes
- Limited nightlife outside the main towns
- Some areas are rural and transportation can be modest without a car
- English services may be less prevalent in smaller venues
- Summer heat can be intense in open vineyard areas
- "こんにちは" - Hello
- "お願いします" - Please
- "ありがとうございます" - Thank you
- "すみません" - Excuse me / I'm sorry
- "いくらですか？" - How much is this?
- "英語を話せますか？" - Do you speak English?
- "トイレはどこですか？" - Where is the bathroom?
Places to Visit in Kōshū
Visit one of these nice places.
Rows of grapevines bathed in golden light during autumn and sunset, with distant mountains as a backdrop.
A classic torii and cedar-lined approach framed by trees, especially striking in spring and autumn.
Quiet riverside lanes and traditional inns reflected in the water, ideal for dawn and twilight shots.
Steep rock faces, cascading waterfalls, and vibrant fall colors along the trails.
Old wooden storefronts and narrow lanes that evoke rural Japan, perfect for atmospheric street photography.
Food in Kōshū
Kōshū Famous Food
Signature dishes, delicacies and famous food
A rustic miso-based noodle hotpot with flat, chewy noodles and hearty vegetables; a regional favorite served in many eateries across Kōshū.
Must-Try!
Thinly sliced local beef grilled at the table, often paired with fresh vegetables and regional wines.
Rice cakes skewered and grilled with a sweet miso glaze, a popular snack in the hills around Kōshū.
Food Markets
Explore local food markets
Seasonal stalls along the grape road with fresh grapes, peaches, vegetables, and regional snacks.
Evening stalls near hot springs offering grilled corn, yakitori, and local sweets.
Weather
How to Behave
Tips on cultural norms and respectful behavior
Polite bowing is standard; a brief nod or smile is acceptable with strangers. Say hello with a simple ‘konnichiwa’ when appropriate.
Remove shoes when entering homes, certain temples, and traditional inns.
Follow purification rituals at shrines and be respectful in sacred spaces; don’t rush or touch sacred objects without permission.
Speak softly on trains and buses; avoid eating while walking in crowded areas; queue patiently for trains, buses, and elevators.
Safety
Tipping in Kōshū
Ensure a smooth experience
Tipping is not customary in Japan. In high-end hotels or ryokan, a service charge may be included; extra tips are generally not expected.
Cash is widely accepted, though many shops and wineries also take credit or debit cards. ATMs are common in banks and post offices; some rural stores may be cash-only.
Best Time to Visit
And what to expect in different seasons...
Warm to hot days with occasional rain; humidity can be high. A great time to visit vineyards and riverside trails, but bring sun protection and rain gear.
Clear skies and brilliant grape and foliage colors; the most photogenic season in the vineyards. Expect seasonal festivals and harvest activities.
Cold and crisp with possible snow on higher elevations. Quiet towns and steaming onsen towns offer cozy experiences; pack warm layers.
Mild weather and cherry blossoms in temple precincts and along historic streets. Fresh produce starts appearing in markets.
Kōshū at Night
Hiking in Kōshū
Immerse in an unforgettable hike.
A scenic ascent with valley views and wildflowers, suitable for a half-day hike.
A historic pilgrimage route with forest scenery leading to a famous temple.
Network of trails along dramatic granite cliffs and waterfalls, with various viewpoints.
Airports
How to reach Kōshū by plane.
Major international and domestic gateway; about 1.5–2 hours by rail and road to Kōshū depending on connections.
Large international hub; typically accessed via train to Tokyo and then JR lines to the Kōshū area; travel time varies by connection.
Smaller regional airport with domestic flights; reachable by highway or rail transfers to Yamanashi, useful for certain itineraries.
Walkability
Demographics
Explore demographics in this area.
Predominantly Japanese with an aging demographic; many families have strong ties to farming and winemaking.
A growing presence of winemakers, vintners, and seasonal staff attracted by Katsunuma's grape roads.
Tourists seeking rural Japan, wine tastings, and nature experiences.
Popular Sports
Explore popular sports in region.
A popular school and amateur sport across the region; local parks and stadiums host games during season.
Vineyard routes and scenic hills attract cyclists, especially during harvest season.
Winter sports in the nearby mountains draw visitors to seasonal resorts.
Traffic
Accomodations
Find the best place to stay when visiting Kōshū.
Dietary Restrictions
Tips for restricted diets.
In Kōshū, vegetarian options are available at many izakayas and ramen shops with tofu and vegetables. Check for dashi (fish stock) and ask for no meat; look for shojo/vegetarian-focused options at dedicated spots or inns.