Festival weekend planner
Japan Wine Competition (Nihon Wine Concours) — a 3-day weekend in Yamanashi
August. Kōshū, Japan.
The weekend, day by day
- Day 1
Arrive in Kōshū
Land at Narita International Airport (NRT), settle in and walk the old town in the afternoon. Light dinner near your accommodation — save your appetite for the festival day.
- Day 2
Japan Wine Competition (Nihon Wine Concours)
Festival day — arrive early to avoid the lunchtime crowd. Pace yourself across the tastings and break for a long lunch mid-afternoon.
- Day 3
Wine country day in Yamanashi
Use the third day for a single winery visit (booked ahead) and a long lunch before heading home.
Where to stay
- Hotels in Kōshū
Live availability around the festival dates. Festival hotels book out 6+ months ahead, so check early.
We may earn a commission on hotel links.
One winery worth a detour
Grace Winery (Chuo Budo)
Three generations of a Japanese family proving Koshu is a world-class grape variety, in a wine region most Westerners have never heard of.
- Address
- 173 Hishiyama, Katsunuma-cho, Koshu-shi, Yamanashi 409-1313, Japan
- Appointment
- by-arrangement
- Tasting price
- JPY 1500 · Tasting of 4 wines
- Website
- Visit
Practical
- Nearest airport
- Narita International Airport (NRT)
Insider tip
The award-winner tasting is the main draw, but book a private tasting with Château Mercian or Suntory Tomi no Oka beforehand—these producers' competition submissions reveal Japan's true quality tier, and the winemakers will discuss their competition strategy. Time your visit to overlap with Katsunuma Budou Matsuri (late October); you'll capture both Japan's harvest energy and its competitive excellence in one trip.
Want a longer trip than the festival weekend?
The milestone-trip planner builds a 3–10 day Yamanashi itinerary with accommodation, tours, and pacing options.
Plan a Yamanashi trip →