Easter has opened a perfect travel opportunity for wine lovers in Hong Kong, with the first choice that naturally comes to mind being the "countryside" of Japan. As the hustle and bustle of the city recedes, the fresh air and warm sunshine awaken the desire to travel, and Yamanashi Prefecture in Japan, with its unique wine culture and intoxicating spring scenery, becomes the ideal destination for an Easter wine tasting trip. Just a 4-hour flight from Hong Kong, Yamanashi not only offers convenient transportation but is also famous for its Koshu Grape wines, making it suitable for a short getaway. As an authoritative platform enthusiastic about sharing wine information, we will take you on an in-depth exploration of the allure of Yamanashi wine, providing itinerary planning from two perspectives, for couples and families, and introducing top wineries and spring activities to fill your Easter journey with fine wines and joy.

Why choose Yamanashi Prefecture to kick off your Easter wine tasting journey?

Yamanashi Prefecture is known as the "The Land of Wine" in Japan, and spring (late March to early April) is the most enchanting season here. The vineyards sprout new buds, and the fields at the foot of Mount Fuji bloom with peach and cherry blossoms, creating a pleasant, cool climate, just right for short trips for Hong Kong residents during the Easter holiday. According to data from the Japan National Tourism Organization in 2024, Yamanashi attracts over 500,000 wine tourists annually, with spring accounting for 30%. Its low season traffic allows for a private wine tasting experience. The Koshu white wines here are known for their refreshing acidity, perfectly complementing the light atmosphere of spring.

Easter adds a festive color to the trip. Yamanashi wineries often launch spring activities, such as Easter wine tasting events and Spring Vineyard Walks, combining local cuisine with wine, allowing visitors to immerse themselves in Japan's unique wine culture. The International Wine & Spirits Exhibition (VineExpo) 2024 report pointed out that the Asian wine tourism market has grown by 18%, with wine lovers from Hong Kong particularly active, making Yamanashi a popular choice (VineExpo Asia 2024 Report).

Yamanashi Wine Tour: Transportation and Basic Planning

How to get there and plan your trip?

Transportation: Fly directly from Hong Kong to Tokyo Haneda Airport (about HK$2,500 round trip, ~4 hours), then take the JR Chuo Line to Kofu Station (about 1.5 hours).

Accommodation:

Couples: Recommended is the "Fruit Park Fujiya Hotel" in Katsunuma (about HK$1,000/night), close to the vineyards and offering a tranquil and romantic environment.

Families: Choose "Hotel Kaminoyu Onsen" in Kofu City (about HK$1,200/night), which has family rooms and onsen facilities, providing comfort and convenience.

Itinerary: 2-3 days, covering winery visits, wine tasting, and spring activities, suitable for a short Easter holiday.

Practical Tips: It is advisable to book winery tours and activities in advance, bring a lightweight camera to capture spring scenes; you can also bring Hong Kong-style snacks to pair with Koshu wine for added fun.

Characteristics of Yamanashi's Top Wineries

Yamanashi Prefecture has more than 80 wineries, and here are three representative wineries suitable for visiting during the Easter spring season, providing professional wine tasting experiences to satisfy the needs of couples and families.

Katsunuma Winery

Address: 1425-1 Shimo-Iwasaki, Katsunuma-cho, Kofu City, Yamanashi Prefecture

Business Hours: Daily 9:00 AM - 5:00 PM (No special closing days in spring; it is advisable to confirm during Easter, refer to Château Mercian)

1. Recommended Wine: Katsunuma Koshu

Price: About HK$150/bottle (on-site price about 2000 yen)

Tasting Notes: Fresh and elegant, with citrus, white peach, and subtle floral notes, moderate acidity, and a clean finish, perfect for light spring sipping.

Reason for Recommendation:

Katsunuma Winery belongs to the Château Mercian group and has a history of over 140 years, originating from the "Dai Nippon Yamanashi Wine Company" founded in 1877, making it one of Japan's oldest wineries. In spring, the new green buds of vineyards emerge, and the view of Mount Fuji is picturesque, offering private wine tasting tours (reservation required), guided by professionals through the vineyards and cellars, tasting various Koshu wines. The tour provides in-depth explanations of the millennium history of Koshu grapes and French winemaking techniques, allowing couples to experience cultural depths in a romantic atmosphere. During the Easter period, the winery offers seasonal packages (approximately HK$300/person, inquiries required), pairing with spring mountain vegetables and seafood, enhancing the festive flavor.

Marufuji Winery

Address: 132 Fujii, Katsunuma-cho, Kofu City, Yamanashi Prefecture

Business Hours: Daily 9:00 AM - 4:30 PM (open all year round; special arrangements may be made during Easter, refer to Marufuji Winery)

1. Recommended Wine: Rubaiyat Koshu Sur Lie

Price: About HK$180/bottle (on-site price about 2300 yen)

Tasting Notes: Slightly yeasty flavor, with citrus, mineral, and apple notes, smooth and rich in layers.

Reason for Recommendation:

Marufuji Winery was established in 1890 and is a historic family winery managed by the fourth generation of successors. Rubaiyat Koshu Sur Lie has won numerous awards in domestic competitions and is particularly popular in the Asian market. The winery's "Le Vent" restaurant integrates French and Japanese cuisine, providing spring packages (about HK$300-500/person), such as roasted spring chicken paired with Koshu white wine, including wine tasting and peach blossom photography, with peach blossoms blooming around the winery, adding romance and family fun. The wooden structures from the Edo period and the underground wine cellar (holding over 90,000 bottles) offer free tours (reservation required), allowing visitors to gain insights into the winemaking process.

Château Mercian Winery Museum

Address: 1425-1 Shimo-Iwasaki, Katsunuma-cho, Kofu City, Yamanashi Prefecture

Business Hours: Daily 9:00 AM - 4:30 PM (typically open in spring; it is advisable to confirm during Easter, refer to Château Mercian)

Recommended Drinks:

1. Katsunuma Koshu

Price: About HK$150/bottle

Tasting Notes: Refreshing with citrus and white peach aroma, suitable for adult light sipping in spring.

2. Non-Alcoholic Grape Juice

Price: About HK$30/bottle (approximately 400 yen)

Tasting Notes: Sweet grape flavor, a favorite among children.

Reason for Recommendation:

The Katsunuma Winery Museum is a historical landmark of Château Mercian, formerly Japan's first wine business established in 1877, boasting the oldest wooden wine cellar (built in 1904), listed as a cultural asset of Yamanashi Prefecture. In spring, this place becomes a paradise for families, with free exhibition areas showcasing the history and tools of wine, where children can learn about Koshu grapes through interactive displays, while adults can taste Katsunuma Koshu. The outdoor vineyard is spacious, with spring buds and scenic views of Mount Fuji, providing safe play areas. "Café Vin et Raisin" serves fruit tarts (about HK$50/piece) and grape juice, perfect for family breaks. Easter family tours (about HK$200/person, reservation required) have lively content, allowing children to learn about winemaking while adults experience the culture.