Skip to content

Hoshinoya Fuji Explores the 1,300-Year History of Yamanashi Grapes

Hoshinoya Fuji, Japan’s inaugural glamping resort, has announced a specialized autumn program titled “Glamorous Grape Stay.” Running throughout September 2026, the experience traces the 1,300-year lineage of viticulture in Yamanashi Prefecture, combining historical site visits with contemporary winemaking and forest-based gastronomy. The program is limited to one group of two to three people per day, ensuring a private experience for participants, who must be at least 20 years of age.

Dinner table set in the forest with Yamanashi wine
A private forest dinner featuring local Yamanashi wine pairings.

Trace the 1,300-Year Legacy of Yamanashi Grapes

The itinerary begins at Daizen-ji Temple, an ancient site recognized as the traditional birthplace of Koshu grapes. Here, guests observe Buddhist imagery that depicts the fruit’s long-standing connection to the region and learn about its history from the temple’s clergy. The journey transitions from the spiritual to the technical with a visit to the Katsunuma Jozo winery, where participants observe world-class production methods. A subsequent stop at Budo Senshin farm allows for direct engagement with local cultivators, bridging the gap between historical origins and current agricultural practices through grape tastings.

Aerial view of Daizen-ji Temple
Daizen-ji Temple, the historical origin of the Koshu grape variety.
Guest learning about viticulture at Daizen-ji
A guest learns about the 1,300-year history of grapes at Daizen-ji.
Katsunuma Jozo winery interior
The tasting facilities at the Katsunuma Jozo winery.
Grape farmer at Budo Senshin
Direct interaction with local farmers at the Budo Senshin farm.

Exquisite Wine Pairing Dinner Celebrating Indigenous Varieties

Dinner is centered on Japan’s primary indigenous varieties: the white Koshu and the red Muscat Bailey A. The menu is engineered to highlight the specific terroir of Yamanashi through a series of carefully crafted dishes. A notable highlight features grilled venison accompanied by a balsamic vinegar derived from local grapes and aged for six years, creating a balance of fruitiness and umami. The executive chef’s compositions focus on complementing the natural acidity and delicate tannins found in the region’s wines.

Grilled venison with grape balsamic pairing
Grilled venison served with six-year aged Yamanashi grape balsamic.

Nighttime Rituals Under the Forest Canopy

Evenings are spent at the Cloud Terrace, a tiered wooden structure set within a red pine forest. Guests can relax by a bonfire while consuming spiced hot wine flavored with cinnamon and cloves, paired with grape-flavored chocolates. The retreat also incorporates private wellness elements, including a “Grape Bath Herb” experience prepared within the guest cabins. This allows the soothing aroma of grapes to facilitate relaxation during the autumn stay.

Spiced hot wine and grape chocolates by a bonfire
Spiced hot wine and chocolates served at the Cloud Terrace.
Cloud Terrace at Hoshinoya Fuji
The forest setting of the Cloud Terrace at Hoshinoya Fuji.

Property details

Property
Hoshinoya Fuji
Address
1408 Oishi, Fujikawaguchiko-machi, Minamitsuru-gun, Yamanashi 401-0305
Access
Approximately 20 minutes by car from Kawaguchiko IC
Official site
https://hoshinoresorts.com/en/hotels/hoshinoyafuji/
Rooms
40
Pricing
79,000 JPY per person (tax and service charge included) *Accommodation and transportation fees separate
Opened
October 2015

Your Inspiration?

Area: Yamanashi