The Birthplace of Japanese Wine

Katsunuma Budokyo 

(Koshu City, Yamanashi Prefecture) 

Katsunuma Grape Valley is a paradise of grape and wine, where the history of Japanese wine began. As you step out of the JR Katsunuma Budokyou Station, you are greeted by a stunning view of green vineyards stretching down the hill. Behind this beautiful scenery lies the story of two young pioneers of Japanese wine, Ryuken Tsuchiya (19 years old) and Masanari Takano (25 years old).

Around 150 years ago, Japan opened the door to the outside world after more than two centuries of isolation and self-imposed closure to foreign influences. Japanese government expedited modernization and westernization under the Meiji Restoration. Traveling abroad was still a rare and adventurous experience for ordinary people at the time. Most people haven’t even met people from foreign countries.

In 1877, the two young men from Katsunuma embarked on a journey to France to learn winemaking for one year. Katsunuma was the grape producing area from 1300 years ago but wine production was completely new for them. Wine drinking culture was introduced from western countries after the end of national isolation. 

The journey was not easy. They traveled by sea for one and a half months through the Suez Canal to Europe, suffering from seasickness during the voyage. They did not speak French. After arriving France, the first task was to study French at elementary school among children.

One year was too short to master winemaking, but the two young men worked tirelessly and absorbed the techniques of winemaking. Upon their return to Japan, they put their newfound knowledge to use and began producing wine. Their efforts paid off, and Katsunuma became the center of wine production in Japan. The grape fields spread across the town, covering the hills and valleys with green vines.

In 1891, Tsuchiya founded Maruki Winery in Katsunuma city. This winery is the oldest in Japan and still produces wine today. Tsuchiya also co-founded a company that later merged with Mercian, one of the largest wine companies in Japan. Mercian is known for its high-quality wine that has been served at official banquets for state guests and even the emperor.

There are 34 wineries, including Maruki Winery and Mercian, spread in Katsunuma area that offer tasting of various wines in their properties, overlooking the grape fields under blue sky. You can visit these wineries one by one and enjoy the different flavors and aromas of wine. To sober up after drinking, it is also recommended to take a walk through the countryside, surrounded by vineyards. At the end of summer, you can see the grapes ripening on the vines, ready to be harvested and turned into wine.

The history of wine making is displayed at the museum in front of Mercian winery. You can learn about the history of wine there and appreciate the legacy of the two young pioneers who brought wine culture to Japan.