- Kōshū is the leading producer of Koshu grapes, a unique variety genetically linked to both European and East Asian vines.
- The city was formed in 2005 through the merger of Enzan City and the towns of Katsunuma and Yamato.
- It is home to a segment of the historic Ome Kaido, an ancient trade route connecting Yamanashi to Edo, now Tokyo.
- The region possesses a distinct microclimate with low precipitation and significant diurnal temperature variation, which is ideal for viticulture.
- The area surrounding the city is historically significant as the final stronghold of the Takeda clan, a powerful regional power during the Sengoku period.
About Kōshū, Yamanashi
Kōshū is renowned as the birthplace of the Japanese wine industry, centered around the historic Katsunuma region. The city offers panoramic views of the Kōfu Basin, notably from viewpoints like Katsunuma Budou no Oka. Beyond viticulture, the landscape is defined by its deep spiritual history, with sites like Erinji showcasing significant Zen architecture. Visitors can explore ancient Jomon artifacts at the Shakado Museum of Jomon Culture or enjoy seasonal fruit harvesting at local parks.
Highlights of Kōshū, Yamanashi
The places our editors single out — and why they're worth your time.
Parks
This mountainside hot spring offers unobstructed views of Mount Fuji and the Kōfu Basin.
Places of interest
Visitors can sample local wines from a cave-like cellar housing dozens of regional labels.
Temples
This Zen temple is the final resting place of the powerful daimyo Takeda Shingen.
Parks
The park provides extensive facilities for observing seasonal flowers and fruit orchards with valley views.
Temples
This temple houses the oldest known Yakushi Nyorai statue in Japan, dating back to the Heian period.
Museums
The museum displays a dense collection of Jomon-period clay figurines unearthed during highway construction.
Amusement parks
This facility offers insight into the production of Yamanashi's famous rice cake confectionary.
Temples
This temple complex is noted for its tranquil gardens and preserved architectural structures.
Top things to do in Kōshū, Yamanashi
The 232 highest-rated places in Kōshū, Yamanashi, ranked by travellers.
1
Parks
Hottarakashi Onsen is a hillside hot spring facility in Yamanashi Prefecture known for its panoramic, unobstructed views...
2
Amusement parks
The Kikyouya Shingen-Mochi Factory Theme Park specializes in the production of Yamanashi Prefecture's signature sweet, a...
3
Parks
Fuefukigawa Fruit Park is a hillside botanical facility in Yamanashi Prefecture overlooking the Kofu Basin. The park fea...
4
Places of interest
Katsunuma Budou no Oka is a hilltop complex in the center of Japan's Koshu Valley, specifically designed as a showcase f...
5
Temples
Erinji is a Zen Buddhist temple founded in 1330 by the priest Musō Soseki. It serves as the family temple of Takeda Shin...
6
Parks
Herb Garden Tabinikki Katsunuma Garden is a botanical facility in Koshu, Yamanashi, renowned for its extensive collectio...
7
Places of interest
Nishizawa Gorge is a 10-kilometer hiking circuit located in Yamanashi Prefecture, famous for its series of multi-tiered...
8
Parks
Manriki Park is a sprawling 35-acre riverside green space located along the Fuefuki River in Yamanashi City. It is prima...
9
Parks
Mizugakiyama Natural Park serves as the primary gateway and trailhead for Mount Mizugaki, a peak renowned for its distin...
10
Natural attractions
Otarumi Pass is the highest mountain pass in Japan accessible by a paved road, reaching an elevation of 2,360 meters. It...
11
Parks
Kanegawa-no-Mori is a public recreation area located in the Fuefuki region of Yamanashi, situated near the border with K...
12
Temples
Daizenji, known as the 'Grape Temple,' is a Shingon-sect Buddhist site in the Katsunuma region, famous for its historica...
13
Museums
The Shakado Museum of Jomon Culture is a specialized archaeological facility located on the site of the Shakado ruins in...
14
Natural attractions
Mount Kinpu, also known as Kinpusan, is a 2,599-meter peak serving as the highest point of the Okuchichibu Mountains. It...
15
Places of interest
Five Steps and Seven Pools Falls, locally known as Godan Nanadaru, is a multi-tiered waterfall system located within a f...
16
Places of interest
17
Places of interest
18
Temples
19
Historical places
20
Parks
21
Temples
22
Temples
23
Places of interest
24
Museums
25
Parks
26
Parks
27
Natural attractions
28
Museums
29
Temples
30
Natural attractions
Explore by category
Jump straight to what you're into.
Kōshū, Yamanashi on the map
Top attractions plotted across the city.
Plan your visit to Kōshū, Yamanashi
Autumn (October to November) for the grape harvest season and the colorful transformation of the foliage in the surrounding mountains.
2 days, allowing time for winery tours in the valley and visits to historical temples and parks.
Rental cars are the most efficient way to navigate the spread-out vineyards and parks, though local train stations provide access to the city center.
Staying near Katsunuma-budōkyō Station provides convenient access to the vineyards, while the Enzan area offers closer proximity to major historical temples.
Mid-range; while public transit and local sites are affordable, wine tasting and private tours can increase overall travel costs.
Frequently asked
Aventuro lists 232 curated attractions in and around Kōshū, Yamanashi, ranked by traveller ratings.
Hottarakashi Onsen is the highest-rated place to visit in Kōshū, Yamanashi right now.
The largest category is temples, with 70 places to explore.
Travellers also explore Toshima, Osaka, Kyoto.
Explore more of Japan
Other cities ranked by number of curated places.
