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Fruit orchards, vineyards, and majestic views of Mt. Fuji make Yamanashi an inviting countryside escape for families, couples, and travelers of all ages.

A scenic view of a wide valley in Yamanashi with a city below, surrounded by mountains. Mount Fuji, snow-capped and partly shrouded in clouds, rises in the distance. In the foreground, there is a park with benches and walkways.

Why Yamanashi is Perfect for a Rural Getaway

When most people think of Yamanashi, they picture hot springs, juicy peaches, and local wine—and they’re absolutely right. We chose to stay in Isawa Onsen, a relaxed little town with plenty of traditional inns and super easy train access from Tokyo. It turned out to be the perfect base for exploring farms, wineries, and wide-open parks all around the region.

Yamanashi is also home to Yumura Onsen and Shimobe Onsen, once said to be the secret retreats of Takeda Shingen. But what really won us over were the fruit orchards, award-winning wines, and all the family-friendly activities that make this area so much fun to explore.

Some of our favorite highlights were:

  • Picking fruit straight from the orchards
  • Sampling wines at local wineries
  • Tasting regional specialties like hearty Hoto noodles and Kikyo Shingen Mochi
  • Relaxing in scenic parks and orchards where kids can run free

A Wine Tasting Shop at Isawa-Onsen Station

A wine dispenser machine displays six bottles of Yamanashi wine, each positioned behind glass with numbered taps above for pouring. Instructional signs in Japanese and English are visible on the machine.

One of the first surprises we encountered was right at the station. Inside Isawa-Onsen Station is a wine-tasting corner where travelers can sample local wines, sometimes even from vending machines.

For a small fee, you can taste and compare bottles before deciding what to bring home. It’s a fun way to start your journey into Yamanashi’s wine culture.

Fruit Picking in Yamanashi

A smiling boy wearing sunglasses and a black shirt holds a freshly picked peach in a protective wrapper, standing under a peach tree in a Yamanashi orchard.

Yamanashi is famous for its juicy white peaches, plums, and grapes. Picking fruit straight from the tree is a sweet family experience.

Where We Went: Riso Orchards (理想園)

We visited in mid-summer and joined their white peach-picking program. For ¥2,000, each person could pick three peaches, and afterward we enjoyed a refreshing plate of chilled, sliced fruit. The orchard also offers grape-picking packages, including all-you-can-eat Kyoho grapes.

The picking itself took less than 20 minutes, but the moment of selecting fruit from the tree was special. It’s not inexpensive, but the quality and the atmosphere make it worthwhile.

Wine Tasting in Yamanashi

People sample wine at wooden barrels inside a dimly lit Yamanashi wine cellar, surrounded by shelves filled with wine bottles. Three individuals are seen tasting or examining bottles.

Don’t Miss: Katsunuma Budou no Oka (勝沼ぶどうの丘)

Perched on a hill overlooking the valley, this complex is a must for wine lovers. For ¥2,200, you can access the wine cave and sample over 200 local wines at your own pace. The facility also includes restaurants, a hot spring bath, shops, and a hotel.

Fuefukigawa Fruit Park (笛吹川フルーツ公園)

Two large glass-domed conservatories sit in a park in Yamanashi, with mountains and a city visible in the background under a clear blue sky. Bare trees and shrubs are in the foreground.

Families should plan a stop at Fuefukigawa Fruit Park, located on a hillside with panoramic views of Mt. Fuji. Our kids loved the playgrounds and mini train, while we explored the Fruit Museum and greenhouse.

What you’ll find at the park:

  • Indoor Fruit Plaza with event space and rest zones
  • Fruit Museum showcasing peaches and grapes
  • Tropical greenhouse and seasonal workshops
  • Gift shops filled with fruit-themed souvenirs

It’s a great mix of learning, play, and scenery.

Kikyo Shingen Mochi Factory Tour

Two kids smiling and posing with fun food-themed cutouts—one holding a soft serve ice cream sign, the other a giant wrapped candy prop—inside a bright Yamanashi factory or store with workers and shelves in the background.

We ended our day with something sweet. Kikyo Shingen Mochi, a Yamanashi specialty, is made of soft mochi dusted with kinako (roasted soybean flour) and topped with kuromitsu (brown sugar syrup). At the factory, you can tour the production line, browse creative displays, and taste samples before shopping for gifts. It’s a lighthearted stop that everyone enjoyed.

How to Get to Yamanashi for Fruit Picking and Wine Tasting

Yamanashi Prefecture, often called the “fruit and wine kingdom,” is a fantastic day trip or overnight destination from Tokyo. The most popular areas for fruit picking and wine tasting, such as Fuefukigawa Fruit Park and the Katsunuma wine region.

By Train

Taking the train is a fast and efficient way to get from Tokyo to Yamanashi. From Shinjuku Station, you can take the JR Chuo Line Limited Express train (such as the Azusa or Kaiji) directly to cities in Yamanashi Prefecture. Key stations for the wine and fruit region include:

  • Yamanashishi Station: About 90 minutes from Shinjuku. This is the closest station to the Fuefukigawa Fruit Park, which you can reach via a short taxi or local bus ride.
  • Katsunuma-Budokyo Station: About 1.5 to 2 hours from Shinjuku. This station is in the heart of the Katsunuma wine region, and many wineries are a short walk or taxi ride away.

While the train is fast, getting around the smaller towns and to individual fruit farms or wineries may require a taxi or local bus.

By Private Tour

If you prefer a stress-free and guided experience, numerous tour companies offer full-day trips from Tokyo. These tours typically include round-trip transportation in a private van or chartered bus, a knowledgeable guide, and pre-planned stops for fruit picking and wine tasting. This is a great option if you are traveling in a group or don’t want to navigate public transportation.

Is Yamanashi Worth Visiting for Food and Relaxation?

A peach tree in Yamanashi with lush green leaves and several ripe peaches hanging from its branches, some partially wrapped in protective white bags.

Spending a day in Yamanashi gave us the chance to slow down, connect with local traditions, and enjoy some of the freshest fruit and best wines in Japan. The warm hospitality, beautiful scenery, and family-friendly attractions made it one of our favorite countryside escapes.

If you’re looking for a break from Tokyo’s pace, Yamanashi offers a refreshing mix of food, nature, and relaxation.

More to Explore Nearby

Yamanashi Prefecture, centered around the majesty of Mount Fuji, offers a spectacular mix of world-famous natural scenery, unique agricultural experiences, and exciting recreational parks.

  • Fruit Picking and Wine Tasting – Explore the surrounding region’s famous vineyards and orchards, offering seasonal fruit picking and local wine tasting experiences.
  • Arakurayama Sengen Park – Visit the famous viewpoint featuring the Chureito Pagoda, which perfectly frames the iconic Mount Fuji in the background.
  • Isawa Onsen – Discover one of Yamanashi’s major hot spring towns, offering relaxing thermal baths and traditional Japanese hospitality.
  • Fuji-Q Highland Amusement Park – Experience the thrilling roller coasters and major attractions at this popular theme park located near the base of Mount Fuji.

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