Getting there
The Koshu Valley is just an hour and a half from central Tokyo by train or car. It is also easily accessible from Haneda and Narita airports, Yokohama, and Matsumoto (Nagano Prefecture). Below is an overview of the main access routes by public and private transportation. When planning your trip, please be aware that the majority of wineries are closed at year-end and New Year.
By Train
The best station from which to explore the Koshu Valley is Katsunumabudokyo. Express trains stop there at weekends, holidays and at peak times in summer/autumn; at other times it is served by local trains. Alternatively, head to nearby Enzan station, where express trains stop more frequently. From Enzan it is a 15-minute taxi or short local train ride to the main winery area.
From Tokyo (approx. 1.5 hours)
From Shinjuku Station in central Tokyo, the JR Chuo Line Limited Express (Azusa/Kaiji) runs to either Katsunumabudokyo or Enzan around once an hour throughout the day. You will find an English-language timetable here.
From Yokohama (Approx. 1 hour 45 mins)
Take the Yokohama Line from Yokohama Station to Hachioji, where you can transfer to the Chuo Line Limited Express outlined above.
FROM HANEDA AIRPORT (Approx. 2 hours 30 mins)
Head to Shinjuku in Tokyo or Yokohama (multiple transport options available) then follow the directions above.
FROM NARITA AIRPORT (Approx. 3 hours)
Head to Shinjuku in Tokyo on the Narita Express or Airport Limousine Bus then follow the directions above.
From Matsumoto (approx. 1.5 hours)
The JR Chuo Line Limited Express runs from Matsumoto station throughout the day. It is sometimes necessary to change to a local train at Kofu or Kobuchizawa.
By Car
Katsunuma I.C. Exit on the Chuo Expressway toll road is just five minutes from the main Katsunuma winery area, connecting the Koshu Valley with Tokyo (approx. 1.5 hours) to the east and Matsumoto (1.5 hours) and Nagano (2.5 hours) to the northwest. Bear in mind that at peak hours congestion can almost double travel times, especially when heading back into Tokyo.
By Bus
The Katsunuma Bus Stop on the Chuo Expressway is 15 minutes’ walk from the main winery area and is well served by express coaches (generally referred to as ‘Limousine Buses’).
From Tokyo (approx. 1 hour 40 mins)
Highway express coaches run from Shinjuku in Tokyo to Katsunuma around once an hour throughout the day. You will find an English-language timetable with booking information here.
From Yokohama (approx. 1 hour 40 mins)
On weekends and holidays, a direct coach runs from Yokohama Station to Katsunuma twice a day. Click here for the English timetable.
From Haneda Airport (approx. 2 hours 40 mins)
A direct coach runs from Haneda Airport to Katsunuma four times a day. Click here for the English timetable.
FROM NARITA AIRPORT (Approx. 3 hours 20 mins)
A direct coach runs from Narita Airport to Katsunuma six times a day. Click here for the English timetable and information on where to buy tickets.
BY PLANE
The nearest international airport is Haneda (HND) which is approximately 2.5 hours away by public transport. If you fly into Narita (NRT) this will add around an hour to the journey. See the sections above for information on public transport from these airports.
For domestic flights, charters and private jets, an alternative is Matsumoto Airport, MMJ (approx. 2.5 hours away by public transport), which has direct flights from Fukuoka and Sapporo, as well as Osaka (August only). From the airport, take the Airport Limousine Bus to Matsumoto train station and carry on to Katsunuma or Enzan from there by train.
By Helicopter
The closest public location to land a helicopter is Futaba Heliport, 30 minutes by car from Katsunuma.