Tasting Japanese Wine - Two Days At Hoshino Resorts RISONARE Yatsugatake

The First Day -- 11:00
Taking a Limited Express from Tokyo to a Wine Resort in Yamanashi

Board the limited express from Shinjuku Station bound for Kobuchizawa Station. Vineyards dot the scenery along the way, and the sight will heighten the expectations of the tour.

The destination is RISONARE Yatsugatake in Yamanashi Prefecture. Yamanashi is the cradle of wine making in Japan, and boasts the highest number of wineries in the country. They are mostly located at the bottom of a basin. With a great difference between daytime and nighttime temperatures, this is the perfect location for grape cultivation.

The train ride takes about two hours, but thanks to the beautiful scenery, time passes quickly. A hotel bus will be waiting for the guests at the station.

The First Day -- 13:30
Arriving at Hoshino Resorts RISONARE Yatsugatake: One of the Prominent Japanese Wine Resorts

The bus ride takes about five minutes, and checking in at the hotel comes next.

Hoshino Resorts, known for its high quality service, operates RISONARE Yatsugatake. The hospitality of the staff is sure to help clear away any weariness caused by the trip.

The First Day -- 13:40
Taking a Walk Through the Facilities

Photograph provided by Hoshino Resorts RISONARE Yatsugatake

While waiting for your guestroom to be prepared, stroll through the facilities. Check the shops and cafes, take a look at the pool, and in no time, the room will be ready.

The First Day -- 15:00
The Bordeaux Colored Guestroom

The guestroom is designed based on the image of red wine, with the Bordeaux-colored sofa and carpet. Even the stool is designed like a cork.

The spacious room is furnished with a sofa and dining table, and can accommodate up to four people. It also has a terrace, so the guests can enjoy the breeze outside.

The details about this and other rooms can be checked on this page.

The First Day -- 15:30
Horseback Riding: Enjoying the Autumn Leaves

As this area is also known for raising horses, guests can try horseback riding at RISONARE Yatsugatake.

The highlight is a stroll through the wood on horseback. Our visit took place when the autumn leaves were at their best, so we enjoyed the leaves up close, and also the scenery in the distance.

The route changes every season; in the spring, guests can enjoy riding amid the cherry blossoms. The horses are all gentle, so even the first time riders need not to worry.

Various activities, such as cycling and pottery making, are also available at this resort. Take a look at this page, and find something that piques your interest.

The First Day -- 18:00
Tasting Japanese Wines

Back at the hotel, the wine tasting starts at Yatsugatake Wine House. The guests receive a card at the shop counter, which serves as a key for the wine dispenser.

There are 24 wines selected from Yamanashi and Nagano wineries to choose from, so look for a brand that fits your taste. Those who are trying Japanese wine for the first time may be surprised by its delicacy.

If you want to drink wine in your room instead, you can use the Vino Box system.

Put your favorite wine in a bottle, and take it back to your room with cheese or other snacks. It's perfect for a late night drink.

The First Day -- 19:00
Wine and Dinner

Photograph provided by Hoshino Resorts RISONARE Yatsugatake

We went to YYgrill for dinner; here guests can enjoy both buffet-style dishes and various menu items ordered at the table.

All the menu items, from appetizers such as ham and carpaccio to the main steak dishes, go well with wine. Guests can enjoy all their favorite dishes to their heart's content.

Guests can also bring the wine they purchased at the resort to the restaurant. Learn more about the YYgrill at this page.

The First Day -- 22:00
Enjoying Wine in Your Guestroom

After dinner, guests can enjoy Japanese wine at their rooms while chatting with friends. Just relax in a comfortable room, enjoy the wine, and go straight to bed.

This is the best way to spend your first day at this wine resort.

The Second Day -- 8:00
Getting a Fresh Start with Breakfast Filled with Fresh Vegetables

Photograph provided by Hoshino Resorts RISONARE Yatsugatake

Breakfast is also served at the YYgrill. The buffet tables are filled with vegetable dishes cooked in both Japanese and Western styles. All the ingredients are fresh, local products so they taste superb.

The Second Day -- 10:00
A Top Class Wine Spa Experience

After breakfast, head for the spa. This facility is affiliated with Domaine Mie Ikeno, a renowned winery, and offers a unique scrubbing treatment using lees.

The popular course here is their body and facial treatment using wine. The foot bath, filled with red wine, warms your whole body. During the treatment, guests will enjoy soaking up the fragrant atmosphere.

For the details about the spa, please take a look at this page.

The Second Day -- 12:00
Souvenir Shopping and Lunch after Checking Out

After checking out at 12:00, guests can leave their bags at the reception, and have lunch, or go shopping.

The hotel shop has items related to RISONARE Yatsugatake. The fruit juice has a fresh, deep taste, and with its adorable package, makes a perfect souvenir.

Shingen-mochi is a Japanese confectionery, which is also a popular souvenir of Yamanashi. At the shop, guests can purchase an exclusively designed package of Shingen-mochi.

For lunch, try the restaurant at the end of Piment Street, where various shops are lined up, and have one more glass of wine, for the road.

The Second Day -- 14:00
Going Home Refreshed

The shuttle bus will take the guests back to the station.

Although a trip to Japan tends to result in a busy itinerary, spending some time away from a bustling sightseeing spot may be a good idea.

RISONARE Yatsugatake, a perfect place to relax, is only two hours away from Tokyo. You can taste fine wine in a wonderful environment, and discover another appeal Japan has to offer.

Official Site: https://www.hoshinoresorts.com/en/resortsandhotels/risonare/yatsugatake.html

Hoshino Resorts RISONARE Yatsugatake