If you are planning to visit the Koshu Valley, Japan’s premier wine-producing region, you will find the following information invaluable.

During the months of September, October and November, you can catch a Kaiji Express train from JR Shinjuku Station to JR Katsunumabudokyo Station on the JR Chuo Line. The departure times from JR Shinjuku Station to JR Katsunumabudokyo Station for 2018 are as follows:

WEEKENDS ONLY: 9:30 (Kaiji 101), 10:30 (Kaiji 103), 11:30 (Kaiji 105)

The departure times from JR Katsunumabudokyo Station to JR Shinjuku Station for 2018 are as follows:

WEEKENDS ONLY: 14:45 (Kaiji 114), 15:44 (Kaiji 116), 16:28 (Kaiji 118), 17:45 (Kaiji 120)

During the week, at other times of the day, or from December to August, you can catch an express train to JR Enzan Station, but you will have to take a local train back to JR Katsunumabudokyo Station on weekends if you want to use the Wine Course Bus or the Budo Course Bus as these course buses do not go to JR Enzan Station on the weekends.

Wine Course Bus departure times from JR Katsunumabudokyo Station (2018):

Weekdays:

7:24, 8:47, 12:13, 15:00, 16:51, 17:55

Weekends:

9:42, 11:04, 11:14, 13:02, 14:14, 14:24, 15:52, 17:14, 17:24

Budo Course Bus departure times from JR Katsunumabudokyo Station (2018):

Weekdays:

7:25, 8:46, 10:43, 13:24, 16:54, 17:53

Weekends:

9:58, 10:45, 13:18, 13:55, 15:58, 17:05

Wine Course Bus departure times from JR Enzan Station (2018):

Weekdays:

8:10, 11:14, 14:28, 15:52

Budo Course Bus departure times from JR Enzan Station (2018):

Weekdays:

8:03, 9:58, 16:09

There is a very attractive B&B in Katsunuma called Suzuki-En B&B that I would like to recommend. The price, ¥5,000 per adult, includes breakfast, and free wifi. You can contact Suzuki-En B&B at: +81-55-339-8522. If you use simple English, I am sure the B&B will be able to answer your questions and take your reservation.  The main entrance and dining area are relatively modern, but your room will be in the section of the property that dates back some 120 years. Be sure to see the wonderful museum in the B&B’s basement.

Half-Day Walking Tour of Japanese Wineries

Full-Day Walking Tour of Japanese Wineries

Full-Day Walking Tour of Japanese Wineries: The Sequel

Begin your adventures off the beaten path by booking a night in my Airbnb property.

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