HOSHINOYA Fuji, Japan's first glamping resort, is running the Glamorous Grape Stay from September 1 to 30, 2026, a two-night, three-day program built around Yamanashi's autumn grapes. Guests trace the region's grape story from Daizen-ji, the temple where cultivation is said to have begun, through a winery and a vineyard, deepening their understanding of the prefecture's two signature grape varieties, Koshu and Muscat Bailey A, through conversation with winemakers and a chef's pairing dinner. The night before that journey, guests settle in by a bonfire with a glass of hot wine to build anticipation for the days ahead.
Yamanashi's 1,300-Year Grape Heritage
Long hours of sunshine, a wide gap between daytime and nighttime temperatures, and well-drained soil have made Yamanashi Prefecture a rich growing ground for many kinds of fruit. Grapes have the longest history among them, with cultivation said to date back around 1,300 years, and Yamanashi has ranked first in Japan for grape production for more than a decade running. Autumn is harvest season, when a wide range of varieties can be enjoyed. Yamanashi is also considered the birthplace of Japanese winemaking, and many wines here are made from Koshu and Muscat Bailey A, grape varieties native to Japan and suited to the local climate and terrain. The Glamorous Grape Stay was created to share this distinctly Yamanashi autumn experience, set among ripening vineyards and local wine.
Tracing the Roots of Yamanashi's Grapes
The journey begins at Daizen-ji, a National Treasure temple linked to the arrival of grapes in Japan, where guests hear the story of its principal image, a Yakushi Nyorai statue holding a bunch of grapes, and trace 1,300 years of history. From there, guests visit Katsunuma Jozo Winery to learn how the winery carries tradition forward while pursuing winemaking that competes on the world stage, then head to the Budou Senshin vineyard, where the owner shares insights into modern grape growing over a tasting of several varieties. The experience follows Yamanashi's grapes from their roots to the diverse varieties grown today.
A Chef's Pairing Dinner Celebrating Koshu and Muscat Bailey A
Dinner is a special course designed to highlight the character of wines made from Koshu and Muscat Bailey A, the two grape varieties native to Japan. The main dish pairs venison with a balsamic vinegar aged for six years using Yamanashi grapes, balancing rich umami with fruity notes. Each course is matched to the wine's fruitiness, acidity, and delicate tannins with seasonal local ingredients, building a meal that lets guests savor the many expressions of grapes alongside Yamanashi's rich terroir.
An Evening by the Fire Before the Journey
On the first night, guests spend time at HOSHINOYA Fuji's Cloud Terrace for "An Evening Before the Journey." Watching the flickering bonfire, guests can enjoy hot wine spiced with cinnamon and clove alongside grape chocolate. Wrapped in the quiet of the forest and the aroma of grapes, it's a moment to unwind and look ahead to the following day's journey.
Itinerary
Day 1
- 3:00 PM: Check-in
- 6:30 PM: Room-service dinner, Red Wine Sukiyaki of the Foothills (additional charge)
- 8:30 PM: "An Evening Before the Journey" around the bonfire with hot wine
Day 2
- 7:30 AM: Breakfast
- 8:00 AM: Depart HOSHINOYA Fuji
- 9:00 AM: Visit Daizen-ji, a National Treasure and the origin of Koshu grapes
- 10:00 AM: Tour Katsunuma Jozo Winery
- 12:00 PM: Pairing lunch at the winery's own restaurant
- 1:00 PM: Grape harvesting at the Budou Senshin vineyard
- 3:00 PM: Return to HOSHINOYA Fuji
- 7:00 PM: Grape Pairing Dinner, savoring grapes and wine
- 9:30 PM: Grape herbal bath in the cabin
Day 3
- 8:30 AM: "Morning Box" breakfast (additional charge)
- 12:00 PM: Check-out
Exploring the Featured Venues
Daizen-ji was founded in 718 and is affectionately known as the "Grape Temple," regarded as the birthplace of Koshu grape cultivation. Its principal image is a Yakushi Nyorai statue holding grapes, said to have been envisioned by the priest Gyoki in a sacred dream, and the temple's tradition lives on today through grape cultivation and winemaking on its grounds. Alongside its National Treasure Yakushi-do, the oldest wooden building in the Kanto region, the temple carries Yamanashi's history and culture into the present.
Katsunuma Jozo Winery has been rooted in the Katsunuma grape-growing region since its founding in 1937, guided by a commitment to make the finest wine possible, even from a single barrel, and pursuing winemaking that can compete internationally. Dedicated to Koshu, a grape variety native to Japan, the winery makes wines that reflect the distinct terroir, land, and people behind each bottle.
Budou Senshin grows grapes in the Fuefuki area with the aim of making delicious grapes wholeheartedly while realizing decent work for everyone involved. The vineyard cultivates around 14 different grape varieties and focuses on delivering the best taste of each in season, growing grapes with visitors' smiles in mind.
Glamorous Grape Stay Overview
Period: September 1–30, 2026
Price: ¥79,000 per person (tax and service charge included; accommodation and transportation charged separately)
Included: "An Evening Before the Journey," Day 2 breakfast, visit to Daizen-ji, winery tour, Day 2 lunch with pairing drinks, grape tasting experience, Grape Pairing Dinner with pairing drinks, grape herbal bath
Capacity: One group per day (2–3 guests); guests must be 20 or older
Reservations: Available on the official website up to two weeks in advance (https://hoshinoresorts.com/ja/hotels/hoshinoyafuji/)
Note: Ingredients and menu content may change depending on availability, and part of the schedule may change due to weather.
