Yamanashi

Yamanashi exists in Fuji's rain shadow—and that's exactly where wine grapes thrive. While most of Japan drowns in summer humidity, Yamanashi's position leeward of Mount Fuji creates the sunshine and drainage that wine grapes require. A thousand years ago, Koshu grapes traveled the Silk Road to find their Japanese home here. Today, Yamanashi produces 30% of Japan's wine from over 90 wineries—more than any other prefecture.

The Koshu grape is Japan's answer to terroir challenges. "The grape is ideal for Japan's humid, rainy climate. It's thick-skinned and resistant to rot." International recognition has arrived: in 2025, 98Wines ranked 20th on the World's 50 Best Vineyards list—Japan's highest placement. Yamanashi Nouveau (established 2008) now marks the wine calendar like Beaujolais does in France. The Koshu Valley, 90 minutes from Tokyo, offers 70 wineries "nestled in a valley blanketed with grapes."

Beyond wine, Yamanashi leads Japan in grape, peach, and plum production—the same climate logic applied to different fruits. Tourism centers on Mount Fuji (partially in Yamanashi, partially Shizuoka), with three national parks covering much of the prefecture. By 2026, Yamanashi bets that Japanese wine can achieve what Japanese whisky did: transform from curiosity to premium global category. The mountain that creates the microclimate may also create the brand.