【Jimny Travel】Enjoy luxury at "RV Park Koshu City Katsunuma Wine Hill" with hot springs, wine, and night views while camping in your car

Car camping at Katsunuma Wine Hill in Koshu City, Yamanashi Prefecture. Located on a gentle hill, this facility offers the charm of hot springs, wine, and night views. I researched online and headed to the site, and it turned out to be an amazing day beyond my expectations.

At "RV Park Kōshūshi Katsunuma Budō no Oka," where rows of wine are on display

"Kōshūshi Katsunuma Budō no Oka" is a complex facility located atop a vineyard hill, featuring a day-use hot spring, restaurants, and a hotel with a wine cellar (storage), making it a place to enjoy whether for a day visit or an overnight stay. I enjoyed the facility itself while using the RV park on the premises.

First, there are many domestic wines in the information hall. Even though they are called domestic, the wines sold here are said to be high-quality wines recognized by the Kōshū City Wine Quality Assessment Committee. I'm debating which one to choose for tonight's car camping.

After stopping by for shopping while driving or touring, it's recommended to take in the view from the terrace seats overlooking the Kofu Basin. It might be nice to take a breather in such a refreshing location.

You can taste all the wines in the wine cellar.

In the wine cellar located underground, over 100 varieties and approximately 20,000 bottles of wine are stored, and you can taste all the wines. The cool space is filled with the pleasant aroma of wine, with many wine bottles lined up.

You can enjoy tastings by purchasing a special tasting container called "Turtvan" for 2,200 yen. On this day, a group was happily enjoying the tasting. It seems like a great spot to create memories during your trip in Yamanashi. I also want to taste, but I'm planning to enjoy the wine slowly while sleeping in the car, so I'll hold back for now.

Although I decided to choose a wine to enjoy tonight, I was unsure which one to pick, so I asked Mr. Shinya Hosaka, the front desk and shop leader at Budokko Hill.

According to Mr. Hosaka, "The popular variety of Koshu wine is Muscat Bailey A, and the lineup mainly features light drinking wines like light and medium body." Considering taking it home, he advised, "A cap type that can be opened and closed is convenient."

Taking that advice into account, I selected the medium-bodied red "Muscat Bailey A 2024" from Nikkawa Winery. They kindly allowed me to take photos inside the facility and also shared information about the wine, so thank you very much.

In addition to AC power, there are also well-equipped toilets and water stations.

As for the RV park, only domestic vehicles are allowed, accommodating up to six vehicles. Foreign cars and trailer vehicles are not permitted. The area near the entrance is narrow and has a slope, so please drive carefully.

The basic fee of 3,300 yen includes the use of AC power, which can be used up to "100V 15A."

The washing area, garbage disposal area, and restrooms are all conveniently located near the parking space, making the amenities at the RV park sufficient. A panoramic view without obstructing buildings or trees spreads out as shown in the image.

Since it's such a scenic spot, it is also a place that is quite susceptible to the wind. It is important to manage and take precautions with any items you bring in to prevent them from being blown away. Also, using open flames or cooking outside the vehicle is not allowed, so be sure to prepare gear that can accommodate this.

There is a hot spring right next to the RV park where you can also have a meal

Additionally, there is a hot spring "Tenkuno-yu" right next to the RV park. Before enjoying the night view and wine, I decided to relax in the hot spring first.

I was able to relieve my travel fatigue in a relaxing bathhouse and an open-air bath with a view of the Kofu Basin and the Southern Alps. The calm interior also has a dining area, so it might be nice to enjoy a drink after the bath or have a meal during your stay in the vehicle.

Facility Name / Tenkuno-yu
Fee / Adult: 840 yen, Child (Elementary school): 530 yen
Business Hours / 8:00 AM - 10:00 PM (Last admission 9:00 PM)
Closed / Open year-round (excluding facility inspection and operation suspension days)

Indulging in a luxurious moment with wine and horse sashimi alongside the breathtaking sunset

Now back to the car, and it's time to start our overnight stay. On this day, to pair with the wine, I bought domestic horse sashimi at a nearby butcher shop.

The wine I purchased earlier has a fruity aroma and a refreshing taste without any off-flavors, which is just to my liking. I enjoyed the fresh horse sashimi dipped in garlic soy sauce and sipped more wine. It was a luxurious and wonderful time. As I was basking in bliss, I noticed the sun had hidden behind the mountains and the lights of the city began to twinkle.

At night, the night view expands all around. Unlike the night view spots in the mountain areas, the nearly 180-degree wide night view is thanks to the unique location of being "on a small hill in a basin," specifically at the Grape Hill. It made me feel somewhat wealthy as if I were in a castle overlooking a castle town.

After enjoying the scenery and the wine, I prepared the interior of the car for sleeping. When I looked outside again, the night view spread across the back window of the car. That night, I fell asleep enveloped in satisfaction with the beautiful scenery.

A must-repeat overnight stay spot with good facilities and location

RV Park Katsunuma Grape Hill in Koshu has almost no traffic nearby, so it was quiet at night, allowing for a good night’s sleep. What I felt after using this place was that it combines excellent facilities with a great location. Access from Tokyo is also good, and there aren't many places where you can easily enjoy a fantastic view.

Furthermore, the price of 3,300 yen feels very attractive while being in such a scenic spot. Suppressing feelings of reluctance, I decided to repeat this visit soon and look for the next overnight stay spot.

Facility Name / RV Park Koshu City Katsunuma Wine Hill
Location / 5093 Hishiyama, Katsunuma Town, Koshu City, Yamanashi Prefecture
Fee / 3300 yen (per vehicle) *Fees and usage conditions are subject to change. Please check the official website for the latest information.
*AC usage allowed [up to 100v 15A (amperes)]
*Domestic cars only; foreign cars and trailers are not allowed
*Rubbish disposal area available, water facility available, toilet available
Check-in / 15:00 to 20:00 at Katsunuma Wine Hill Front
Check-out / 8:30 to 10:00
TEL (Reservation) / 0553-44-2111

Interview/Article by Kazuma Tanaka