The last stop of our trip was in Yamanashi prefecture to visit wineries and fruits orchards. I had know idea what too expect and what we would actually see, and it was a great surprise! First the place we stayed at (Fuefukigawa onsen – 笛吹川温泉) was fantastic with a chef preparing delicious cha-kaiseki cuisine and adjusting easily with my very special food restrictions. We had plenty of local products at each dinner and breakfast there and it’s been a long time since I haven’t had proper cha-kaiseki. Probably since my last cha-kaiseki class too many years ago… so I was really happy! Then we went to visit on foot the surroundings and were enchanted by the mix of orchards and residential areas near Erinji, a remarkable temple with old beautiful pine trees. In the orchards one can find grapes of course, but also peaches, chestnuts, persimmons, apples… Most people may be chocked by the excess of care given to the fruits: each may have a little paper hat to protect it, and in may cases they are wrapped in a little paper bag. It results in fruits that are almost all perfect, protected from bugs, heavy rain, direct sun…

Many places on the road sides sell fruits to eat directly on the spot or take away, it gives a very casual, not Japanese atmosphere that was very interesting!!!

Want to know more about what to see and where to stay? Leave a comment!!!