NTA Buon Punto!

Japanese premium grapes are capturing the attention of food connoisseurs worldwide.

Here, you’ll find the cutting edge of this industry.

Located in Okayama Prefecture, the Hayashi Grape Research Institute is both a farm cultivating over 100 varieties of grapes and a breeding facility creating new varieties.

Shingo Hayashi, the breeder behind “Muscat Zipangu”—a rare, premium Muscat variety that sells for over 30,000 yen per bunch at specialty fruit shops—invites you to explore the fascinating world of grapes.

*Experience Japanese grapes with all five senses while listening to expert commentary:

A private grape-tasting session led by Mr. Hayashi, a breeder who has garnered attention in the Japanese media as a grape expert. A tasting comparison of five or more varieties of grapes—including ultra-rare varieties you’ll never find in supermarkets—is sure to be an experience that redefines your concept of “grapes.” You’ll also learn a wealth of grape-related knowledge through a quiz format, covering topics such as: Which part of the grape cluster is the sweetest? How many clusters can be harvested from a single grapevine? How to grow seedless grapes, and Japan’s unique methods for shaping grape clusters.

*Experience the historic glass greenhouse:
In Okayama, a region with a 150-year history of grape cultivation, the glass-roofed greenhouses passed down through generations are a precious heritage. We will tour this historic farm guided by Mr. Hayashi, a fourth-generation grape farmer.

Hayashi Grape Research Institute Co.  (株式会社 林ぶどう研究所)
Address: 525-1, Tsudaka, Kita-ku, Okayama city, Okayama 
Map: https://maps.app.goo.gl/b5MBKWAGCbsLnhJU6

Itinerario di base

■Meeting place: Hayashi Grape Research Institute Co. (株式会社 林ぶどう研究所)
701-1152
525-1, Tsudaka, Kita-ku, Okayama city, Okayama Prefecture
Map: https://maps.app.goo.gl/b5MBKWAGCbsLnhJU6

■Access
*By Train:
Get off at Okayama Station on the Sanyo Shinkansen.
From Okayama Station (Bus Stop No. 7 at the East Exit), take a Chutetsu Bus or Okaden Bus (bound for Route 53, such as the License Center Line)
and get off at the “Nakahara” bus stop (Approx. 20 -minutes), then walk for about 5 minutes.
（From Okayama station, it's about 30 minutes by taxi.)

*By car:
5 minutes from Sanyo Expressway Okayama IC (Free parking available)

■Course content
1) Grapes Classroom Session (approx. 60 minutes)
A private grape-tasting session led by Mr. Hayashi, a breeder and grape expert who has garnered attention in the Japanese media. Tasting and comparing more than five varieties of grapes—including ultra-rare varieties you’ll never find in supermarkets—is sure to be an experience that redefines your concept of “grapes.” You’ll also have the opportunity to taste and compare homemade raisins.

2) Vineyard Tour (approx. 60 minutes)
In Okayama, a region with a 150-year history of grape cultivation, the glass-roofed greenhouses passed down through generations are a precious heritage. We will tour this historic farm guided by Mr. Hayashi, a fourth-generation grape farmer.


*As an optional extra (additional fee payable on site), you can also participate in grape harvesting or purchase raisins.


■Included
・Grapes Classroom Session by Mr. Hayashi(a breeder and grape expert)
・Vineyard tour with direct commentary by Mr. Hayashi.
・Cost of the grapes for the tasting experience.
　*Transportation is not included.

■Minimum number of participants: 5 people
(You may register for this tour individually. However, the tour will be canceled if the minimum number of participants is not met.)
■Maximum number of participants: 15 people

Assistente

English Speaking Guide available

Osservazioni

★Start times are flexible: We usually start at 11:00 a.m., but we may be able to adjust the time to suit your needs. Please feel free to contact us.

・Capacity: Up to 15 people
・Minimum number of participants: 5 people
(You may register for this tour individually. However, the tour will be canceled if the minimum number of participants is not met.)
・This tour is on a request basis.
・We may guide you together with people from other groups.
・Not available on Sundays and Saturdays.
・Children 3 years old and under are free. (must be accompanied by an adult.)
・Heat Safety and Hydration:
　The tour includes moving between greenhouses and outdoor activities. Depending on the weather on the day of the tour, we recommend bringing a sun umbrella or hat.
　To prevent heatstroke, please make sure to stay hydrated by drinking water frequently.
・Clothing and Insect Repellent Measures:
　There are mosquitoes and other insects on the farm grounds. While the office will provide mosquito coils and insect repellent spray,
　 for your safety, we recommend wearing clothing that covers your skin (such as long sleeves and long pants) when visiting the farm.
・Footwear: Sturdy shoes (no heels) are required for your safety inside the factory.
・Decisions Regarding Event Operation and Cancellation in Case of Rain:
　Since this event is held indoors in a weather-protected venue, it will take place rain or shine.
　However, if we determine that holding the event safely is difficult due to severe weather conditions such as a typhoon, we will cancel it.
　In such cases, the organizing committee will contact you promptly.
・Arriving by Car: If you are arriving by car, our staff on site will direct you to a parking space. Please follow their instructions when parking.
・Prohibited Items: Smoking is strictly prohibited during the tour.
・If you would like to take grapes home, please request the grape-picking option (additional fee) on-site.

Meeting Point

Hayashi Grape Research Institute Co. 株式会社 林ぶどう研究所