Overview (history, characteristics, attractions)
Daio Wasabi Farm, located in Hotaka, Azumino City, Nagano Prefecture, is one of Japan's leading wasabi cultivation areas. It is a tourist farm with a rural landscape of pure spring water and vast wasabi fields. The scenery of wasabi grown in a clear stream that uses spring water evokes the original Japanese landscape, and the scenery of the white water mill, wooden bridge, and trees reflected in the irrigation channel is beautiful throughout the seasons, making it a popular photo spot. The farm sells fresh wasabi and wasabi products, offers food and drink made with wasabi (such as wasabi rice bowls and wasabi soft serve ice cream), exhibits information about wasabi, and offers tours of cultivation, allowing visitors to experience wasabi culture up close.
Highlights
– Wasabi fields (vast wasabi fields): The scenery of the terraced rice paddy-like wasabi fields and clear streams is spectacular. The scenery changes with the seasons.
- Watermill and irrigation canal: The scenery created by the old-fashioned wooden watermill, bridges over streams, and flowing spring water is a must-see.
– Wasabi Museum and Exhibition: A corner where you can learn about the history of wasabi cultivation and the processing process (exhibition content changes depending on the season).
– Food and drink facilities: Enjoy local delicacies such as wasabi rice bowls made with fresh wasabi, wasabi soba noodles, and wasabi soft serve ice cream.
– Souvenir shop: A wide variety of products including fresh wasabi, tube wasabi, pickled wasabi, snacks, sweets, condiments, cosmetics, etc.
- Photo spots: There are many great spots for taking photos with the waterside scenery, wooden bridges, and waterwheels in the background.
- Experiences and Events: Wasabi grating experiences and seasonal events may be held (please check in advance).
Access (nearest station, transportation, etc.)
- Nearest station: Hotaka Station on the JR Oito Line. From the station, it is about a 10-15 minute taxi ride or a 40-60 minute walk (depending on your stamina and route).
- Bus: During the tourist season, local buses and sightseeing buses may operate from Matsumoto and Azumino. Times and operations vary depending on the season, so please check in advance.
- By car: Approximately 20-30 minutes from the Azumino IC on the Nagano Expressway, or approximately 30 minutes from central Matsumoto. There is a visitor parking lot within the park (some parking lots are suitable for large buses).
- Taxi: It is convenient to take a taxi from Matsumoto Station or Hotaka Station. The journey time is approximately 10 to 30 minutes from the station.
- Note: If you are using public transportation, there may be limited service, so we recommend checking the timetable and planning your return trip in advance. It is easier to find the farm by specifying "Daioh Wasabi Farm (Azumino)" on your navigation system or map app.
Estimated stay (estimated time required)
– Quick tour: 30-45 minutes (for a quick look at the scenery)
- Standard sightseeing: 1-2 hours (including walking, photography, snacks and souvenir shopping)
- Enjoy at your leisure: 2-4 hours (including museum visits, meals, walking around the area, and other activities)
*It may take longer if you are eating, participating in an event, or during busy times.
Nearby spots
– Azumino Chihiro Art Museum: Exhibits the works of picture book artist Chihiro Iwasaki. The tranquil garden is also an attraction.
– Rokuzan Museum of Art (Nakamura Sculpture Museum): A museum exhibiting the works of modern sculptor Rokuzan Ogiwara.
– Hotaka Shrine: A historic local shrine that is a convenient place to visit to pray for safe travels.
– Viewing spot of the Northern Alps: If the weather is good, you can see the majestic mountain ranges (views may change depending on the season and time of day).
– Hotaka Onsenkyo and surrounding day-trip hot spring facilities: We recommend soothing your fatigue in a hot spring after sightseeing.
- Matsumoto City (Matsumoto Castle and Nakamachi Street): Approximately 30-40 minutes by car. Convenient for combining sightseeing with Azumino.
Things to be aware of (crowds, manners, seasonal precautions, etc.)
- Crowds: The park is extremely crowded with tourists during Golden Week, summer vacation, and autumn holidays. Parking lots may fill up and you may have to wait to enter, so we recommend arriving early or visiting on a weekday.
- Manners: The water in wasabi fields and irrigation channels is a precious resource. Please follow instructions such as not entering restricted areas, not picking wasabi, and not touching the crops.
- Hygiene and safety: The waterside can be slippery, muddy, and has small steps. It is best to wear comfortable shoes (shoes that you don't mind getting wet).
- Pets: The rules and whether pets are allowed inside the park vary depending on the location. If you are bringing pets, please check the official information in advance.
- Seasonal Notice:
- Summer: The sun gets stronger, so don't forget to wear a hat and stay hydrated. It's often crowded during peak tourist season.
- Winter: The temperature is low and snow and ice can make the ground slippery. Take measures to protect yourself from the cold and prevent slipping.
- Rainy season: The roads tend to become muddy after rain, so be sure to bring rain gear and waterproof shoes.
- Payment: Some shops and restaurants prefer cash. Card acceptance varies by store, so it's a good idea to bring a small amount of cash with you.
- Check information: Opening hours, parking availability, event schedules, etc. may change depending on the season and year. Please check the latest information on the official website or local contact information before visiting.
Please use the above information to enjoy the scenery of the clear streams and wasabi fields, as well as the local gourmet food and souvenirs. If necessary, we can also provide access details (train and bus times, parking information) and sample itineraries (half-day and full-day) for the area. Please let us know what information you need.
