Japan's natural side: Some leaves change color... some don't...

Part 2: Azumino City

Go trekking, go cycling, go to the mountains, go with yourself, go alone

Given our extended stay in Matsumoto, we sought to explore nearby attractions. Among them, the Daio Wasabi Farm emerged as a must-visit destination. Prior research revealed that the farm is situated in the town of Azumino.


General Information about Azumino City

Azumino: A Haven for Wasabi and Trout

Nestled within the Matsumoto Basin of Nagano Prefecture, Azumino is a city nourished by the pristine waters of the Northern Alps. These streams provide the lifeblood for cultivating renowned Azumino Wasabi, a prized condiment enjoyed with soba and various seafood dishes. The city also boasts thriving Rainbow Trout farms, further enriching its culinary landscape.

The Daio Wasabi Farm, a popular tourist destination, showcases the meticulous cultivation process of this pungent delicacy. Visitors can witness the cascading water channels, lush green fields, and traditional growing methods that have perfected the flavor and quality of Azumino Wasabi.

After researching the area, we discovered that tourists often rent bicycles to explore the route.

Determined to experience it ourselves, we set out early in the morning, ready to cycle until our legs gave out!


Take the JR Oito Line from Matsumoto Station to Hotaka Station.

After exiting the station, walk to the opposite side to rent a bicycle. Look for a shop with many bicycles parked on the right-hand side. Once the rental agreement is settled, the bicycle shop uncle will explain the route to the wasabi farm in a mixture of Japanese and English. It may sound confusing, but it is understandable. After all, it led us to our destination without getting lost.



Today, we cycled along the route shown in the picture. I don't remember how many kilometers it was, but it was a very long ride. We cycled until our butts were sore.

Our real goal was not the wasabi farm, but Mt. Nagamine.

The plan was to see the city view and the Alps first, and then come back to the wasabi farm.

But we got lost and rode too far. We couldn't turn back because it was already dark. TT

But it's okay, the scenery along the way was also very beautiful.

The path to find him, Nagamine, the view is so good that I forgot to look at the map!!



Cycling across the bridge and up the steep hill, I had to stop because I was so tired.



Each path I've taken...

Cycling alone, talking to myself, doing things alone as I intended... I've gotten to know myself a lot better.


That's it... what we're looking for... peace...



After we got lost to our heart's content, 5555, it's time to return to the wasabi farm before it gets too late.

Daio Wasabi Farm, meaning "King of Wasabi," is the largest wasabi farm in Japan. Located in the countryside of Azumino City, near Matsumoto, the farm covers an impressive 150,000 square meters. The production process is meticulous, starting with the ideal location. Wasabi requires clean, flowing water, and the farm benefits from the constant flow of snowmelt from the North Japan Alps. This water is rich in minerals and maintains a consistent temperature of 10-15 degrees Celsius, providing the perfect environment for high-quality wasabi. Each day, hundreds of thousands of tons of water flow through the wasabi fields, ensuring even distribution and optimal growth conditions.

When we went there, we didn't see any green wasabi plants.

No worries, because what we really want is...

....the incredibly delicious Wasabi ice cream ^^

This is enough to make me happy, really.



If you want to visit the city, follow this thread's recommendations. https://www.thingstodopost.com/the-10-best-things-to-do-in-azumino-japan-116942 Plan well, don't get lost like us.


See you again.

See you again.

See you again.

See you again.




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