Why is AZUMINO the Wasabi Town?
The expansive Azumino is located at the foot of the approximately 3,000 m elevation Japan Alps Mountain Range, featuring an abundance of water that has enriched both the land and lives of the people who live there. Snow from the Japan Alps melts and turns into underground water that eventually moistens the land of Azumino. The waters transparency never fails to impress those who see it. Even in summer, the water feels cool and refreshing to the touch. “Wasabi” is the most renowned product of Azumino. Azumino proudly holds the title of being Japan’s number one producer of wasabi due to it having access to approximately 700,000 tons of water per day and year-round stable temperature of about 13°C which are the perfect conditions to grow wasabi. In Azumino, the Hotaka area is especially known for its thriving wasabi cultivation and in the city, you can see fields of wasabi protected with black sunshades. So please come and see the wasabi, which can only be viewed like this in Azumino.
Access
Azumino is located in Nagano and surrounded by the beautiful Japan Alps. Azumino is positioned in the center of Honshu Island and can be easily accessed from both Tokyo and Nagoya in less than 3 hours by train. The Azumino area is sandwiched between the historical city of Matsumoto, made famous by its castle built at the start of the 16th century, and the world-class ski resort of Hakuba Village, which gained fame when it hosted the Nagano 1998 Olympic Winter Games.
Recommended
Daio Wasabi Farm
Daio Wasabi Farm enjoys great popularity as a unique spot in Nagano and Japan as a whole. Beautifully clear water streams down from the Northern Japan Alps and into Azumino, allowing farmers to cultivate healthy, spicy wasabi. Hundreds of thousands of visitors both Japanese and from abroad flock to the farm every year to experience the nation’s largest wasabi farm firsthand and sample some authentic wasabi. Other wasabi-flavored goods, like beer and ice cream, are also available.
Hotaka Shrine
This is a wonderful place to get a sense of Azumino and even greater Japanese culture. Shrines are scattered throughout Japan, but Hotaka shrine is unique for its adjacent historical museum and founding sense of Azumino. Hotaka-no-mikoto, the tutelary deity of the region and Japan Alps, is worshipped here as well as in Kamikochi and at the summit of Mt. Oku-Hotaka. Also, if you haven’t been to a shrine or many, Hotaka Shrine is gorgeous, surrounded by old trees, and even famed for its special energy power concentrations.
Hot Springs
In Azumino, there are four hot springs (onsen), each featuring unique spring qualities. Among them, Hotaka Hot Springs, Nakabusa Hot Springs, and Ariake Hot Springs all feature hot water rich in sodium ions, which can leave your skin feeling soft. As a result, they are often referred to as the “skin-beautifying hot springs.” The hot springs can be enjoyed by everyone in the family, from babies to senior citizens.
Hiking
If you’re visiting Azumino and looking for easy and enjoyable hiking experiences, explore these accessible trails in the picturesque countryside. Perfect for a leisurely day out in nature, these hikes offer stunning views and a taste of the local landscape.
Explore
In Azumino, there are many great spots for sightseeing amid the rich natural scenery and a variety of activities to try. You can experience the charms of Azumino by sampling local food at restaurants, relaxing at the hot springs, staying in elegant ryokan inns, and much more.
