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Azumino (Nagano), Japan Alps Views, Winery, Wasabi, Shrine - Day Trip from Matsumoto or Hakuba
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Joined 2026
You will enjoy a panoramic view of the Northern Alps and visit a vast farm where authentic wasabi is grown in clear spring water. In addition to the wasabi fields, you can take in the picturesque scenery featuring iconic waterwheels.
In the afternoon, you will visit Hotaka Shrine with a long history, where the deity of safe journeys is enshrined. There is also a unique monument of another deity, Dosojin. Finally, you will visit a scenic winery. You can relax on the terrace and enjoy a drink.
Itinerary
This itinerary can be customized to meet your needs and preferences. Send me a message with your requests!
Meeting Point
At your hotel in Matsumoto, Hakuba, or Azumino, or at a station or another convenient meeting point
- If you are staying at a hotel in Matsumoto, Hakuba, or Azumino, I will pick you up there. If not, I will meet you at a station or another meeting point we decide on in advance.
Top of Mt. Nagamine: View of the Northern Japan Alps and the landscape of Azumino
You will reach the top of Mt. Nagamine at an elevation of 933 meters and enjoy a panoramic view of the Northern Japan Alps, including nearly 3,000‑meter‑high peaks such as Mt. Jonendake, Mt. Kashimayarigatake, Mt. Goryudake, and Mt. Hakubadake, as well as the peaceful rural landscape of Azumino below.
Daio Wasabi Farm – Vast, Picturesque Farm with Crystal‑Clear Spring Water
Growing authentic wasabi in water requires strict conditions, such as clean, flowing water at a stable temperature, and the natural environment of Azumino is ideal for cultivating wasabi. You can see this impressive setting with your own eyes.
In addition to the wasabi fields, there is much more to explore. The iconic waterwheels—constructed for Akira Kurosawa’s film A Village with a Watermill—are a highlight, as well as a small shrine dedicated to a legendary local figure, Hachimen‑Daio (the Great King with Eight Faces).
Lunch and Shopping
You can have lunch at one of the restaurants at the farm (with both Japanese and Western‑style options available) or at another nearby restaurant. Many of the dishes served at the farm’s restaurants come with fresh, crisp wasabi. You can also browse the farm’s shops for wasabi products, local specialties, and souvenirs.
Hotaka Shrine – A Spiritual Site with a Deep Historical Background in Azumino
This is a spiritual site and an important place for understanding the history of Azumino. The reason why the main deity, Hotakami‑no‑Mikoto, is enshrined here is deeply connected to the origins of the Azumino people. You will also see a unique monument dedicated to another deity, Dosojin. Since it symbolizes everlasting health and happiness, why not make a wish?
Stop at the North Alps Dairy Farm shop
If you like, you can enjoy their ice cream or other dairy products while taking in the beautiful scenery.
Azumino Winery – A Scenic Winery at the Foot of the Northern Japan Alps
Surrounded by wide fields and beautiful mountains, this is one of the most scenic wineries in the region, producing wines that highlight the clean, fresh character of Azumino’s climate. You can enjoy tastings, including several free samples and paid tastings of selected bottles. Non‑alcoholic wines and their popular drinkable yogurt are also available. You can relax on the terrace and enjoy your drink in the fresh air.
At 4:00, you will leave the winery to return to your hotel.
Ending Point
At your hotel in Matsumoto, Hakuba, or Azumino, or at a station or another convenient point
Want to personalize this tour?
This tour can be customized to meet your needs and preferences. Click below to send me a message with your requests.
Inclusions & Exclusions
- Guide fee
- Hotel pick‑up (within Matsumoto, Hakuba, or Azumino)
- Transportation by Nissan Roox Hybrid
- Toll fees
- Gasoline
- Lunch (approx. JPY 2,000-JPY 3,000 per person) and refreshments
- Paid tasting fee at Azumino Winery (JPY 550 or JPY 1,650, depending on the type and number of wines selected)
(Several complimentary samples are also available.)
Tour Important Information
- This tour involves walking, so please make sure to wear comfortable shoes.
- In cases of bad weather, it may not be possible to enjoy clear views of the Northern Japan Alps from the top of Mt. Nagamine. If this is likely, I will inform you in advance and ask whether you would prefer to visit an alternative location.
- Please let me know in advance if you have any food allergies or other dietary restrictions, as well as the type of food you would like for lunch.
- If you meet me in Azumino (instead of Matsumoto or Hakuba), I can arrange an additional visit using the time we save.
- Travel insurance is not included in our tours (apart from my standard car insurance). I recommend arranging your own travel insurance in case of any unexpected accidents or emergencies.
During the high season, weekday tours are recommended to avoid traffic congestion.
Important message from the supplier
- My family car is currently a small "kei" car and has space for up to two guests. If you are three or more people, or if you prefer a larger vehicle, I can try to arrange a rental car for you for an additional fee. In such cases, please understand that I need to confirm the availability of a rental car before accepting the tour.
- Travel insurance is not included in our tours (apart from my standard car insurance). I recommend arranging your own travel insurance in case of any unexpected accidents or emergencies.
Cancellation Policy
- Free cancellation - 8 days prior to meeting time
- 50% Refund - 3 to 7 days prior to meeting time
- No Refund - Within 2 day(s) prior to meeting time
Joined 2026
About Tour Guide Yoshiko O.
Hello! My name is Yoshiko. I am a national licensed guide‑interpreter in English and Chinese, and I also speak a little French.
I live in Azumino City in Nagano Prefecture, a place known for its stunning views of the Northern Japan Alps, peaceful rural scenery, and crystal‑clear spring water.
Earlier in my career, I worked as a tax consultant and spent time living in England and China. Captivated by Azumino’s natural beauty and relaxed atmosphere, I eventually relocated here from Tokyo.
I would love to show you Azumino’s most beautiful and fascinating places, and introduce you to its culture, history, and local specialties. I am flexible with tour plans, so please feel free to share your interests and requests. I look forward to welcoming you and guiding you through Azumino and the surrounding region.
Reviews
Sue L.
“Amazing Azumino with the best company!”
I was planning to visit Azumino after my hike & stay in Kamikochi / Matsumoto, and while the city is nearby, navigating the area is time-consuming just by taking public transport. So I was so glad to have met Yoshiko san, during my first time ever using Gowithguide! She was very friendly, kind, communicative, and was able to adapt to my requests and interests. For instance, when I mentioned that I loved nature and museums (Azumino has an Art Line!), she recommended the best place for viewing the Northern Alps and gave advice on planning our route better. We were blessed with the best weather, and I learned many new things thanks to this tour, including the significance of the local gods Dosojin -- very apt for a drive around the area! Apart from taking me to places where i've always wanted to go, she also took me to have soft serve at a local farm, which was the best activity to do after a hot day. Although it was a short half day trip, I felt like I made a friend in Yoshiko san and her equally kind & attentive husband who kindly drove us around on that day. As a solo female traveler, traveling with a reliable guide like Yoshiko made me feel safe and taken care of. I look forward to meeting the both of them again during my next trips to Nagano, and would happily introduce them to my friends visiting the area!
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Yoshiko O.
Dear Sue, Thank you so much for going with me in Azumino and for your kind comments. I am very glad that, with such fine weather, we were able to enjoy the panoramic views of the Northern Japan Alps, and that both Chihiro Museum Azumino and the spacious Chihiro Park fascinated you. As it was a hot day, we enjoyed delicious ice cream together at the crowded Northern Alps Dairy Farm Shop at the end of the trip. Seeing you appreciate the nature and culture of Azumino made me happy as well, and I am grateful to have been part of your journey. Thank you again for your warm encouragement. I hope the nature and peaceful atmosphere of Azumino refreshed you, and I wish you all the very best for the future. I look forward to welcoming you again in Nagano. Warm regards, Yoshiko
$219/ per group
More tours by Yoshiko O.
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Azumino (Nagano) Day Trip: Daio Wasabi, Wild Silk, Winery with Japan Alps - from Matsumoto or Hakuba
In the peaceful landscapes of Azumino, with sweeping views of the Japan Alps, you will explore the unique culture of Tensan silk, made from wild silkworms, and visit Japan’s largest wasabi farm. You will also enjoy the seasonal flowers of a lovely national park and gain an understanding of Azumino’s history and traditions. Finally, you will relax at a scenic local winery.
Azumino (Nagano) Day Trip: Daio Wasabi, Wild Silk, Winery with Japan Alps - from Matsumoto or Hakuba
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Matsumoto Castle & Azumino (Daio Wasabi, Chihiro Art Museum) with Northern Alps - from Matsumoto
The tour begins at Matsumoto Castle, one of Japan’s most iconic original castles. From there, you continue to Daio Wasabi Farm, known for its pure spring‑water fields and picturesque waterwheels. Next, you head to the hilltop of Ikeda-machi Craft Park, with views of the Northern Japan Alps. The final stop is Chihiro Art Museum Azumino, dedicated to illustrator Iwasaki Chihiro, set within a spacious park and featuring her watercolor works alongside an international collection of picture‑book art.
Matsumoto Castle & Azumino (Daio Wasabi, Chihiro Art Museum) with Northern Alps - from Matsumoto
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Half-Day Azumino (Nagano)-Daio Wasabi Farm, Tokoji Temple, Hotaka Shrine, Dosojin from Matsumoto
We will travel through the peaceful countryside with beautiful views of the Northern Japan Alps to Daio Wasabi Farm, Japan’s largest and picturesque wasabi farm. Next, we will visit Tokoji, a traditional Buddhist temple. Here you will find giant orange geta sandals—feel free to try them on for good luck. On the way, you will notice several Dōsojin, the communities' guardian deities. Our final stop is Hotaka Shrine, set in a solemn forest atmosphere and dedicated to the deity of safe journeys.
Half-Day Azumino (Nagano)-Daio Wasabi Farm, Tokoji Temple, Hotaka Shrine, Dosojin from Matsumoto
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