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Half-Day Azumino (Nagano)-Daio Wasabi Farm, Tokoji Temple, Hotaka Shrine, Dosojin from Matsumoto
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Joined 2026
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.
Itinerary
This itinerary can be customized to meet your needs and preferences. Send me a message with your requests!
Meeting Point
Matsumoto Station (or some other convenient place agreed on)
- In front of the statue of Godzilla, standing on the left side coming from the gate (Kaisatsu) of Matsumoto Station (or some other convenient for you to meet and agreed on in advance)
Daio Wasabi Farm
Japan's largest and most scenic Wasabi farm
- Walk through vast wasabi fields nourished by crystal-clear spring water
- Enjoy iconic waterwheels and photo spots with the Japan Alps
- Learn how wasabi is grown in Azumino's natural environment
Tokoji Temple
A quiet Zen Buddhist temple
- Traditional architecture and a calm, spiritual atmosphere
- Japanese garden circling the courtyard
- Giant orange geta sandals — traditional wooden sandals often worn with kimono — which you can try on for good luck
Dōsojin (Roadside Guardian Deities)
On the way, you will see several statues of Dōsojin — stone guardian deities believed to protect travelers and local communities. Azumino is known as the home of many Dōsojin, so you’ll find them throughout the area. We can take a quick photo stop if you like.
Hotaka Shrine
A spiritual site with a deep historical background in Azumino
- The main deity, Hotakami‑no‑Mikoto, enshrined here and closely connected to the origins of the Azumino people
- Also find a unique monument dedicated to Dōsojin, the deity symbolizing everlasting health and happiness—why not make a wish while you’re here.
[If time allows] North Alps Dairy Farm Shop
If time allows, we may stop by the North Alps Dairy Farm Shop for some refreshments on the way.
Ending Point
At Matsumoto Station
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
- Pick up (within Matsumoto or Azumino)
- Gasoline, toll/parking fees for transportation by Nissan Roox Hybrid
- Lunch and refreshments
(You may purchase your lunch and enjoy it in the car during travel. If you prefer, the plan can be customized to include lunch at a restaurant.)
- Your personal expenses
Tour Important Information
- This tour involves walking, so please make sure to wear comfortable shoes.
- If you meet me in Azumino (instead of Matsumoto), 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
$109/ per group
More tours by Yoshiko O.
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Azumino (Nagano), Japan Alps Views, Winery, Wasabi, Shrine - Day Trip from Matsumoto or Hakuba
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.
Azumino (Nagano), Japan Alps Views, Winery, Wasabi, Shrine - Day Trip from Matsumoto or Hakuba
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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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Azumino Winery, Sake Brewery (Daisekkei), Daio Wasabi Farm from Hakuba or Matsumoto (Nagano)
We will visit the scenic Azumino Winery and the long‑established Daisekkei Sake Brewery, as well as the famous Daio Wasabi Farm. Along the way, you can enjoy the peaceful rural landscape of Azumino.
Azumino Winery, Sake Brewery (Daisekkei), Daio Wasabi Farm from Hakuba or Matsumoto (Nagano)
Other Popular Art, Culture, & Historical Tours in Nagano
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
Azumino Winery, Sake Brewery (Daisekkei), Daio Wasabi Farm from Hakuba or Matsumoto (Nagano)
We will visit the scenic Azumino Winery and the long‑established Daisekkei Sake Brewery, as well as the famous Daio Wasabi Farm. Along the way, you can enjoy the peaceful rural landscape of Azumino.
Azumino Winery, Sake Brewery (Daisekkei), Daio Wasabi Farm from Hakuba or Matsumoto (Nagano)