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Matsumoto Castle & Azumino (Daio Wasabi, Chihiro Art Museum) with Northern Alps - from Matsumoto
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Joined 2026
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.
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, or at a station or another convenient meeting point
- If you are staying at a hotel in Matsumoto, I will pick you up there. If not, I will meet you at a station or another meeting point we decide on in advance.
Matsumoto Castle
This is one of Japan's most iconic and best-preserved original castles. It was built over 400 years ago and is designated as a National Treasure of Japan. You can experience its history and architecture, shaped by the shift from wartime to peaceful eras.
Daio Wasabi Farm
This is one of Japan’s largest wasabi farms, known for its pure spring water and extensive cultivation area. 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, including the iconic waterwheels—originally constructed for Akira Kurosawa’s film "A Village with a Watermill"—and a small shrine dedicated to the 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.
Ikeda-machi Craft Park
This hilltop park offers sweeping views of the Northern Japan Alps and the rural landscapes of Azumino. It’s a wonderful place to relax and refresh yourself in the natural beauty and peaceful atmosphere.
Chihiro Art Museum Azumino
This is a unique museum dedicated to illustrator Chihiro Iwasaki, renowned for her gentle and expressive watercolor paintings. In addition to a large number of her original works, the museum exhibits an extensive international collection of picture-book collections. Located within a spacious park, the museum also allows you to enjoy the natural scenery that inspired Chihiro's artwork.
At 4:00, you will leave the museum to return to Matsumoto.
Ending Point
At your hotel in Matsumoto 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 in
- Transportation by Nissan Roox Hybrid
- Toll fees
- Gasoline
- Lunch (approx. JPY 2,000 - JPY 3,000/person) and refreshments
- Admission fee for Matsumoto Castle, JPY 1,300 /person + guide
- Admission fee for Chihiro Art Museum, JPY 1,200 /person + guide
Tour Important Information
- This tour involves walking, so please make sure to wear comfortable shoes.
- 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.
- 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.
Chihiro Art Museum Azumino is generally closed on the 2nd and 4th Wednesdays of the month. I can propose some other place to visit alternatively, according to your interest.
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.
$390/ per group
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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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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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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