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.
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.
If you like, you can also visit a local confectionery (Kaiundō) to enjoy Japanese tea and a traditional sweet, typically around JPY 1,000 per person.
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?
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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
- Admission fee for Chihiro Art Museum, JPY 1,200 /person
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
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
$222/ 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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