Daio Wasabi Farm

What to know

Daio Wasabi Farm (大王わさび農場, Daiō Wasabi Nōjō) is located in rural Azumino City near Matsumoto. It is one of Japan's largest wasabi farms and a popular tourist attraction. The farm features several large fields with a carefully maintained network of small streams that supply each wasabi plant with clear, flowing water from the Northern Alps. Such pristine conditions are essential for wasabi cultivation. From May to October, black tarp sheets protect the fields from the sun.

The farm has been thoughtfully developed for visitors, with walking trails winding between the fields. Within the farm stands Daio Shrine, dedicated to the spirit of an ancient local hero, Hachimen Daio, after whom the farm is named and who is considered its protector. Near the shrine is a small cave associated with the hero's legend.

Walking trails also offer an idyllic view of old-fashioned wooden water wheels along the river. These water wheels were built for the filming of Akira Kurosawa's "Dreams" in 1989 and have remained ever since. From late April to late October, visitors can enjoy the scenery on short inflatable boat tours (about 20 minutes, 1,400 yen).

The farm also has several shops and a restaurant selling a wide variety of wasabi-related products, including fresh wasabi, wasabi paste, wasabi-flavored pickles and crackers, wasabi soba noodles, wasabi curry, wasabi sausages, wasabi dressing, wasabi beer, wasabi juice, wasabi soft cream, and wasabi chocolate.

Take the JR Oito Line from Matsumoto to Hotaka Station (30 minutes, 350 yen one way, 1–2 trains per hour). From there, the wasabi farm is a ten-minute taxi ride (about 2,000 yen one way). On selected days from late April to early November, the Azumino Loop Bus for tourists connects Hotaka Station with the farm (10 minutes, 600 yen per ride or 1,000 yen for a 1-day pass). Outside winter, rental bicycles are another option.