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Visit Daio Wasabi Farm in Azumino to experience natural beauty, hands-on farming history, and a glimpse into Japan’s wasabi culture.

Rows of wasabi plants growing under a large black shade net at the Daio Wasabi Farm, with green foliage and sunlight filtering through the trees in the background.

What Is Daio Wasabi Farm?

Daio Wasabi Farm is the largest wasabi farm in the world, covering about 40 acres in Azumino City, Nagano Prefecture. Founded in 1915, it produces more than 100 tons of wasabi each year—around 10% of Japan’s total supply.

The farm is open year-round, free to enter, and combines scenic walking paths, historic watermills, and plenty of wasabi-themed food.

Why Azumino Is Ideal for Wasabi

Rows of green plants grow in shallow water beneath large shade cloths at Daio Wasabi Farm, creating a covered agricultural field that emphasizes careful irrigation and sun protection.

Wasabi is one of the hardest crops to cultivate. It requires pristine, cold water, mild weather, and constant shade. At Daio Wasabi Farm, snowmelt from the Japanese Alps flows directly through gravel beds, creating the perfect growing conditions. Rows of plants are covered by black mesh to protect them from strong sun. Even in summer, the water rushing through the channels feels icy cold—proof of its alpine origin.

Instead of being grown in soil, the wasabi here thrives in beds of small stones with flowing water. This method helps the plants develop their distinct sharpness and sweet aftertaste.

Real Wasabi vs. Imitation

Fresh wasabi rhizomes from Daio Wasabi Farm displayed in metal trays with price tags at a market in Japan. Each tray contains several green wasabi roots, some with leafy tops, and handwritten price signs in Japanese yen.

Did you know that most “wasabi” served outside Japan is actually just horseradish mixed with mustard and dyed green?

Real wasabi comes from the plant’s rhizome and takes over a year to grow. The flavor is something special. Freshly grated wasabi has a gentle, fragrant heat with a subtle sweetness, very different from the sharp punch of the imitation paste. It’s a taste you’ll never forget once you try it straight from the farm.

What to See at Daio Wasabi Farm

A small group of people ride a boat down a clear, tree-lined canal at the Daio Wasabi Farm, passing a rustic wooden building with a thatched roof, surrounded by lush greenery on a sunny day.

One of the farm’s most scenic highlights is the cluster of traditional watermills along the river. These charming structures appeared in Akira Kurosawa’s film Dreams (“Village of the Watermills”). Visitors can stroll the riverside paths, enjoy koi-filled ponds, and pause at shaded viewing decks overlooking the wasabi fields.

During warmer months, you can also take a short raft ride along the crystal-clear waterways for an extra fee. It’s a relaxing way to appreciate the setting from the water.

What to Eat: Wasabi Everything

Food is a big part of the visit. Around the farm you’ll find a restaurant, cafes, and stalls offering all kinds of wasabi dishes. We tried the wasabi ice cream, which was creamy with just a gentle tingle of heat. Other specialties include:

  • Wasabi soba noodles
  • Wasabi rice bowls
  • Wasabi croquettes
  • Wasabi pickles and snacks

We also picked up some wasabi-flavored pickles to bring home.

How to Get to Daio Wasabi Farm

By Train

From Tokyo, take the JR Azusa Limited Express to Matsumoto or Hotaka. If you arrive at Hotaka Station, take a 10 minute taxi to the farm. If you arrive at Matsumoto Station, ride the JR Oito Line to Hotaka Station. Trains on this line take about 30 minutes.

By Car

From Matsumoto City, drive about 30 minutes to the farm.

Is Daio Wasabi Farm Worth Visiting?

A boy in a red shirt sits indoors at the Daio Wasabi Farm, holding two soft-serve ice cream cones and looking up at the camera. Empty chairs and a wooden table are nearby.

If you love Japanese food, agriculture, or scenic countryside, this farm is worth a stop. It combines education, fun photo spots, and unique dining in one place.

Families will enjoy the open-air walkways and quirky wasabi snacks, while food enthusiasts will appreciate learning about this rare ingredient. And since admission is free, it’s an easy addition to any Nagano itinerary.

More to Explore Nearby

The Daio Wasabi Farm sits in the tranquil, water-rich Azumino basin of Nagano Prefecture, offering idyllic views set against the majestic Northern Japanese Alps. After enjoying the fresh air and unique wasabi treats at the farm, the surrounding area is a gateway to one of Japan’s most beautiful natural and historical regions.

  • Kamikochi National Park – Just a short distance away, this pristine mountain resort at 1,500 meters is a natural treasure trove. Famous for the clear Azusa River, Kappa-bashi bridge, and easy hiking trails, it offers spectacular alpine views.
  • Matsumoto Castle – Head south to the nearby city of Matsumoto to explore one of Japan’s few remaining original castles. Known as the “Crow Castle” for its stunning black-and-white exterior, it is designated as a National Treasure.
  • Hotaka Shrine – A significant local Shinto shrine near Hotaka Station, dedicated to the tutelary deity of the Azumi region and the Northern Alps. It is known for its peaceful atmosphere and rich history, making it a key spiritual spot in the valley.
  • Azumino Art Line – The Azumino area is celebrated for its high concentration of cultural sites. You can explore a variety of unique venues, such as the Chihiro Art Museum Azumino, dedicated to the artwork of children’s book illustrator Chihiro Iwasaki, or the Rokuzan Art Museum, showcasing the works of modern sculptor Rokuzan Ogiwara.

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