"Wasabi", Japanese horseradish, is one of Japan's original spices.
The most famous way of eating "Wasabi" is as a spice for Sushi.

Nagano Prefecture produces approximately 40 percent of horseradish produced in Japan. "Daio Wasabi" Farm is located in the "Azumino" area, at the base of the Northern Japan-Alps mountain range in Nagano Prefecture. It has 15 hectares of land space and produces 150 tons of Japanese horseradish a year. This is approximately six percent of total Japanese horseradish production in Japan. Therefore, "Daio Wasabi" Farm is said to be one of the largest Japanese horseradish farms in Japan.

"Daio Wasabi" Farm is open to the public. One million 200 people visit "Daio Wasabi" Farm, annually. You will also be able to see Japanese horseradish fields on the farm.

Very clear and fresh water is required for Japanese horseradish production. The temperature of water should be maintained between 10 and 15 degree C.

A large amount of infiltration water from the Northern Japan-Alps mountain range is available in the Azumino area. "Tade" River flows on the west side of the "Daio Wasabi" Farm from the Northern Japan-Alps mountain range. The water of the river is very clean and the temperature of the water is kept almost constant, approximately 14 degree C in summer and 13 degree C in winter. The water of the river is very suitable for Japanese horseradish production.

The Azumino area is well-known for stone statues of guardian deities. Statues of guardian deities are placed to make a wish for prosperity of descendants. They are also often located at a border with a neighboring village to make a wish to protect the village.

You will find such stone statues of guardian deities on "Daio Wasabi" Farm. Stone statues of couples are for prosperity of descendants.

Along "Tade River", three old water wheels are located.

The scenery of these three water wheels on the river is very nice.
This location was used for the KUROSAWA's film, titled "Dreams", in 1989.

How to get there
"Daio Wasabi" Farm is located approximately two kilo-meters to the east of Hotaka Station. Rent-a-bicycle service is available in front of Hotaka Station.
From Matsumoto Station to Hotaka Station, local trains run once every hour. It takes approximately 25 minutes. A Limited Express "Azusa" runs directly from Tokyo area to Hotaka Station. The "Azusa" departs at Shinjyuku Station at 7:30 am.

Other Historical Sites near by:
Ruins of Matsumoto Castle
Castle Town Matsumoto
Azumino Area