Daio WASABI FARM in Japan 🌱 | Exploring RURAL JAPAN by Bike on a Day Trip from Matsumoto

Today we’re visiting the largest wasabi farm in the world: the Daio Wasabi Farm located in Azumino just half an hour north of Matsumoto. This was such a fun and easy day trip, plus we got to enjoy a taste of rural Japan. So join us as we spend the day cycling to the wasabi fields, learning to grate wasabi root, and trying wasabi ice cream. All in a magical landscape at the foot of the Japanese Alps!
🚆 Getting to Daio Wasabi Farm from Matsumoto 🚆
Take the JR Oita Line from Matsumoto Station to Hotaka Station. It's a 30-minute train journey and costs ¥330.
🚴‍♂️ Biking to Daio Wasabi Farm 🚴‍♂️
Once you arrive at Hotaka Station, you'll find 3 different bike rental shops right outside the station. Hire a bike for a few hours or for the day and cycle to Daio Wasabi Farm. It's a 3-kilometre journey first through the town and then down farm fields. You can pick up a map at Matsumoto Station in the Visitor Centre.
🌱 Things to do at Daio Wasabi Farm 🌱
- Visit the on-site restaurant and grate fresh wasabi on your dish.
- Walk the paths that run through the wasabi fields.
- Visit the Hachiman Daio shrine and cave.
- Visit the watermills.
- Try wasabi ice cream.
#ruraljapan #wasabifarm #matsumoto
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Daio WASABI FARM in Japan 🌱 | Exploring RURAL JAPAN by Bike on a Day Trip from Matsumoto
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Daio Wasabi Farm, nestled in the serene city of Azumino, just a half-hour journey north of Matsumoto, is one of Japan's largest and most enchanting wasabi farms. This farm is unique not only for its scale but also for the picturesque beauty and the traditional methods used in wasabi cultivation. Here are some aspects that make Daio Wasabi Farm a fascinating destination:
Unique Features
Natural Beauty: The farm is set against the backdrop of the Northern Alps, offering breathtaking views. The crystal-clear waters of the Azumino artesian wells irrigate the farm, creating a serene landscape that is as beautiful as it is functional for wasabi cultivation.
Water Mills: Scattered across the farm are traditional water mills, which add to the picturesque ambiance of the area. These mills, some of which have been featured in films like Akira Kurosawa's "Dreams," are a nod to Japan's rich agricultural heritage.
Eco-Friendly Cultivation: The farm utilizes the natural flow of spring water from the mountains to grow wasabi in a sustainable and eco-friendly manner. This traditional method of cultivation ensures the production of high-quality wasabi, known for its intense flavor and freshness.
Interesting Aspects
Wasabi Products: Daio Wasabi Farm offers visitors the chance to try various wasabi-infused products that are rare to find elsewhere. From wasabi ice cream and wasabi beer to wasabi chocolates, the farm turns this pungent root into surprisingly delightful treats.
Educational Tours: Visitors can learn about the meticulous process of wasabi cultivation through guided tours. These educational insights into the farming techniques, the challenges of growing wasabi, and the farm's history make for an enriching experience.
Famous Attractions
Wasabi Fields: The vast fields of wasabi, submerged under flowing water, are a sight to behold. Visitors can walk along paths and bridges to view the wasabi plants up close, offering a unique agricultural experience.
Cultural Significance: Daio Wasabi Farm is not just a place of agricultural importance; it's a cultural landmark that showcases traditional Japanese farming practices. Its scenic beauty and tranquil ambiance have made it a popular location for filmmakers and photographers.
Culinary Experience: The farm's restaurant provides an opportunity to taste dishes that highlight wasabi's versatility as an ingredient. Traditional Japanese meals featuring freshly grated wasabi allow visitors to experience the authentic flavor that is much milder and more nuanced than the wasabi paste often found in sushi restaurants abroad.
Daio Wasabi Farm stands out as a testament to Japan's dedication to tradition, sustainability, and innovation in agriculture. Its stunning natural beauty, coupled with the unique culinary and educational experiences it offers, makes it an essential visit for anyone traveling to the Matsumoto area.
Music We Use: bit.ly/SamAudreyMusic

[@kurofune.uragabay]

Kurosawa, of course... I knew that water-wheel looked familiar. Thanks Audrey and Samuel 🙏

[@benja1877]

Japan in the countryside is quite magnificient and restful i think with all its greenery ⛩

[@samuelandaudrey]

Yes! It was so relaxing cycling through the rice fields and seeing mountains in the horizon. We really enjoyed the rural destinations.

[@mohammadalfakki159]

Thank you so much for everything to do the nice trip ❤️😊✨🤲🏼

[@Posey12345]

Sam and Audrey love your videos showing us Japan country side ...greetings from Montreal........Effie

[@samuelandaudrey]

Thank you, Effie! We're glad you're enjoying our videos across rural Japan. More to come as we head into the Japanese Alps. Wishing you a great weekend! 😊

[@Posey12345]

@@samuelandaudrey Thank you ,,we are really cold here so staying home for weekend

[@IceCream-hp7mm]

I love this, I'm sure it would offer a much needed break from the city.

[@samuelandaudrey]

Glad you enjoyed the video! We loved cycling through the countryside - it was a nice change from our time in the cities.

[@natyg.c9910]

Es un lujo un placer ver estos videos tan hermoso 😊❤un viaje para la memoria 😊

[@sabrinastraveladventures4263]

Another Lovely rural escape in the Japanese country side at the bottom of these beautiful mountains! Thank you 🙏🏼 so very much From a 💚Wasabi lover 😊💚 Sabrina🇫🇷🇬🇧

[@samuelandaudrey]

Thank you, Sabrina! Our adventures in rural Japan were our favourite. Glad you're enjoying them too! 😊🌿🌾 Wishing you a great weekend.

[@user-gp5mk7ck5e]

Got a postcard from Japan three days ago, it features a Kyoto temple dedicated to Inari, the deity of rice and agriculture (foxes are associated with the deity and are believed to be its messengers (this reminded me of those Argentinian foxes of yours :)) and now I am about to start watching a new video S & A have made for us. One couldn't ask for more on a lazy and dreary Saturday afternoon.

[@samuelandaudrey]

Ahhh, the Fushimi Inari Shrine! I remember that one from our first visit to Japan and there were so many fox statues. ⛩️🦊

[@michaelsylvester7272]

Hello- Thanks for sharing all the great parts of Japan.

[@samuelandaudrey]

Thank you! Glad you enjoyed our wasabi farm adventure.

[@spankohyayo]

真冬の今、真夏の松本のワサビ田の景色を見れて少し暖かく感じました。ワサビ飯とワサビをたっぷり入れた蕎麦を僕も食べたくなりました！ありがとう。

[@richardnelson3798]

Great video with interesting music! BTW, one of my favorite movies is Wasabi with Jean Reno..

[@user-um8wq4ss7h]

本物の山葵と風景、最高でしたね‼️

[@clam371384]

Super envious of all your Japanese trips so far. I was once asked what is the one type of food would I choose to eat for the rest of my life and i said “Japanese”

[@samuelandaudrey]

I totally get it! There's so much variety - I'm just thinking of all the different types of ramen and broth you could order. Yum! 😋🍜

[@mariojsworld]

Great countryside trip and wasabi farm.

[@samuelandaudrey]

It was a super fun day trip! Glad you enjoyed the video. 😊

[@cathrf88]

This is something i’d love to do! Thanks for sharing❤

[@samuelandaudrey]

Thanks for watching! Glad you enjoyed the video.

[@gladysherrerajoya873]

Sencillamente espectacular, gracias. Saludos desde Bucaramanga Colombia.

[@samuelandaudrey]

Gracias Gladys. Nos alegra que hayas disfrutado el video! 😊

[@harvestmoon_autumnsky]

I know you enjoy food, but clearly not foodies, per se. Real wasabi root is crazy expensive. Loved this video.

[@samuelandaudrey]

I doubt the biggest wasabi farm in the world would be serving something other than wasabi at their on-site restaurant. However, I know that in North America, what's often presented as wasabi is really a horseradish mixture.

[@Nature_with_Peter_Kane]

Great informative video! This Japan series has been a pleasure to watch! Cheers from Toronto..you know where that is! LOL

[@Kktc4you]

Exercise and adventure 😊

[@samuelandaudrey]

Yes! Thankfully the terrain was quite flat so it was an easy ride. 😅

[@carlosaretio7410]

Que bella es Audrey !!!

[@darkphoenixb4u81]

.....😂

[@amparofernandez2273]

Estupendo video, muy curioso. Estupendo.

[@jc2333]

The spicywasbi ice cream looks good

[@samuelandaudrey]

It sure was interesting! We enjoy trying Japan's unusual soft-serve ice cream flavours. 🍦

[@costasworldofmusicmemories5792]

We never got to Daio Wasabi Farm. Never tasted Wasabi Ice Cream. It looked like a fascinating farm to visit. If you were to describe the taste of Wasabi Ice Cream what would you compare it to ? And would you have it again ? When we go back to Japan it will be on our bucket list to visit. Hope you had a wonderful time in Nagano . Sending you much love from Richmond, Va. ❤❤ Harriet, Jim and Yuki

[@samuelandaudrey]

The wasabi ice cream was surprising. The flavour was really mild, which is a good thing! Imagine if it were clear your nasal passages potent?! I would put it in the 'would try again' category. One thing we like about Japan is that each prefecture has its own agricultural specialty and you can sample that in different soft-serve ice creams as you travel around. I remember we tried a miso ice cream, that was also really good - a bit salty, but it worked. 😊

[@TravelbyDartTV]

So cool! I visited this, too, when I was there filming one of our TV show episode. Turns out, growing the world's most potent condiment requires nerves of steel (and a serious gas mask). Hoping I would get to experience this type of area of Japan.

[@samuelandaudrey]

Very cool! Glad you got to visit as well. It was a fun spot and we learned so much about wasabi - to be honest, we didn't even know what it looked like before visiting.

[@ettevaatustproductions6164]

Thanks for the Wasabi video. We are such sushi and overall Japanese foodies that you made us hungry. These days we have to take a 2hr train ride to Sofia for sushi of any kind since we now live in a small Bulgarian town in the mountains. Another great video guys!

[@samuelandaudrey]

Glad you enjoyed the video! Have you tried making your own sushi?! It may not taste exactly like that of a restaurant, but maybe it can tide you over in between your big trips to the capital. 😉🍣

[@ettevaatustproductions6164]

A few times when we lived in China, but when you have a trained sushi chef making it for you then it makes all the difference. @@samuelandaudrey

[@gallina--big8060]

ASI QUE SERIA ----LA FARMACIA DE WASAVI

[@ursulaeleizalde712]

a las personas que les gusta el wasabi les debe encantar ir alla! y a ustedes les encanta el picante jajajajaja Saludos

[@HongHong-mu4cn]

Very nice video !! When did you go there, Wasabi farm, in May ? How’s the weather?

[@edgardopescatori]

Hola Audrey y Samuel. Saludos desde Córdoba Edgardo 🍷.

[@JodyY808]

What a nice day trip away from the hustle and bustle of the cities to a rural agricultural area that accommodates tourists, both Japanese and foreign to see another side of Japan. And you did it in your typical well-planned, inexpensive, and healthy way by riding bikes to the farm. To tell the truth, I thought you were going to visit a farm like the one I saw in a Japan by Food video, which is much more expensive but is one of 12 specially selected experiences in the Eat! Meet! Japan project in 2022. Check out the Japan by Food video with Shizuka. The experience in Shizuoka Prefecture includes a one-night stay at a traditional onsen inn with a sumptuous kaiseki meal featuring wasabi. I just read that the wasabi farm tour is not included (not meant for tourists, I guess), but it seems to be in a much more natural setting than the one in Nagano, so even if you don't go, you can learn a little more about wasabi growing from this video. The cost per person is 37,400 yen (U.S. $252), but if you see the accommodations and the meal in the video, I think you will see why. (I just want to point out that a deluxe or premier ticket to a hotel resort lu'au in Hawai'i can cost that much -- without the hotel stay.) Wasabi Feast! Harvesting Fresh Wasabi in Izu, Shizuoka! kzbin.info/www/bejne/mGHCmWSDqdehqZo

[@samuelandaudrey]

Thanks for sharing! I'll have to look that place up. We chose this particular wasabi farm for its ease of getting there. A 30-minute train ride followed by a scenic bike ride was just perfect for us. We also learned that this is apparently the biggest wasabi farm in the world! It was super educational - we didn't even know what the wasabi plant looked like before arriving. 😅

[@sabrinastraveladventures4263]

In my feed this time around 😜🎉👌🏼 Let’s watch ❤ Sabrina 🇫🇷🇬🇧

[@samuelandaudrey]

Yayyy! So glad to hear that. 😊

[@sabrinastraveladventures4263]

@@samuelandaudrey I thought you might 🫶🏼

[@caitlindallapria7822]

Love your videos! 😊 Would you be able to add the currency conversion? Just to give a better idea of prices 😊

[@user-jr8el8ii9p]

good report～😻ﾆｬ~

[@samuelandaudrey]

Thanks for watching! Happy weekend. 😊

[@arminea]

Hi, I plan to go to this wasabi farm in May. Love your video♥ Where did you leave your bikes? I noticed that you didn't take them with you on the farm but left them somewhere. Also, did you need your own bike lock? 🤔

[@samuelandaudrey]

There's bicycle parking once you reach the farm. It's over on the right hand side. The bicycles we rented had a lock on the back wheel, so they were safe - not that anyone would take a bike in Japan!

[@carlostyszko471]

{[rice + pickled wasabi leaves + bonito flakes + green onions + sesame seeds + nori seaweed + in summer with kimchi mayonnaise ]}

[@samuelandaudrey]

Ohhh, I like the sound of kimchi mayonnaise! That would be delicious.

[@meat_loves_wasabi]

Tried grating my own wasabi to add on my sushi ……needed lots of effort to get a decent amount 😅

[@samuelandaudrey]

We were also surprised by how much effort it took just to get a little bit! 😅😅

[@Nature_with_Peter_Kane]

@2:24 I can't figure out if there's a tennis ball in your pants or what that is? lol

[@gallina--big8060]

ACA EN BUENOS AIRES ESTA ----RICARDO WASARDI-----EN RADIO RIVADAVIA ON LINE (((( NADA QUE VER NO¡¡¡¡¡¡¡¡¡¡¡

[@RandyLe-cb2eb]

Can you guys buy skyline r34 🙏 japan ship it home