Indulge in the Surprising Subtlety & Versatility of Real Wasabi

While it might divide opinion, “wasabi” is found in nearly all Japanese kitchens and restaurants and familiar to foodies all over the world. Love it or hate it, wasabi is a key part of Japan’s celebrated cuisine, dating back to at least the 7^th century when records attest to its use. First used for its antibacterial properties, wasabi became popular as a condiment during the Edo Period (1603-1868) and today’s is most renowned as the zesty sidekick to sushi, sashimi and soba.

Did you know that most wasabi sold and consumed around the world is not in fact real? The wasabi plant takes time and specific conditions to grow and production cannot keep up with global demand. As a result, most wasabi is in fact green-dyed horseradish! But here in Matsumoto and nearby Azumino, conditions ideal for growing to wasabi, meaning that it goes without saying it is also the ideal location to taste real wasabi for yourself.

Explore Japan’s Largest Wasabi Farm on a Guided Tour

Nagano Prefecture is the largest producer of wasabi in Japan. Home to many small family-tended plots dotted between the rice fields, rural Azumino – just outside of Matsumoto – also boasts Japan’s largest farm, Daio Wasabi Farm. The extensive farm is a series of connected stream beds, in which the wasabi grows in constantly flowing, mineral-rich water. Water which ascends from the beautiful Alpine Valley of Kamikochi as the azure and pristine Azusa River.

Daio Wasabi Farm is one of our favorite local destinations and it goes without saying that we offer a guided tour there. Established in 1915, Daio Wasabi Farm is highly photogenic and the perfect setting in which to dive into the history and versality of this surprising green plant.

Be Guided by Taste: Shinshu Soba, Miso, Salmon & More!

Our tour includes a traditional lunch designed to highlight the flavor of real wasabi, served with other local food. Under the branding of “Shinshu” – the old name for Nagano Prefecture – you can enjoy our loved Shinshu soba, Shinshu miso and other tasty treats.

Although landlocked, Matsumoto supports a growing industry of fish farms producing delectable Shinshu salmon. Breeding both salmon and trout, there are many farms in this area producing what is increasingly regarded as some of Japan’s best fish. Rich in taste and of exquisite texture, Shinshu salmon is an ideal fish for sushi. Please note, we can of course also cater to vegetarian and vegan guests and families with young children.

Wasabi Ice Cream, Wasabi Beer, and other Wasabi-based products souvenirs

Following on from lunch, your guide is sure to encourage you to explore the versatility of wasabi with the option of purchasing wasabi ice cream, a wasabi sausage or wasabi burger, which of course are best accompanied by a wasabi beer! Daio Wasabi Farm includes a large gift store selling fresh and preserved wasabi and an array of other products and souvenirs. Noting that fresh wasabi must be refrigerated and therefore it might not be possible to carry it back to your home country. There are of course many other wasabi products and items that should be fine to take with you.

Additional Information

Meeting Location: Your tour will begin at the Daio Wasabi Farm. Your guide will meet you at 10:30am.

Group Type: Group Tour (Private Tour Option available)

Allergies: Please let us know if you have any food allergies allergies or other restrictions.

Important information:

• Access to Daio Wasabi Farm is free of charge to the public, Daio Wasabi Farm is however a private property and guided tours are restricted to those led by Matsumoto-Experience and other select companies. Refer to Daio’s official website for more information.
• This is a walking tour and does not include “behind the scenes” access to any area of the farm.
• Vegetarian and vegan options are available, upon request and in advance of the day of the tour. Should you require a vegan / vegetarian meal, please advise us at time of booking.
• Fresh wasabi must be refrigerated and it may not therefore be possible to carry it to your home country. It would need to be refrigerated and may also be restricted by the rules of your home country, which we cannot advise on
• This is a functioning farm and some areas may at times be off-limits due to harvesting, maintenance, etc. Access and viewability of different areas may also be limited due to the season, including black sails / sun protectors that cover the wasabi at different times of the year.
• The farm is located 30-minutes drive from central Matsumoto including Matsumoto Station. Weather, traffic conditions and the route chosen on the day may potentially add 10 to 15 minutes either way to journey.
• The farm can be accessed using private vehicle, public bus, taxi or bicycle. Please feel free to contact us if you have any questions about transport to and from the farm.

The tour itinerary includes the following visits:

• • Daio Wasabi Farm guided walking tour – 60 minutes
  • Wasabi-based lunch - 45 minutes
  • Souvenir shopping Guide and Tips - 15 minutes

  Please note that the above times are estimates and that the tour may end
  earlier or later.

Cancellation Policy: To receive a full refund, cancel up to 24 hours before the experience start date in the local time zone. No refunds will be given after that time period.

Terms & Conditions: Please see our Terms & Conditions