Exclusive Wasabi Harvesting, Soba Lunch and Matsumoto Castle Tour

From there, you will head to a wasabi field in Azumino City. This special wasabi field is normally accessible only to local farmers, but on this tour you will be able to enter the field yourself. Rubber boots will be provided, so please wear comfortable clothing. Please note that there are no restrooms near the wasabi fields, so we recommend using the facilities at the Tourist Information Center before departure. At the end of the experience, you can take home one fresh wasabi root as a souvenir.

After harvesting, you will bring your wasabi to “Soba-dokoro Goho-den.” Here, you will grate the wasabi you picked and enjoy it with handmade soba noodles. The menu is a special set prepared exclusively for this experience, including soba, kakiage tempura, and traditional tools for grating wasabi. You can also compare the freshly grated wasabi with the regular wasabi provided as condiments. Discover the clear difference in flavor and spiciness, and savor the harmony of freshly grated wasabi with authentic Shinshu soba.

The last stop of the Wasabi Tourism experience is Daio Wasabi Farm, the largest wasabi farm in Japan. Here, precious water-grown wasabi is cultivated with the pure spring water of Azumino. While you cannot enter the wasabi fields, you can stroll through the vast grounds, enjoy the sound of the river and the movement of waterwheels, and try unique treats such as wasabi ice cream or shop for wasabi-related souvenirs at this popular sightseeing spot.

Finally, visit Matsumoto Castle, one of Japan’s most beautiful and original castles, designated as a National Treasure. Known as the “Crow Castle” for its striking black exterior, it offers a glimpse into Japan’s feudal past. You can walk through the wooden interior, climb its steep stairs, and enjoy panoramic views of Matsumoto city and the surrounding Japanese Alps.