Daio Wasabi Farm Walking Tour & Lunch: Japan's Largest Farm

Daio Farm Wasabi Tour: Growing Wasabi in Flowing Streams with Pure Water Year-Round

A walking tour of Daio Wasabi Farm in rural Azumino, near Matsumoto, with an English-speaking guide and a traditional lunch featuring wasabi and local Shinshu specialties. The farm, established in 1915, sits at the base of the Japanese Alps in Nagano Prefecture, the country's largest wasabi-producing region. The tour lasts around two hours and includes farm entry. The 30-minute round trip from Matsumoto is subject to traffic.

Step-by-step itinerary

Visit Wasabi Farm and Enjoy Lunch

• Travel to Daio Wasabi Farm
• Walk around Wasabi farm fields
• Learn about wasabi history and cultivation
• Enjoy traditional Shinshu lunch with wasabi

The experience

Wasabi grows in water, not earth. Daio Wasabi Farm, Japan's largest, channels pure mountain streams through meticulously laid plots where thousands of plants sit rooted in gravel and constant flow. The farm opened in 1915 and has become a working landmark: photogenic enough to draw visitors but still a functioning operation. You walk the grounds with an English-speaking guide who explains how the plant grows, why the water matters, and why wasabi became essential to Japanese cuisine far beyond its reputation as a sushi condiment. This is a walking tour. There's no behind-the-scenes access to restricted areas.

Lunch arrives after the walk: a traditional set built around wasabi itself, paired with Shinshu soba, Shinshu miso, and other local foods from Nagano Prefecture (Shinshu is the old regional name). The farm sits in rice-field country at the base of the Japanese Alps, and the meal reflects that landscape. Vegetarian and vegan guests are accommodated, as are families with young children. During peak season, the restaurant fills quickly. The operator notes that wait times can happen, so arrival timing matters.

The farm also sells wasabi-flavored products (ice cream, beer, sausages, burgers) available for purchase on-site. Getting there takes about 30 minutes by road from Matsumoto, and public transportation options exist nearby if you're not driving. The whole experience sits comfortably within a morning or early afternoon.

What’s included

• English-speaking guide throughout the tour.
• entry to Daio Wasabi Farm.
• traditional lunch set with wasabi, Shinshu soba, Shinshu miso and other local foods.

Before you book

Days and timesMonday to FridayDeparts at 10:30

Book up to4h before

AgesAdult (18 and older) · Child (6 to 17 years) · Infant (under 6): free

GroupUp to 12

Live guideEnglish

Meeting point and pickupNo hotel pickup: you go to the meeting point. Ends back at the starting point.

Cancellation and refundsFree cancellation up to 24 h before the start. After that, no refund.It may be canceled due to bad weather. If that happens, you're offered another date or a refund.

Prices and times updated 7 days ago

Good to know

Low physical effortPublic transport nearby

Operated by Welcome Matsumoto

Is this one for you?The guide speaks English, so you follow the commentary without translation. Vegetarian, vegan and family groups can all be accommodated at lunch, making this tour accessible whether you eat meat or travel with young children.

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Top questions

Can children come?

Yes. Ticket types: Child (6 to 17 years); Infant (under 6): free.

What happens if it rains?

It may be canceled due to bad weather. If that happens, you're offered another date or a refund. Free cancellation up to 24 h before the start.

How long does the walking tour actually take?

The tour runs around two hours total, including the walk through the farm and lunch. The 30-minute drive each way from Matsumoto is separate from that time.

What exactly is wasabi, and why does it need so much water?

Wasabi is a plant that grows in flowing water, not soil, and Daio Farm's stream network keeps each plant fed with pure, clean water constantly. The guide explains the plant's history and why water quality is essential to its flavor and growth.

Is the lunch included, or do I pay separately?

Lunch is included in the tour price. It's a traditional set designed to highlight wasabi's flavor, served with Shinshu soba, Shinshu miso, and other local specialties from Nagano Prefecture.

Can I buy wasabi products to take home?

Yes. The farm sells wasabi-flavored items like ice cream, beer, sausages, and burgers, though these are optional purchases beyond the tour price.

Do I need to be fit or experienced to walk the farm?

The tour is suitable for all physical fitness levels. It's a walking tour on the farm grounds, not a hike, and the pace is set by the guide.