Azumino is a territory created by a geological phenomenon composed with alluvial fan deposits bring by the gushing waters from the Japanese northern alps. The highlight of Azumino area is mount Jonen and its wonderful slopes mountains, with a wide countryside scenery around crossed by rivers and where are growing plenty of wasabi fields. At the foot of the mountain, the territory is covered with large forests where you will enjoy great natural scenery by bicycle.

- Small cycle tour in the country region of Azumino

You could start by the wonderful panoramic view of the northern alps, its houses scattered in the wide natural landscape. Azumino make us admirer a true japanese countryside scenery, as we can imagine.
 

Moreover, we can visit a very famous site, the Hodaka sanctuary, guardian of the northern alps. This temple is highly adored and regarded as a very sacred place, protected by a high rank god and many other divinities.

  

- Daio wasabi farm

Until recently, many visitors love to come to this farm located in the town of Azumino, north Nagano. 10% of the entire production of japanese wasabi is grown here, and the farm has one star at the Michelin guide. This large farm covers 1 kilometers from the south to the north and an area of 15 hectares. Wasabi is a delicate plant that easily contracts diseases, and it requires a lot of water. In this farm, water comes from northern alps snow melting and it is very qualitative, maintaining steady temperature allowing wasabi to grow optimally while preserving a pleasant flavour. The water of this region is registered among the 100 best waters of entire Japan. The farm has been built in a smart way in order to enjoy the view and there are many little paths to stroll equally to a park where we could admire small streams flowing between.

The farm is well-known thanks to the Akira Kurosawa movie named “Yume” (dream in japanese). The movie was made with assistance from Steven Spielberg and Georges Lucas and also starring Martin Scorsese. The final scene shows a village full of watermills, a picturesque landscape that Kurosawa filmed in this farm. He had no doubt regarding this place to make his movie so you wouldn't miss the recommendation from a great  movie director to visit this magical farm.

  

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-The largest wasabi field in Japon : Daio Wasabi