In this quiet corner of Nagano Prefecture, time moves a little slower. The air is fresh, the mountains are close, and the charm is everywhere. Often dubbed “Wasabi Town” for its pristine water and abundant wasabi farms, Azumino invites you to experience Japan at its most peaceful and explore a wider variety of unique things to do in Nagano.
Azumino also seamlessly connects to iconic destinations like Kamikochi, Matsumoto, and the Tateyama Kurobe Route, making it an ideal hub for outdoor adventurists.
From Wasabi to Art
Nature runs deep in the rhythms of daily life in Azumino, and nowhere is that more evident than at the Daio Wasabi Farm. As one of Japan’s largest and most scenic wasabi farms, it offers not just breathtaking views, but also a window into the region’s agricultural soul. Azumino is proudly known as “Wasabi Town,” and with good reason. Daio Wasabi Farm produces more wasabi than anywhere else in Japan. This abundance is thanks to its unique natural conditions, which provide approximately 700,000 tons of crystal-clear spring water daily and a consistent year-round temperature of about 13°C, creating the perfect environment for cultivating this delicate, flavorful plant.
If you’re traveling in spring or autumn, don’t miss the Alps Azumino National Government Park, where you’ll find stunning seasonal flower displays, gentle hiking trails, and family-friendly picnic spots. With an affordable entrance fee of just ¥450, it’s an ideal day trip for those looking to enjoy Azumino’s crisp mountain air.
Cultural stops are just as rewarding. Hotaka Shrine is a serene, beautifully preserved Shinto site surrounded by towering trees. It’s free to visit and offers a quiet, reflective contrast to the area’s more natural attractions. Art lovers, meanwhile, should plan a visit to the Rokuzan Art Museum, a peaceful brick museum dedicated to sculptor Moriye Ogihara (Rokuzan). Admission is ¥900, and worth every yen if you appreciate early 20th-century Japanese art in a rustic alpine setting.
Roughly a 30–40 minutes drive from Azumino, Matsumoto Castle is also a must-see historical and cultural landmark and one of Japan’s designated National Treasures. Also known as the “Crow Castle” due to its distinctive black exterior, it dates back to the late 16th century and is the oldest remaining castle in Japan with its original wooden main keep still intact. Unlike other reconstructed castles made of concrete, Matsumoto Castle offers an authentic glimpse into feudal-era architecture.Visitors can climb steep wooden staircases inside the six-level donjon, explore exhibits of samurai armor and weapons, and enjoy panoramic views from the top floor.
While visiting Matsumoto Castle, be sure to also explore Nakamachi Street and Nawate Street, both located just a short walk from the castle grounds and celebrated for their historical ambiance and unique local offerings. Nakamachi Street features beautifully preserved traditional storehouses known as kura, characterized by their white plaster walls and black-tiled roofs. The street is lined with craft shops, galleries, and cozy cafés, making it a perfect place to unwind and pick up local souvenirs or handmade goods. Just across the river, Nawate Street offers a different but equally charming experience. This pedestrian street is styled after an Edo-period (1603–1968) castle town and is beloved as the approach to Yohashira Shrine. It’s particularly popular for its frog-themed souvenirs, quirky shops, candy stores, and snack vendors offering treats like taiyaki (fish-shaped cake) and senbei (rice crackers).
After soaking in Azumino’s rich history and mountain views, you’ll find just as much satisfaction in its local flavors. The region is a treasure trove for food lovers, offering a delicious taste of Nagano’s culture through its specialty dishes and regional products. Handmade Shinshu soba noodles are a must-try, with many local restaurants serving up fresh, flavorful bowls crafted from buckwheat grown in the area. For something hearty and comforting, try oyaki dumplings, stuffed with seasonal vegetables like pumpkin, nozawana greens, or bamboo shoots, and wrapped in chewy, fragrant dough. Those interested in local beverages will enjoy a visit to Azumino Brewery or the Northern Alps Brewery, where craft beer is made with fresh mountain water, while wine enthusiasts can stop by Azumino Winery for tastings and regional goods. For a more traditional taste, the historic Daisekkei Sake Brewery offers sake made with pristine alpine spring water.
Where to Stay
To truly enjoy Azumino, you’ll want a place that reflects the region’s tranquil spirit. AMBIENT Azumino Hotel checks every box. Perched on a forested hillside at 1,000 meters above sea level, the hotel provides sweeping views of the Northern Alps and surrounding highlands, a postcard-perfect setting in every season.
What makes this accommodation stand out is not just its location, but its flexibility. Within the same premises, the hotel offers stays and facilities to suit different kinds of travelers.
Dining, Your Way
From relaxed barbecues at your cottage to a hearty buffet on the first floor, AMBIENT Azumino Hotel offers a variety of dining experiences tailored to your taste and occasion. Many dishes are crafted with fresh, local ingredients, allowing you to savor the seasonal flavors of the region.
The hotel’s all-you-can-eat and drink buffet is a highlight, offering around 60 dishes that range from Japanese and Western favorites to Chinese classics, with plenty of Shinshu regional specialties in the mix.
The real focus, though, is on fresh, seasonal ingredients that bring out the comfort of home-cooked flavors. Think char-grilled river fish done irori-style, handmade Shinshu soba, fresh sushi, and even juicy churrasco meats. It’s a satisfying, no-fuss way to end your day—warm, filling, and full of local character.
Accommodations for All
AMBIENT Azumino Hotel has a wide variety of accommodation options to suit every traveler’s needs, including the main hotel building, private cottages, and dog-friendly cottages. It’s an ideal choice for anyone looking for a dog-friendly hotel in Nagano.
Rooms are thoughtfully designed to blend with the surrounding seasonal landscapes. Guests can choose from an array of room types to match their travel style: maisonette suites, twin rooms with living areas, standard twin rooms, modern Japanese-Western rooms, and traditional Japanese-Western rooms, all with spacious living areas. Every room includes a kitchen space, a full-size refrigerator, and access to rental cooking tools, perfect for longer stays or for guests who enjoy preparing their own meals while traveling.
For guests traveling with pets, dog-friendly cottages offer a comfortable and welcoming stay, complete with dedicated amenities. The hotel also has a dog-friendly resort that features thoughtful touches like a spacious dog park, ensuring both you and your four-legged companion can fully enjoy the beauty of Azumino.
Indoor and Open-Air Onsen
After a day of hiking, exploring, or simply doing nothing at all, you can unwind in either the indoor or open-air onsen (hot spring). The hot spring water is sourced directly from the Nakabusa Gorge, known for its natural purity and beneficial minerals. This mild, simple hot spring is believed to help relieve fatigue, improve circulation, and ease cold sensitivity, making it especially comforting after a day outdoors. It’s also praised for its beautifying effects, leaving skin feeling soft and refreshed.
Around-the-Clock Convenience
For added convenience, the hotel also features a 24-hour on-site shop, perfect for picking up both essentials and mementos of your stay. Guests will find a wide selection of items, including local Azumino souvenirs, Shinshu regional specialties, daily necessities, and even ready-to-eat food, ideal for longer stays or late-night snacks.
How to Get There
Getting to Azumino is both simple and scenic via train. From Tokyo, take the JR Hokuriku Shinkansen or Chuo Main Line to Matsumoto Station, the gateway to the Northern Alps. From there, transfer to the JR Oito Line for a pleasant 30-minute ride to Hotaka Station, located in the heart of Azumino.
Renting a car, of course, is the most convenient option if you want to do some sightseeing once you arrive in the area. To reach AMBIENT Azumino Hotel, it’s about a 25-minute drive from Hotaka Station, and all the surrounding tourist spots are a few minutes away, except Matsumoto Castle, which will take you half an hour. However, there are alternative transportation options available. You can take a taxi or reserve a seat on the hotel’s shuttle service, just be sure to check the schedule and make a reservation in advance. Sightseeing taxis like the Kanko Rakuraku Taxi offer a flat-rate service that’s more affordable than regular or chartered taxis. Local buses are also available, with fares set at ¥200 for adults (junior high school students and above) and ¥100 for children (elementary school students).
If you’re heading to Matsumoto City for the day to explore more things to do in Nagano, there are convenient sightseeing bus passes to consider. The Town Sneaker PLUS pass offers unlimited rides for 24 hours and includes admission to Matsumoto Castle and the Former Kaichi School, with prices set at ¥2,320 for adults, ¥1,330 for junior high students, and ¥980 for elementary students. After purchase, just display your pass using the “My Ticket” screen. For a simpler option, the Town Sneaker 1-Day Pass provides unlimited rides for one day along with discounts to select attractions, priced at ¥500 for adults and ¥250 for children. More details can be found on this website.
