Amazing Azumino: A Day of Scenic Discovery (Winter/All-Season)

This one-day private taxi tour invites you to explore Azumino—where the pristine snowmelt of the Northern Alps brings life to its landscapes, traditions, and seasonal beauty.

From start to finish, it’s a photo adventure filled with moments that will make you reach for your camera. Each scene reveals a fresh view of Japan’s nostalgic countryside, reimagined through winter’s crisp light and quiet charm. If you’re looking for Instagram-worthy moments wrapped in authenticity, this is your tour.

Tour Highlights
・Daio Wasabi Farm
Japan’s largest wasabi farm, nourished by crystal-clear spring water. See rows of real, living wasabi in flowing streams—an unforgettable contrast to the tube wasabi you’re used to.

・Ohisama Road
A peaceful rural path featured in a beloved Japanese drama. Surrounded by snowy rice fields, it offers sweeping views of the Northern Alps—a winter landscape straight out of a storybook.

・Tokoji Temple
A quiet temple where giant wooden geta (sandals) greet visitors. The serene garden and architecture offer a playful yet tranquil photo stop.

・Ushio Shinmeigu Shrine & Sagoyama Tunnel
Explore the dignified grounds of the shrine, then take a short walk through the adjacent Sagoyama Tunnel, a repurposed old railway tunnel that now opens as a walkway. Here, the tunnel’s frame opens to scenic countryside views, hidden photo gems, especially beautiful under winter light.

・Hotaka Shrine
Your journey ends in peaceful reflection at this forest-cloaked shrine. Though its exact origin is unknown, Hotaka Shrine has been revered for over a thousand years. Its spiritual atmosphere and snow-dusted grounds make for truly moving photographs.

Tour Itinerary
11:09 | Depart from JR Matsumoto Station (Oito Line/Local Train) ~25 minutes

11:34 | Arrive at JR Hotaka Station (Start of Tour)
11:35–11:45 | Transfer to Daio Wasabi Farm (Taxi) ~10 minutes
11:45–13:00 | Daio Wasabi Farm – Walk, photography, and lunch (famous soba) (~75 minutes)

13:00–13:05 | Transfer to Ohisama Road (Taxi) ~5 minutes
13:05–13:15 | Ohisama Road – Photography of rural scenery and old railway line (~10 minutes)

13:15–13:30 | Transfer to Tokoji Temple (Taxi) ~15 minutes
13:30–13:45 | Tokoji Temple – Photos of main hall, gate, and gardens ~15 minutes

13:45–14:00 | Transfer to Ushio Shinmeigu Shrine (Taxi) ~15 minutes
14:00–14:40 | Ushio Shinmeigu Shrine – Visit and photo session + walk to old railway tunnel (taxi waiting) ~40 minutes total

14:40–14:55 | Transfer to Hotaka Shrine (Taxi) ~15 minutes
14:55–15:15 | Hotaka Shrine – Visit and photography ~20 minutes

15:15–15:25 | Transfer to JR Hotaka Station (Taxi) ~10 minutes
15:25–16:00 | Free time near JR Hotaka Station (rest, shopping, souvenirs, etc.) ~35 minutes

16:00 | (End of Tour, return to JR Hotaka Station at own pace)

This tour includes the following items:
・Travel guide sheet (EN)
・Entry to Ushio Shinmeigu Shrine, Tokoji Temple, and Hotaka Shrine