Amazing Azumino: Top 9 Things to Do in Nagano’s Countryside

Azumino: A tranquil escape in Japan’s Northern Alps

Nestled at the base of the Northern Alps in Nagano Prefecture (長野県), Azumino (安曇野) is a picturesque region renowned for its breathtaking landscapes and serene rural charm. The area is celebrated for its rich natural beauty, with woodlands, farmlands, and pristine water sources that sustain a flourishing agricultural sector, particularly known for producing rice, wasabi, and apples.

Beyond its natural appeal, Azumino is steeped in culture, featuring countless historical sites, art museums, and memorial halls. This blend of relaxation and cultural exploration makes it an ideal destination for those seeking a tranquil escape from urban life. 

This guide will highlight the essential historical and artistic sites to visit, along with cultural experiences that offer a deeper appreciation of the region’s rich heritage, uncovering the many hidden gems that make Azumino a true treasure trove.

Discover Azumino’s historical heritage

1. Hotake Shrine (穂高神社)

Hotaka Shrine, the iconic spiritual site of Azumino City. | ©PhotoAC

Hotaka Shrine (穂高神社), located near Hotaka Station (穂高駅) in Azumino City (安曇野市), is a significant spiritual site devoted to the nautical deity, Watatsumi no Mikoto and his son, Hotakami no Mikoto, the ancestral deity of the Azumi clan, who originally hailed from Kyushu, Japan’s southern island, as a seafaring people. 

Located across three locations in Nagano, the shrine complex consists of the main shrine (本殿 honden) in Azumino City, surrounded by majestic Japanese cedars, the Okumiya Branch (奥宮) situated by the serene Myojin Pond in Kamikochi (上高地), and the Minemiya Branch (嶺宮), which rests at the summit of Mount Okuhotaka (奥穂高岳), towering at 3,190m, the highest peak in the Northern Alps.

Dating back to the Heian Period (794–1185), Hotaka Shrine has long been revered for being a protector of traffic safety, industry, and personal well-being. Featuring a variety of nautical-themed statues and carvings that pay tribute to the Azumi clan's maritime heritage, the shrine celebrates this relationship annually during the Mifune Festival (御船祭) held every 27 September, a vibrant event where large, intricately decorated boat-shaped floats are paraded and dramatically collided, symbolising the enduring legacy of the seafaring clan. The festival, designated as a prefectural intangible folk cultural property, is a major highlight and draws numerous visitors each year.

Hotaka Shrine (穂高神社)
Address: 6079 Hotaka, Azumino, Nagano 399-8303
Access: 6-minute walk from Hotaka Station (穂高駅)

2. Hotaka-juku (保高宿)

Hotaka-juku, a post town once part of the historic “Salt Road”. | ©Azumino City

Near Hotaka Station lie the remnants of Hotaka-juku (保高宿), a former post town that played a crucial role along the historic Chikuni Kaido (千国街道), also known as the "Salt Road”. This trade route connected Matsumoto in landlocked Shinshu with Itoigawa on the Sea of Japan, facilitating the transport of essential goods like salt and seafood inland, while hemp, cotton, and charcoal were sent in the opposite direction. The route traversed challenging terrain, including snow-covered mountains, and was vital for the region’s survival and development.

During the Edo Period (1603–1868), Hotaka-juku flourished as a commercial hub along the Chikuni Kaido trade route, and this prosperity continued through the late Meiji Period (1868–1912), driven by local industries and a lively marketplace. However, with the advent of modern transportation networks, the importance of the Chikuni Kaido gradually declined. 

Today, traces of the old post towns remain, with traditional storehouses and historical architecture still visible in Hotaka. These sites offer a glimpse into the past and highlight the road's historical importance as a lifeline for trade and survival in the mountainous region of Shinshu.

Hotaka-juku (保高宿)
Address: 4537-1 Hotaka, Azumino, Nagano 399-8303
Access: 10-minute walk from Hotaka Station (穂高駅)

3. Azumino Swiss Village (安曇野スイス村)

Be prepared for mouth-watering gastronomical delights at the Azumino Swiss Village. | ©WikiCommons

A popular tourist destination in Azumino, Azumino Swiss Village (安曇野スイス村) offers a variety of local products, attractions, and activities. Visitors can browse for Shinshu souvenirs such as oyaki (おやき), pickled nozawana (野沢菜), fresh wasabi, local vegetables, and wine, along with seasonal treats.

Also located within the premises, the Swiss Village Winery (スイス村ワイナリー) provides factory tours and wine tastings, using 100% Nagano-grown grapes. Their 100% apple juice and tomato juice are equally impressive. Nearby, Heidi no Sato (ハイジの里), a farmers' market, sells fresh local produce, wine, and a variety of sweets, including jams made from locally grown fruits like blueberries and apples, which, when paired with the fresh toast, tastes absolutely heavenly.

Besides the delicious food, visitors can also enjoy horsebacking riding at Horseland Azumino (ホースランド安曇野), located nearby. Offering rides for children as young as one year old, the farm provides a fun and adventurous experience for families, while savouring the area’s culinary delights. 

With its variety of attractions and shops in close proximity, Azumino Swiss Village makes for a convenient and exciting destination for those seeking authentic, delicious local flavours while creating lasting memories. 

Azumino Swiss Village (安曇野スイス村)
Address: 5555-1, Toyoshinaminamihotaka, Azumino, Nagano 399-8201
Access: 10-minutes by taxi from Toyoshina Station (豊科駅)

The Azumino Art Line: A village of art and culture 

Magnificent blooms in the Alps Azumino National Government Park. | ©PhotoAC

The Azumino Art Line (安曇野アートライン) is a unique 50km route connecting 18 art museums, galleries, and parks across the Azumino Region, from Azumino City to Hakuba Village at the base of the Northern Alps. Known as a "village of art museums", this area is remarkable for its high concentration of cultural sites, including the Chihiro Art Museum Azumino (安曇野ちひろ美術館) and the Rokuzan Art Museum (碌山美術館). The stunning natural scenery enhances the artistic experience, making the entire region feel like a living masterpiece. 

4. Rokuzan Art Museum (碌山美術館)

A key landmark of Azumino City, Rokuzan Art Museum’s church-style main building offers scenic vistas throughout the year. | ©PhotoAC

Founded in 1958, the Rokuzan Art Museum (碌山美術館) honours Morie Ogiwara, also known as Rokuzan (碌山), a pioneering figure in modern Japanese sculpture often referred to as Japan’s “Rodin”. 

Born in Azumino, Ogiwara's legacy is celebrated across five buildings, including a church-style main building that not only reflects his Christian background, but also stands as a visual masterpiece and significant landmark of Azumino throughout all seasons.

The main building features Ogiwara’s works including the centrepiece, Ogiwara’s renowned sculpture “Woman” (女), which was recognised as an Important Cultural Property—the first since the Meiji Period—celebrated for its depiction of a woman striving for freedom. Another key work, "The Miner (坑夫)" (1907), signified Japan’s entry into the realm of modern sculpture, reflecting the major influence that Ogiwara’s work had on his successors. 

In addition to Rokuzan’s art, the museum displays pieces by his contemporaries, like Kotaro Takamura and Kogan Tobari. Constructed with support from over 299,100 contributors, including local students, the museum itself is an architectural treasure, offering visitors insight into the development of modern Japanese sculpture and a meaningful cultural experience.

Rokuzan Art Museum (碌山美術館)
Address: 5095-1 Hotaka, Azumino, Nagano 399-8303
Access: 7-minute walk from Hotaka Station (穂高駅)

5. Takahashi Setsuro Art Museum of Azumino (安曇野高橋節郎記念美術館)

Takahashi Setsuro Art Museum celebrates the legacy of the renowned lacquer artist, Setsuro Takahashi. | ©一般社団法人 安曇野市観光協会

The Takahashi Setsuro Art Museum of Azumino (安曇野高橋節郎記念美術館), situated in Hotaka, Azumino, the birthplace of renowned lacquer artist Setsuro Takahashi (高橋節郎), opened its doors in 2003, dedicated to celebrating Takahashi’s legacy in modern lacquer art, particularly his distinctive use of black and gold and his innovative soukin (鎗金) technique. The museum’s collection features a wide range of Setsuro’s lacquer works, including folding screens, panels, and sculptures, as well as ink paintings and sketches that reflect his early years in Azumino.

The museum also includes the restored Takahashi Family Residence (旧高橋家住宅主屋), a mid-Edo period house that offers insights into the artist’s personal life. The surrounding 1,500 m² garden, adorned with moss and pine trees over a hundred years old, adds to the tranquil and seasonal charm of the visit.

In addition to the exhibits, the museum provides a “Chinkin Experience” (沈金体験) workshop suitable for all ages, where visitors can try traditional lacquer techniques. By offering such experiences, the museum aims to inspire creativity and a deeper appreciation of art and culture, making it a valuable and engaging art immersion opportunity in Azumino. 

Takahashi Setsuro Art Museum of Azumino (安曇野高橋節郎記念美術館)
Address: 408-1 Hotakakitahotaka, Azumino, Nagano 399-8302
Access: 3 minutes by taxi from Ariake Station (有明駅)

Experience the best of Azumino’s nature, onsen, and gastronomy

6. Hiking Mount Tsubakuro

Mount Tsubakuro, also known as “Queen of the Alps”. | ©PhotoAC

Nestled near the breathtaking Japan Alps, Azumino offers a perfect backdrop for exciting hikes where you can fully immerse yourself in the area's stunning natural beauty. One of the top recommended spots, especially for beginners, is Mount Tsubakuro (燕岳), located on the northwestern edge of Azumino.

Towering at 2,763m, Mount Tsubakuro is celebrated as one of Japan's most renowned mountains and is often called the "Queen of the Alps”, and for a good reason. From its peak, hikers are treated to spectacular vistas of surrounding mountains like Mount Yarigatake, and on clear days, even distant glimpses of Mount Fuji (富士山). Visitors might also catch a rare sight of the "Brocken phenomenon", a rainbow halo effect that occasionally appears at the summit, offering an unexpected reward for visitors who have worked hard to reach the very top. 

For those new to hiking, the Kassen-one Ridge Route (合戦尾根コース) provides a well-maintained and secure path, making it an excellent choice for beginners.

Mount Tsubakuro (燕岳)
Address: Hotakamaki, Azumino, Nagano 399-8305, Japan
Access: From Hotaka Station (穂高駅), take a 55-minute bus ride to Nakabusa Onsen (中房温泉), where the trailhead is located. 

If you have time to spare, make a side trip to another breathtaking destination not to be missed. Kamikochi (上高地) is a stunning mountainous region that offers a dreamlike hiking experience with picturesque views that resemble living paintings all-year round through its various scenic spots, including Taisho Pond (大正池) and Tashiro Marsh (田代湿原). 

7. Syakunage-no-yu and Hachimen Daio Ashiyu (しゃくなげの湯・八面大王足湯)

The open air baths of Syakunage-no-yu.  | ©Azumino Tourist Association

After an exhausting day of exploration in Azumino City, why not wind down and relax in Hotaka Onsenkyo (穂高温泉郷), Azumino’s very own little onsen town? Take a soak in one of the city’s most popular onsen, Syakunage-no-yu (しゃくなげの湯), a public bath establishment known for its mineral-rich natural spring waters sourced from the Nakabusa Valley (中房渓谷). 

This public bathhouse offers both indoor and outdoor baths, along with unique features such as carbonated springs and salt saunas. With an on-site restaurant serving Japanese dishes with ingredients meticulously selected and sourced locally, it's the perfect spot to relax and indulge.

For those who don’t feel comfortable getting naked, you can also enjoy a relaxing foot bath at the Hachimen Daio Ashiyu (八面大王足湯), located just within a minute of Syakunage-no-yu. Famously known for its eight-faced stone statue portraying the eight-faced king (八面大王), a figure from an old Azumino folk legend, this foot bath offers not only a healing experience but also a chance to connect with Azumino’s rich history. 

Immerse yourself in the rejuvenating natural spring waters blessed by the surrounding Northern Alps as you discover the natural wonders of Azumino that will leave you wanting more. 

Syakunage-no-yu (しゃくなげの湯)
Address: 7726-4 Hotakaariake, Azumino, Nagano 399-8301
Access: 8 minutes by taxi from Hotaka Station (穂高駅)

Hachimen Daio Ashiyu (八面大王足湯)
Address: 7750-1 Hotakaariake, Azumino, Nagano 399-8301
Access: 8 minutes by taxi from Hotaka Station (穂高駅)

8. Soba-making experience

Shinshu soba, a renowned culinary delight of Nagano Prefecture. | ©PhotoAC

A famous delicacy of Nagano Prefecture, Shinshu soba (信州そば) is made from buckwheat that flourishes in the region’s cool, high-altitude climate. Situated at the base of the Northern Alps, Azumino was initially recognized as one of the country’s leading rice producers. However, buckwheat was later introduced as a rotational crop following the government’s 1971 rice production adjustment policy. It quickly gained popularity and before long, soba had become a key regional specialty. 

Nourished by the pure streams from the melting snow of the Northern Alps, Azumino is renowned for its clear water, recognized as one of Japan’s “100 Famous Waters”. This pristine water is key to the exceptional flavour of Azumino’s Shinshu soba, which continues to draw visitors seeking for the region’s best culinary experiences. With the addition of locally grown wasabi, both the taste and aroma of the soba can be further enhanced, offering an elevated culinary experience. 

Visitors to Azumino can fully engage with the region's soba culture by joining hands-on soba-making workshops led by local experts, such as those at Azumino’s Konekone House (こねこねハウス). These workshops offer a chance to learn the art of crafting soba from scratch, guided by the knowledge and techniques of skilled masters. Once you've made your own soba, you can enjoy the rewarding experience of tasting your creation, gaining a deeper understanding and appreciation for the region's dedication to preserving and sharing its soba-making traditions.

Konekone House (こねこねハウス)
Address: 3029-1, Hotaka, Azumino, Nagano 399-8303, Japan
Access: 5 minutes by taxi from Hotaka Station (穂高駅)

9. Daio Wasabi Farm (大王わさび農場)

The wasabi fields of Daio Wasabi Farm. | ©PhotoAC

As Japan’s largest wasabi farm, Daio Wasabi Farm (大王わさび農場) in Azumino spans an impressive 15 hectares and has been in operation for over a century, attracting around 1.1 million visitors annually. The farm features numerous large wasabi fields, all irrigated by pristine water from the Northern Alps through a carefully maintained network of streams, producing some of Japan's finest wasabi. 

In addition to fresh wasabi, Daio Wasabi Farm is also renowned for its wasabi-themed treats, such as wasabi croquettes and the popular wasabi soft-serve ice cream with a subtle kick. For a unique experience, visitors can take a peaceful 20-minute rafting ride along the Tade River, whose picturesque watermills appeared in Akira Kurosawa’s 1990 film, Dreams (夢). 

Combining top-quality wasabi with scenic tranquillity, Daio Wasabi Farm is a must-visit spot for anyone exploring Azumino.

Daio Wasabi Farm (大王わさび農場)
Address: 3640 Hotaka, Azumino, Nagano 399-8303
Access: 6 minutes by taxi from Hotaka Station (穂高駅)

Getting to and around Azumino 

Looking to visit Azumino? From Tokyo, it takes about 3.5 hours to get to Azumino in Nagano. First, hop on the Limited Express AZUSA from Shinjuku Station and alight at Matsumoto Station (typically about 2 hours 45 minutes). From Matsumoto Station, take the local Oito Line and alight at Hotaka Station (typically about 30 minutes). 

JR EAST PASS (Nagano, Niigata area)

The JR EAST PASS (Nagano, Niigata area) and usage area. | ©JR East

The JR EAST PASS (Nagano, Niigata area) offers a convenient way to explore Azumino and beyond. Priced at ¥27,000 (as of October 2024), this pass provides 5 consecutive days worth of unlimited travel on JR East lines, shinkansen routes, limited express trains, and selected non-JR lines within the designated area. It allows travellers to easily journey from the bustling metropolitan of Tokyo to the scenic and cultural highlights of the Nagano and Niigata regions. 

Joyful Train Resort View Furusato

Resort View Furusato. | ©JR East Nagano Branch

For a more nostalgic experience, hop aboard the Resort View Furusato (リゾートビューふるさと) Joyful Train, which runs from Nagano Station (長野駅) to Minami-Otari Station (南小谷駅). 

This luxurious sightseeing train offers spectacular views of Shinshu's rural landscapes and alpine vistas through large windows and comfortable reclining seats, making brief stops for you to hop on and off the train for short breaks at Obasute Station and Hotaka Station! Glide through picturesque scenery, taking in the serene beauty of the region’s mountains, clear waters, and lush greenery as you discover the beauty of Shinshu.

Uncover Azumino’s Rural Charms 

Plan your trip to Azumino today! | ©PhotoAC

A captivating destination that combines breathtaking natural landscapes with rich cultural and artistic experiences, from breathtaking mountain views to distinctive local delicacies, Azumino has something for every traveller. Whether you're seeking adventure, relaxation, or a deep dive into Japan’s heritage, Azumino promises an unforgettable experience, or even a nostalgic trip down memory lane. 

Enjoy Azumino at JAPAN RAIL CAFE Singapore!

The Azumino City Fair is held at JAPAN RAIL CAFE Singapore this October 2024! | ©JAPAN RAIL CAFE Singapore

Curious to learn more about Azumino? If you live in Singapore, good news! JAPAN RAIL CAFE Singapore is hosting the Azumino City Fair in October 2024, which features a range of wasabi products, alcohol, and a special menu created in collaboration with Azumino City. For more info, visit JAPAN RAIL CAFE Singapore’s Facebook/Instagram.

In the meantime, stay tuned for Part 2 of “Amazing Azumino” for more on the region’s unique and delicious local delights! 

This article was written in collaboration with the Azumino Tourist Association.

Header image credit: PhotoAC