Wasabi is also known as Japan's oriental herb.

In Azumino city, Nagano prefecture, wasabi cultivation is thriving, using meltwater from the Northern Alps. Wasabi is generally considered difficult to cultivate, so why has it become so popular in Nagano prefecture, which boasts the highest production of wasabi in Japan?

This time, we will introduce you to Nagano Prefecture's "wasabi" in detail, its characteristics and history.

Characteristics of Nagano Prefecture wasabi

Azumino City, Nagano Prefecture, is blessed with abundant nature, including a complex alluvial fan and abundant meltwater from the Northern Alps. However, the harsh climate, with hot summers and extremely cold winters, gives the wasabi a strong spiciness and flavor. Nagano wasabi is characterized by its beautiful green color, refreshing aroma, and a pungent spiciness followed by a subtle sweetness.

Many of the wasabi varieties grown in Azumino have blue stems, and the most commonly grown varieties include "Choya 23", Kamo Jikou, and Masa Midori. In addition to these, there are other wasabi varieties that require careful management and are cultivated by individual farmers through repeated improvements.

The History of Wasabi in Nagano Prefecture

The history of wasabi cultivation in Nagano Prefecture dates back to the early Meiji period. It is said that wasabi cultivation spread after wasabi seedlings that grew in the mountains of the Alps were planted in a spring water drainage channel built as a measure against pear disease, which produced high-quality wasabi.

Furthermore, with the opening of the JR Shinonoi Line and Chuo Line in the Meiji era, shipments to Tokyo became possible, which led to an expansion in cultivation area and production volume, and the product has developed into a local specialty to this day.

Nagano wasabi cultivation method

Most of the wasabi grown in Nagano Prefecture is "sawa wasabi," which makes use of the soft water of the Northern Alps. The most common cultivation method is the "flatland method," where seedlings are planted in sandy soil that springs up. It takes about one and a half to two years from planting to harvest, and the wasabi grows on the nutrients contained in the soil and water. When creating wasabi fields, the ground is dug about 2m deep, drainage channels are made, and a slope is created to improve the flow of water.

The spring water that flows through the wasabi fields never exceeds 15°C, making it cool and refreshing even in summer. Wasabi can be harvested all year round, but peak harvest season is from June to July.

How to eat wasabi deliciously

When eating wasabi locally, use a grater or shark skin grater to grate it in a circular motion starting from the stem. If you put a small amount of sugar on the cut surface and grate it while exposing it to air, the aroma will come out, and leaving it for 1-2 minutes will bring out the spiciness.

In Azumino, rice bowls with plenty of wasabi are popular. It is delicious when you eat rice with bonito flakes, grated wasabi, chopped seaweed, green onions, and a little soy sauce. The refreshing spicy taste of the wasabi and the aroma of the condiments will make you want to eat more and more rice.

Pickled wasabi is also popular in the Azumino region and neighboring Matsumoto city. Originally there were many liquor stores in this area, and high-quality sake lees were easy to obtain, so many wasabi farmers made pickles. While wasabi pickles are generally made using the stems, in this region the roots are chopped up and pickled. The pungent flavor of the bracken is complemented by the richness of the sake lees, and it is recommended to eat it as a snack with rice, on kamaboko (fish cake) or chikuwa (fish cake).

There are also restaurants in the prefecture where you can enjoy wasabi with soba noodles and Western-style dishes. Enjoy wasabi gourmet food that you can only get here, such as steak condiments, salads, and pickles.

Recommended sightseeing spots in Nagano Prefecture

From here, we will introduce some recommended tourist spots around Azumino and Matsumoto.

If you come to Azumino City, come here! "Daioh Wasabi Farm"

Daio Wasabi Farm has vast wasabi fields and three restaurants on its premises. The recommended menu item is the excellent "Hon Wasabi Rice." The real wasabi that you grate yourself is truly fresh. The pungent, spicy flavor is addictive. Don't miss the specialty wasabi soft serve ice cream.

You can freely stroll through the park, and the watermill slowly turning along the river is a must-see. There is also a waterfront plaza on the premises where you can dip your feet in the clear stream that runs through the wasabi fields, making it a great spot to cool off.

Matsumoto Castle: A great place for a stroll or sightseeing

Matsumoto Castle is designated as a national treasure.

There are only two castles in Japan where the five-story castle tower, including the main tower, small Inui tower, Watariyagura, Tatsumikeyagura, and Tsukimiyagura, still remains.

On a nice day, we recommend the view from the southeast with the Japanese Alps in the background. All viewing is free except for the Honmaru garden and the castle tower, so be sure to stop by for a sightseeing or stroll.

Kamikochi: A collection of spectacular sights

Kamikochi is one of Japan's most famous mountain scenic spots.

It is an area that is home to many scenic spots, including the majestic Northern Alps, beautiful ponds, wetlands, and clear streams. It has many attractions that will make you want to visit again and again, such as the symbolic Kappa Bridge, the majestic towering Hotaka mountain range, Taisho Pond that reflects the mountain range like a mirror, and the mysterious Tashiro Marshland.

Many people come to this historic and prestigious mountain resort hotel to relax and unwind after their travels.

Access to Nagano Prefecture

Nagano Prefecture, located in the center of Japan, is attractive for its easy access, including expressways that run from east to west, north to south, and air routes that connect to major cities. It takes about 1 hour and 20 minutes to travel from Tokyo to Nagano City via the Hokuriku Shinkansen. It takes about 2 hours to travel from Nagoya to Matsumoto City.

It is connected to the Chuo Expressway and the Joshinetsu Expressway, and is easily accessible from Yamanashi and Shizuoka. Shinshu Matsumoto Airport is located in the center of the prefecture, and there are daily scheduled flights to Sapporo (New Chitose), Kobe, and Fukuoka. Please use this as a reference when traveling.

Location of Nagano Prefecture

summary

This time we introduced Nagano Prefecture's local gourmet food, "wasabi."

Nagano's wasabi has a refreshing spiciness and a wonderful aroma, making it a great addition to a variety of dishes. Enjoy the exquisite gourmet food that can only be found in this area, such as the specialty wasabi rice, soba noodles, and side dishes that make use of the wasabi flavor.

\ We are looking for Tempo Star affiliates! /