Daio Wasabi Farm Hotaka Japan
World's largest wasabi farm, offering scenic fields, river views, and unique wasabi-infused culinary experiences.
Highlights
Must-see attractions
Social
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Best Time
Snow-capped mountains visible
Daio Wasabi Farm Hotaka Japan
Best Time
Snow-capped mountains visible
Highlights
Must-see attractions
World's largest wasabi farm, offering scenic fields, river views, and unique wasabi-infused culinary experiences.
"A surprisingly delicious and not-too-spicy treat, the wasabi ice cream is a must-try!"
🚲 Bike the Countryside
Rent bikes in Hotaka for a scenic ride to the farm, but follow bike routes to avoid cars.
🍦 Try the Wasabi Ice Cream
Don't be shy! It's a surprisingly delicious and not-too-spicy treat.
Highlights
Discover the most iconic attractions and experiences
Expansive Wasabi Fields
The farm grounds
Vast, lush green fields showcasing the unique 'Heichi Shiki' cultivation method. A truly picturesque sight.
Clear-Bottom Boat Ride
Over the river
Cruise above the wasabi beds and witness firsthand how it's grown in the pure spring water.
Wasabi-Infused Delights
Farm shops and cafes
Sample unique treats like wasabi ice cream and smoked cheese – surprisingly delicious!
Scenic River and Waterwheels
Farm perimeter
Enjoy the tranquil river flowing through the farm, dotted with charming waterwheels.
Plans like a pro.
Thinks like you
Planning Your Visit
Embrace the Wasabi Experience
Getting There & Around
Plan your transport to maximize your visit.Best Times
Insider Tips
from TikTok, Instagram & Reddit
🚲 Bike the Countryside
Rent bikes in Hotaka for a scenic ride to the farm, but follow bike routes to avoid cars.
🍦 Try the Wasabi Ice Cream
Don't be shy! It's a surprisingly delicious and not-too-spicy treat.
🛍️ Souvenir Shopping
The local shop offers amazing wasabi-based foods, like smoked cheese.
💧 Open Rain or Shine
Bring an umbrella or poncho if visiting on a rainy day; the farm is still accessible.
Tips
from all over the internet
🚲 Bike the Countryside
Rent bikes in Hotaka for a scenic ride to the farm, but follow bike routes to avoid cars.
🍦 Try the Wasabi Ice Cream
Don't be shy! It's a surprisingly delicious and not-too-spicy treat.
🛍️ Souvenir Shopping
The local shop offers amazing wasabi-based foods, like smoked cheese.
💧 Open Rain or Shine
Bring an umbrella or poncho if visiting on a rainy day; the farm is still accessible.
👨👩👧 Keep Kids on Trails
Ensure children stay on designated paths for safety.
What Travellers Say
Reviews Summary
Visitors rave about the beautiful, expansive wasabi fields and the unique experience of learning about wasabi cultivation. The farm's tranquil atmosphere, scenic river, and surprisingly delicious wasabi-infused treats like ice cream are frequently highlighted as major draws. While generally positive, some mention the walk from the station can be long and advise keeping children on trails.
"I wasn’t expecting to love this experience so much! The wasabi farm itself is free entry, gorgeous and they have opened their beautiful grounds for you to explore while they do their harvesting!
If you have the time, rent bikes from the Train station corner, and make a day out of it! Such a cute town to explore! Recommend this outing!"
Jessica Meeks
"This is the first wasabi farm I’ve visited. As with other places on interest in Japan, Daio Wasabi Farm did not disappoint and I was fascinated with the history, stories and wasabi farming processes. If anything else, it’s a nice, peaceful place for a leisurely walk or to relax. The farm is surrounded by sceneries of beautiful mountains. The cafes served up very decent food and drinks. There were many choices of snacks and wasabi products to purchase as souvenirs. Please visit this gem of a place but please leave nothing but footprints!"
Jaclyn Low
"We really enjoyed our visit here. We took a ride on the clear-bottom boat — a fantastic experience cruising over the river, and well worth the ¥1,400 per person. It was fascinating to see how wasabi is grown directly in the river from a hot spring source. We also tried ice cream topped with fresh wasabi, it is surprisingly delicious! There were plenty of local snacks available too, perfect for taking home or enjoying on the go. Highly recommended!"
Anson Ang
What People Like
What People Dislike
Frequently Asked Questions
🚇 🗺️ Getting There
You can walk from Hotaka Station, which takes about 40 minutes, but it's recommended to follow the bicycle route to avoid cars. Renting a bike from Hotaka town is a popular and scenic option.
Yes, there is plenty of free parking available at the farm, making it convenient for visitors arriving by car.
While walking from Hotaka Station is an option, buses may also serve the area. Checking local bus schedules in advance is advisable.
Many visitors recommend renting bicycles in the nearby town to cycle through the gorgeous fields surrounding the farm.
The closest station is Hotaka Station. From there, you can walk, bike, or take a taxi to reach the farm.
🎫 🎫 Tickets & Entry
The Daio Wasabi Farm is generally free to enter and explore its grounds.
The farm is open daily, including on rainy days. It's advisable to check their official website for the most up-to-date hours, especially during holidays.
No, advance booking is typically not required for general entry to the farm.
While general entry is free, activities like the clear-bottom boat ride have a fee. You can also learn about wasabi cultivation through informational displays.
Yes, the farm is open on rainy days, but you'll need an umbrella or poncho to stay dry while exploring the outdoor areas.
🎫 🌿 Onsite Experience
'Heichi Shiki' refers to flat-land cultivation, where farmers historically dug deep to access spring water for the wasabi beds. This method is centuries old and unique to the region. +1
The clear-bottom boat ride offers a unique perspective to see wasabi growing directly in the river from hot spring sources.
Absolutely! The expansive green fields, river, waterwheels, and surrounding mountains offer stunning photographic opportunities. +1
You'll experience the soothing sounds of the river and birds, with beautiful fresh greenery. It's a very healing and relaxing environment.
Yes, but it's important to keep children on the designated trails for their safety.
🍽️ 🍦 Food & Dining
The farm has food shops and a cafe offering various wasabi-infused snacks and dishes. Popular items include wasabi ice cream and smoked cheese.
Surprisingly, the wasabi ice cream is not spicy and is often described as delicious and a fun treat to try.
Yes, the local shop has a good selection of wasabi-based products, including fresh wasabi and other wasabi-infused foods.
While specific vegetarian options aren't detailed, the farm offers various snacks and local specialties that may include vegetarian choices.
Wasabi kizami is a product made from the leaf stems of the wasabi plant, often prepared by experienced farmers.
📸 📸 Photography
The expansive wasabi fields, the river with its waterwheels, and the surrounding natural scenery offer numerous picturesque opportunities. +1
Yes, the natural beauty of the farm can still be captured on cloudy or rainy days, though an umbrella might be necessary.
Generally, photography is allowed and encouraged to capture the beauty of the farm.
A camera that handles natural light well, like a smartphone or a DSLR, will be great for capturing the vibrant greens and scenic landscapes.
Drone usage policies can vary. It's best to check with the farm management directly before flying a drone to ensure compliance with any regulations.
For Different Travelers
Tailored advice for your travel style
👨👩👧 Families with Kids
🌿 Nature Lovers & Photographers
🍜 Foodies & Wasabi Aficionados
Deep Dives
In-depth insights and expert knowledge
The Art of Wasabi Cultivation
The process involves carefully managing the water flow and ensuring the wasabi plants receive optimal conditions. Even the decaying leaves are utilized, flowing down the river to provide nutrients to the ecosystem, showcasing a sustainable farming practice.
This dedication to quality and tradition is what sets Daio Wasabi Farm apart. It's not just a tourist attraction but a living testament to agricultural heritage. The farm's commitment to preserving these methods ensures that visitors can experience the true essence of real wasabi.
A Sensory Journey Through the Farm
Beyond the visual and auditory, the farm offers a unique culinary adventure. The star attraction is undoubtedly the wasabi-infused food. While the idea of wasabi ice cream might sound unusual, reviews consistently praise its surprisingly delicious and mild flavor.
The farm also provides opportunities for unique activities, such as the clear-bottom boat ride. This allows visitors to get an up-close look at how wasabi is cultivated directly in the riverbeds, offering an educational and engaging experience.
Navigating Your Visit: Practicalities and Tips
Once at the farm, the grounds are generally free to explore, making it an accessible attraction.
When it comes to dining, don't miss the chance to try the local specialties. The wasabi ice cream is a must-try, offering a unique and pleasant flavor.
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