Go!Central Japan × Centrip JapanThe Heart of Central Japan- Its Nature, History, and Culture –

After a trek through the upper reaches of the Japanese mountains, start a more leisurely day in Azumino. The area is widely regarded as a beautiful and scenic nature spot among Japanese people. There are a number of experiences unique to this area that foreign visitors can enjoy. You'll find an art museum here along with a quaint forest-like atmosphere.

You can get to Azumino's Hodaka Station by hopping on the JR Oito Line from Shino Omachi for about 30 minutes. Once you arrive, you can take advantage of the Azumino Sightseeing Bus with service from Hodaka Station, running from the end of April through the beginning of November. For active types, rental cycles and even tandem bikes are available. Taking a taxi around the area is also a good option.

If you've ever been to a sushi restaurant before, you've surely encountered wasabi [Japanese horseradish]. Often said to be spicy, its spiciness is slightly different from other kinds. Wasabi tends to hit diners more in the nose than in the mouth. It's a key ingredient in the sushi experience, and Azumino is famous for its wasabi fields. The 1-kilometer wide wasabi fields get melted snow water from the Northern Japanese Alps and are the largest wasabi fields in Japan. After you've seen where the wasabi is grown, you can also join a cooking class that will teach you how to use wasabi in your own kitchen.

Azumino is home to a number of glass studios. Students have studied the art of hand-blown glass and continued to work in the area. The high-quality of Azumino glass has become famous thanks to the craftspeople who continue to live and work here. Not only will you find glass studios here, but there is also a museum dedicated to the art glass-making. Japanese craftsmanship is famous the world over, and the quality of glassware you'll find in Azumino is first-rate. Not only can you watch these craftspeople create their wares, but there are also hands-on glass-making experiences that you can take part in and create your own glass items with the help of these master craftspeople.