Breath deeply as you take in the towering majesty of the Northern Alps.
The rural landscape spread before you changes in appearance with the seasons and, together with the tranquil atmosphere,
transmits the essence of Japan's nostalgic country village culture to the present day.
・3 hours from Tokyo/Nagoya
・30 minutes from Matsumoto/Hakuba
・2 hours from Hida-Takayama
・4 hours by plane from Sapporo (via Matsumoto Airport)
・3 hours by plane from Fukuoka (via Matsumoto Airport)
The Azumino area is dotted with fun things to do, including treasured historical sites, galleries & museums, delicious culinary experiences, casual walks and impressive hiking trails, in addition to hot springs that have been selected among 'Japan's famous 100 waters'.
Azumino is filled with an open atmosphere that has enticed an increasing number of people to move here, attracted by the area's rich nature, history and culture.
Interactions with the friendly local residents are sure to form treasured memories.
Allow us to guide you on a 'journey to experience a fulfilling lifestyle', bringing you into intimate contact with life in Japan.
What I Like About the Azumino Area
John Cruddas (The U.K.)
I love Azumino's natural environment. The fields are full of fresh produce, with scenery and foods changing across the seasons. Quiet roads mean I feel safe cycling around town in the clear air, and letting my son walk to school. As a keen hiker, Azumino is great for both treks into the spectacular Northern Alps, and lighter family excursions with lovely views over the city itself.
Sammy McDowall (America)
Azumino is a place where you can feel nature, history, and culture in equal parts while still enjoying the conveniences of a city. The clean air and water refresh the body, and the people refresh the heart and mind! And for anyone who enjoys hiking and camping, Azumino is the perfect place to begin and end your trips.
Sam Ford (Australia)
We have visited Azumino twice in two seasons - in summer and in autumn. On both occasions, we wished we had longer to explore further. Azumino has everything. Mountain views and walks. Open spaces and big skies. Delicious food. Bikes for hire and quiet paths to ride. Relaxing onsens. Immersive cultural experiences. Generous, friendly, helpful, and incredibly kind local people. We felt very welcome in Azumino and we look forward to hopefully returning again in the future.
Rachel McEachron (America)
Azumino is a hidden gem in Japan. The unmatched beauty of every season makes it a place you will wish to return to over and over. The vibrant greens of the rice fields in summer, the radiant colors of fall, the snow capped Japanese Alps of winter, and the blossoms of spring make this an idyllic destination. Visit Azumino today!
Taran (Australia)
We really enjoyed our time in Azumino. It has a very different feel to Matsumoto, with wonderful attractions such as the huge Wasabi Farm, the stunning surrounding mountains, the immaculate Alps Azumino Government Park and the very kind and generous people. We enjoyed a beautiful hike and loved seeing the working farms so close to town.
Tori Tsou (Taiwan)
My friends have always recommended me a city - Azumino. I always wonder what’s so attractive about this city?In a rural city, I was seeing the field scenery, eating the famous buckwheat noodles, and going to the clean ice-cold Wasami Garden.
I recommend you to go to the national government park. You can see rivers as clear as mirrors and woods accompanied by wild animals.This national government park will make your trip worthwhile. What are you waiting for? Let’s go visit Azumino!!
About OGS Local Trip
The concept behind OGS Local Trip is
'to serve as a bridge between local people and visitors from all over the world'.
We primarily offer tours that allow guests to experience the life and culture of the Azumino area
while interacting with local residents.
How to Enjoy Tours
of the Azumino Area
Interact with Locals
In addition to the beautiful scenery and delicious food, warm interactions with local people will make your experience even more special. Learning about the lifestyles and values of the locals may provide new insight and calm your mind. Won't you join us in discovering Japan's good points, that may not be understood through sightseeing alone?
Experience Japanese Culture
Visit temples and shrines, participate in local festivals, and enjoy local foods such as soba noodles and wasabi. Azumino City offers an abundance of opportunities to experience events that are deeply rooted in Japanese life. You are guaranteed a memorable time when you can communicate with locals and gain a deeper insight into Japanese culture.
Enjoy Japanese culture through a taste of local life.
Whether it is cycling and hiking, or strolling through quaint townscapes and shrines known as local power spots, leave it to your local guide to show you the best that Azumino has to offer. Your guide will enhance your visit through clear and detailed explanations of local customs and folklore. Please feel free to ask when there is anything you are curious or have more questions about.
A Tour to
Experience Life
in the
Azumino Area
Food, culture, and nature that can only be experienced here alongside connections with people create a trip that will make you long to return.This is born from encounters and interactions with local people. Through experiences with the locals, you can enjoy the depth of Japanese culture.
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Boat Festival 2025 - A unique festival where boats collide!
~Premium once-a-year experience~ (2 days, 1 nights)Tour Contents Day 2: Hotaka Shrine Boat Festival, Boat Pulling Experience Join local residents to parade boat-shaped floats through town, arriving at Hotaka shrine. The boat festival is held annually on September 27 and is the largest festival held at Hotaka Shrine. Locals of all ages fill the shrine grounds, their smiles and energy creating a festive atmosphere. At the festival's climax the two largest boats clash together in a frenzied display that excites the …
75,000 yen per personSee More Details -
Boat Festival 2025 - A unique festival where boats collide!
~Premium once-a-year experience~Tour Contents Day 2: Hotaka Shrine Boat Festival, Boat Pulling Experience Join local residents to parade boat-shaped floats through town, arriving at Hotaka shrine. The boat festival is held annually on September 27 and is the largest festival held at Hotaka Shrine. Locals of all ages fill the shrine grounds, their smiles and energy creating a festive atmosphere. At the festival's climax the two largest boats clash together in a frenzied display that excites the …
148,000 yen per personSee More Details -
Seiryu-no-Sato gastronomy tour & zen meditation experience at a 'temple that lives in the community'.
Plan Contents Zen Meditation Experience Zen meditation at this "temple that lives in the community" has the effect of calming one's mind. Zazen is a profound practice with varying techniques among different Buddhist sects. At Sotokuji temple, guests sit cross-legged, "come to peace with their current feelings" and "become nothing". Help your mind, tired from the grind of everyday life, find a natural, comfortable place. Wasabi Field Tour Nagano prefecture is one of the largest …
99,800 yen per personSee More Details
Comments from Tour Participants
It was a great chance to attend a community festival with local residents! I was impressed by the tour's organization and the staff. Everyone was friendly, kind, and attentive to our needs.
America
The locals were very welcoming and supportive. They seemed happy that we were participating and wanted to help out. I was able to speak with many people.
The U.K.
I’d love to join next year. A festival is a great way to interact with local people. I’d recommend the tour to family and friends.
The U.K.
It was great to participate in the festival, rather than just watching it. The local people were very welcoming and invited us to get involved with the pulling.
America
We have visited Azumino twice in two seasons - in summer and in autumn. On both occasions, we wished we had longer to explore further. Azumino has everything. Mountain views and walks. Open spaces and big skies. Delicious food. Bikes for hire and quiet paths to ride. Relaxing onsens. Immersive cultural experiences. Generous, friendly, helpful, and incredibly kind local people. We felt very welcome in Azumino and we look forward to hopefully returning again in the future.
Australia
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