The first stop was at the Azumino Wasabi Farm, one of Japan’s largest wasabi farms. The farm has multiple large fields with a network of small streams, providing each wasabi plant with clear, flowing spring feed water about 60 degrees from the Northern Alps. The fields are also protected from the summer heat using large black tarps. Within the farm stands the Daio Shrine.

Today’s drive continued through snow-covered mountains to Tsumago-juku, the 42nd part of the Nakasendo route between Kyoto and Edo (Tokyo). It is one of the best-preserved post towns, recreating the ambiance of the Edo period.

Following a Soba lunch, we headed on a long ride to Takayama for our hotel and dinner.