An interesting side trip was made to the wasabi (Japanese horseradish) fields. The Nagano prefecture is famous for its fine wasabi. It requires clean, fresh running water and an extremely gravely soil for good growth. (Wasabi is that green stuff you mix with soy sauce that you dip your sushi into.)
Takeko and Yoshiko near a large wasabi sculpture. The wasabi field is in the background.
Another view of the wasabi field. Water is constantly flowing over the plants. The pole structures are to support covers for protection from strong sunshine when neccessary.
Fairly mature wasabi.
Preparation for a new planting of wasabi.
A close-up view of the wasabi leaves.
A close-up view of the wasabi roots (the part we eat.)
While at the wasabi field we enjoyed a delicious wasabi lunch. They even had wasabi wine. (We didn't try any, though.)
Some of the meal selections are shown here.
We are eating wasabi noodles. They were delicious. Seen here are Takeko and Yoshiko.
After lunch the ladies enjoyed wasabi ice cream.
Also a bit of shopping at the gift store.
It's time to head on. Yoshiko and Takeko are crossing the bridge over the wasabi field..
Takeko and Yoshiko in front of Takeko's Toyota 4x4, our traveling vehicle.
The trip continued on to Nagano prefecture where we visited:
