One of Azumino’s most unforgettable early morning experiences is a hot air balloon ride through its crisp, clear skies and gentle winds. Especially recommended in winter, the "free flight" experience—rising freely between 500 and 1,000 meters—is a rare adventure only possible in select areas with stable weather and vast open land.

Azumino is one of the few places in Japan where this is possible. You'll take off with the seasoned team at Azumino Kisen, led by founder Tsuyoshi Miyahara, who brings over 30 years of piloting experience. It’s the perfect way to make a once-in-a-lifetime memory before the rest of the world wakes up.

Meeting time is 6 AM at a spacious riverbed launch site. As the soft morning sky shifts into a glowing gradient, watching the balloon being prepped for takeoff only heightens the excitement.

After about an hour of preparation, it’s time to board the basket gondola. Worried about the cold? Motion sickness? Fear of heights? Taking photos? No need! You’ll gently lift off with a soft whoosh, barely noticing you’ve left the ground. Surprisingly stable and even warmer than expected thanks to the burner’s flame, the experience is peaceful—and the views are far more breathtaking than you could have imagined.

The thrill of flying enhances the view—mountains that look beautiful from the ground become absolutely awe-inspiring from above.

Snow-capped peaks of the Northern Alps rise just ahead, while below, Azumino’s sunlit patchwork of fields stretches out in gold. On clear winter mornings, you may also spot Yatsugatake and the Southern Alps in the distance. To the east, a sea of clouds flows along the Chikuma River gorge, with the dramatic ridgelines of the Hokushin Gogaku mountains beyond.

Depending on conditions, you might witness natural wonders like a full sea of clouds, the Brocken spectre (a rainbow-like halo around your shadow), or Morgenrot—a glowing red tint that washes over the mountains at dawn. No two flights are ever the same, making each sunrise view a once-in-a-lifetime moment.

Hot air balloons have no steering wheel—pilots read the wind by watching the direction of bird flight or rising smoke from chimneys. This connection with nature is part of the adventure, and flying near the towering Northern Alps in Azumino requires advanced piloting skills. The precision of the landing, guided smoothly to a pinpoint spot, is truly impressive.

From start to finish, it’s a series of first-time thrills. The one-hour flight feels both long and fleeting—an unforgettable dream in motion.

While the landing spot changes each flight, there’s no need to worry—ground staff follow by car and meet you at the end. Watching their seamless teamwork during the post-flight wrap-up gives you a deeper appreciation for how hot air balloons work, and leaves you with a strong sense of camaraderie.

Many people choose this free flight experience to celebrate special occasions like birthdays, weddings, graduations, retirements, or even proposals. Thanks to its easy access from major cities and unbeatable photo opportunities, it’s also becoming a hit among travelers in their 20s.

This one-of-a-kind experience—something only those who’ve flown can truly understand—is sure to become a lifelong memory. While there’s about a 30% chance of cancellation due to weather, March tends to offer stable conditions for successful flights.

Since the flight takes place early in the morning, you’ll still have a full day to enjoy the rest of your trip. In other seasons, you can also try the “tethered flight” option, where the balloon is safely secured to the ground—no reservation required. Check the official website for dates and locations!

Ride the wave of excitement from your hot air balloon adventure straight into a flavorful morning at L’ATELIER DES SENS, just a 3-minute drive from the launch site. Known for its delicious use of Azumino’s local vegetables, this cozy spot is a favorite among locals and visitors alike.

The name L’ATELIER DES SENS means “the workshop of the senses” in French—a fitting title for a restaurant that celebrates fresh, seasonal ingredients with refined yet approachable French-style cuisine. It’s a morning meal that delights every sense.

The signature morning set features a generous salad plate topped with fresh local vegetables, house-made chicken ham, and farm-fresh scrambled eggs. A classic French vinaigrette brings out the natural sweetness of the greens—turning vegetables into the star of the meal.

Choose from house-roasted coffee, Azumino milk, or orange juice. In the spirit of a leisurely, elegant morning, coffee refills are free—a rare treat in Japan.

The spacious dining area has a relaxed, welcoming vibe, making it popular with solo diners and regulars alike. Many visitors are surprised by the generous salad portions and affordable prices, while the steady stream of local patrons speaks volumes about the quality of the ingredients and the care in every dish.

Owner-chef Fumiki Adachi, born and raised in Azumino, honed his culinary skills at prestigious French restaurants and wine bars in Tokyo, as well as in official residences in the U.S. and France, serving discerning diplomats and guests. In 2008, he was honored with the Japanese Foreign Minister’s Award as an “Outstanding Official Residence Chef.”

After returning to his hometown, he opened this restaurant with the goal of offering approachable French cuisine rooted in local, seasonal ingredients. In 2014, he relocated to the current site, which also houses the brewery for Hotaka Beer, a craft beer made with locally grown Azumino hops. Today, in addition to running the restaurant, he studies at graduate school and researches the health benefits of Azumino’s famed wasabi—showing a deep and ongoing commitment to the region’s food culture.

He created the morning menu inspired by Azumino’s serene morning landscapes and the city’s motto, “a town that makes you love mornings.”

“I hope people can enjoy a rich, unhurried start to their day in this space,” he says. As you savor your breakfast, you’ll feel his sentiment in every bite—making for a peaceful, heartwarming morning in Azumino.

Next, it’s time to explore the artistic soul of Azumino. Just a 7-minute drive from L’ATELIER DES SENS and close to JR Hotaka Station on the Oito Line, the Rokuzan Art Museum is a must-visit cultural landmark.

The museum honors the legacy of Moriye Ogihara (artist name: Rokuzan), a brilliant sculptor from Azumino who played a pioneering role in modern Japanese sculpture during the Meiji era. His passionate works and personal artifacts are on display in a setting that’s as visually striking as the art itself.

Inside, you’ll find a collection of masterpieces by Rokuzan, who studied art in New York and Paris and created a lasting legacy in his short 30-year life. Though compact, the museum offers an intimate and moving experience, as if you’re immersing yourself in a world filled with Rokuzan’s passion for love and beauty.

The museum opened in 1958, born from the desire of local teachers to preserve Rokuzan’s legacy in his hometown. Funding came from over 300,000 donors, including schoolchildren across Nagano Prefecture. The land was donated by the town from a neighboring junior high school, and local students even helped carry bricks, stones, and tiles during construction.

As Azumino’s first art museum, it remains beloved not just by locals, but by visitors from across Japan. In 2022, a crowdfunding campaign to fund building repairs exceeded its goal threefold—testament to the museum’s enduring impact.

Another quiet favorite among visitors is the tin-casting workshop (2,500 yen), where you can create your own original keepsake in just 15 minutes—an easy, hands-on way to take home a memory of your trip.

The workshop takes place at the whimsical Gooseberry House, a facility on the museum grounds that also houses a uniquely designed museum shop. The surrounding garden blooms with seasonal flowers and greenery, making it easy to lose track of time as you stroll, create, and soak in the beauty of the Rokuzan Art Museum.

For lunch, head to the foothills area, known for its charming cafés and galleries. Just a 10-minute drive from the Rokuzan Art Museum, Blé Noir is the first local restaurant in Azumino to specialize in galettes—savory buckwheat crepes from France’s Brittany region.

While Azumino is known for its soba, this unique spot gives buckwheat a delicious French twist, offering a fresh and flavorful alternative that blends culinary craftsmanship with a gallery-like ambiance.

Originally from Kyushu, the owners, Mr. and Mrs. Nuki, were inspired to move to Azumino after their honeymoon visit to the Rokuzan Art Museum. They were deeply moved by the art, the serene wasabi fields, and the majestic, snow-capped Northern Alps. Their love for French culture and the area's access to pure meltwater and fresh ingredients led them to fulfill their dream of opening a galette café here in 2010.

To perfect their galette recipes, the couple explored specialty shops across Japan and even traveled to France, studying in Paris and Brittany. They ultimately adopted a recipe from a native of Brittany, which they learned directly. The buckwheat flour comes from the Yatsugatake area, chosen for its ideal flavor. They use Calpis-brand butter, Gruyère cheese from Switzerland, Parisian-style ham, locally grown Azumino produce, and even import their ice cream from Belgium. One French visitor once told them, “These are better than the galettes in Paris,” a comment that continues to motivate them.

With health-conscious women taking note of the benefits of buckwheat—rich in rutin, fiber, and vitamin B—galettes are gaining popularity. They're also a delicious way to enjoy plenty of fresh vegetables.

Many guests take in the gallery while waiting for their meal, making for a well-rounded experience. “Customers often say it’s like getting two treats in one,” says Mr. Nuki with a smile. His gentle demeanor adds to the warm and relaxing atmosphere.

After a morning of exploring Azumino’s natural charm, why not slow down in the afternoon with some souvenir shopping? Head to spots offering edible treasures you’ll only find here.

The first stop is apple & roses, a beloved pastry shop in the heart of the foothill area, known for its elegant sweets made with Shinshu apples and flowers. The signature “Apple & Roses Tart” (3 pieces for 3,888 yen, tax included) resembles a bouquet of blooming roses, while the “Tatin Sand” (5 pieces for 1,994 yen, tax included) is a flavorful creation made with the essence of an entire apple per bar. Both are crafted with a focus on premium ingredients and unique techniques.

The shop is run by the Kurehas—Hideki, with a background in design and menu development, and his wife Eri, who formerly worked with flowers and imported tableware. Drawing on their international experiences, they opened the store at the foot of the beloved Northern Alps to share the richness of Nagano’s nature and flavors.

Every item feels like a bouquet meant to delight someone special—perfect as a gift or a personal treat. Many items also have a long shelf life, making them ideal for souvenirs. The adjoining salon offers a refined space to enjoy afternoon tea, inviting you to unwind and soak in the resort-like tranquility of Azumino.

Azumino is a destination for those seeking new sights and first-time experiences. From breathtaking scenery and locally rooted flavors to inspiring art and warm encounters, everything you discover here is uniquely tied to this land. Starting your day early lets you make the most of every hour—and the unforgettable memories created in those fleeting moments may just add a new spark to your life.

(Note: This article is based on information gathered at the time of coverage. Please contact each location directly for the most up-to-date details. Unauthorized reproduction or use of the photos and text in this article is strictly prohibited.)