Nagano, Oct 07 (News On Japan) - A hotel construction plan in the rural wasabi-growing area of Azumino City, Nagano Prefecture, has sparked strong opposition from local residents who fear it will damage the landscape and threaten the region’s iconic wasabi fields.
The planned seven-story, 28-meter-tall hotel is to be built along a national highway near JR Hotaka Station, an area famous for its clear spring water and expansive wasabi paddies that draw visitors from across Japan.
While the project complies with the city’s landscape guideline limiting building height to 30 meters, some residents are alarmed at the potential impact on the area’s rural charm. “It will destroy the countryside feel,” said a local resident. “The view of the mountains will be ruined.”
A citizens’ group called “Association to Preserve the Nature and Wasabi Fields of Azumino for Future Generations” has gathered over 40,000 signatures—both online and in person—urging the developer to cancel or revise the plan. “We were shocked,” said the group’s chair. “Do we really need something that big? With so many tour buses coming and going, it would completely change the atmosphere.”
The group has written to the developer, requesting discussions about reducing the scale of the building to something more in line with the surrounding landscape, suggesting a four-story limit as an example.
Some newer residents who moved from Tokyo to enjoy Azumino’s natural scenery also expressed mixed feelings. “The hotel could bring economic benefits to the area,” said one, “but it’s disappointing to think of a large building blocking the view of the Northern Alps.”
Concerns have also been raised about the effect on the delicate hydrology supporting the wasabi farms. The region’s famous spring water flows from snowmelt in the Northern Alps, feeding fields that produce the high-quality wasabi used nationwide. Farmers worry that construction could disrupt groundwater flow. “If the flow changes or the water volume decreases, we won’t be able to grow wasabi here,” said one farmer. “The fields could quickly fall into ruin.”
Visitors to local wasabi farms—popular for wasabi-flavored soft-serve ice cream—share similar worries. “We came all the way from Gunma for the wasabi ice cream,” one tourist said. “It’s delicious and has that perfect sharp kick.”
Yet others see the development as a potential boon. “If a hotel is built, it will make the town livelier,” said a nearby rental bicycle shop owner. City council member Akihiro Miyashita also supported the project, noting, “Stay-based tourism keeps money in the community. I believe the economic effect will be significant.”
In response to criticism, the hotel developer said it had already held explanatory meetings for nearby residents and emphasized that “no piling work is planned during construction,” adding that it would continue efforts to build understanding of the project.
Source: FNN
