Yes – You Can Do the Snow Monkeys as a 1-Day Trip from Tokyo Many travelers wonder: “If the Snow Monkey tour in Nagano starts at 8:45 AM, can I still do it as a simple day trip from Tokyo?” … Read More
Heritage Town, Cuisine, Sake & Art: Explore Hokusai in Obuse
Heritage Town, Cuisine, Sake & Art: Explore Hokusai in Obuse




















































- 📅 Period: All year
- ⏱ Duration: 5 hours
- 📍 In front of Beck’s Coffee inside Nagano Station
Discover the timeless charm of Obuse — a quaint town that inspired Japan’s legendary artist Hokusai. This half-day walking tour takes you through art, sake, and serene temple grounds in a beautifully preserved townscape.
✅ Explore Obuse, the charming town that inspired Hokusai and his patron Kozan Takai
✅ Discover Hokusai’s art at the Hokusai Museum and see his phoenix masterpiece at Ganshoin Temple
✅ Taste premium Nagano sake at a historic 270-year-old brewery
✅ Enjoy a delicious Japanese lunch at a beloved local restaurant
✅ Stroll through Chestnut Alley and quiet side streets full of hidden charm
✅ All admission fees included: Hokusai Museum, Kozan Takai Memorial, and Ganshoin Temple
✅ Round-trip transportation from Nagano Station included
✅ Small group tour with an English-speaking local guide
📝 Experience Details
When you think of Japanese woodblock prints, The Great Wave off Kanagawa 🌊 might come to mind. The artist, Katsushika Hokusai, spent his later years in Obuse, a quaint town in Nagano, supported by local patron Kozan Takai.
This small-group tour lets you step into the world that inspired his final masterpieces. Explore the Hokusai Museum, the Kozan Takai Memorial, and Ganshoin Temple, home to Hokusai’s magnificent phoenix painting. Between stops, stroll along Chestnut Alley, enjoy a guided sake tasting, and relax over a delicious lunch at a local favorite, Kurabu.
Whether you’re an art lover, a history buff, or simply curious about Japan’s rich culture, this tour offers a deep and memorable experience—without taking up your whole day.
📅 Sample Itinerary
Meet in front of Beck’s Coffee (Nagano Station West Exit)
Scenic drive to Obuse
Walk along Chestnut Alley
Visit the Kozan Takai Memorial Museum
Guided tour of the Hokusai Museum
Sake tasting at a historic local brewery
Lunch at Kurabu, a well-known Obuse restaurant
Visit Ganshoin Temple and see the phoenix painting
Return to Nagano Station
✅ What’s Included
Round-trip transport from Nagano Station
Entry to Hokusai Museum, Kozan Takai Memorial, and Ganshoin Temple
Guided tour in English
Sake tasting session
Japanese lunch (set menu)
Small-group experience
❌ What’s Not Included
Additional drinks or personal purchases during the tour
Travel insurance
Hotel pickup/drop-off (the tour starts and ends at Nagano Station)
- Photo Friendly
- 4.5 - 5 Hours
- 2 to 10 people
- All weather
Trip Itinerary
Have a Question?
Feel free to reach out and we're happy to answer any questions you may have.
¥23,800 per person
Info
- Duration: 4 – 5 hours,
- Minimum: 2 people per tour
- Maximum: 8 people per tour
- Price: 23,800 JPY (incl. tax) per person, Child (3-9) 19,800 JPY (incl. tax)
- Infants (0-2) are free of charge. An infant lunch is not included
- Includes: Hokusai Museum Entrance fees, Takai Kozan Memorial Museum Entrance fees, Lunch, Sake Tasting, Ganshoin Temple Entrance fees, transportation for all listed destination & English-speaking guide
- Excludes: Extra drinks and food (available to purchase), Bullet train tickets and other transportation fees.
- 📍 Meeting point: In front of Beck’s Coffee inside Nagano Station (just outside the Shinkansen ticket gates)
Explore the Legacy of Hokusai in His Final Chapter
While most know Hokusai for The Great Wave, few discover the town where he painted his final works. This tour brings you into Obuse, where his creativity blossomed in peace—and where his spirit still lingers.All-Inclusive, No Stress
From museum entries to sake tastings to lunch, everything is included. No cash handling, no guesswork—just relax and enjoy.Thoughtfully Curated for Depth, Not Speed
Unlike fast-paced group tours, we take time at each stop—whether it’s admiring Hokusai’s phoenix or sipping sake. You won’t feel rushed, and you’ll leave feeling connected.Easy Logistics, Comfortable Ride
Meet at Nagano Station, and we’ll handle the rest—private transport, entry tickets, and restaurant bookings. Perfect for those who value comfort and seamless travel.
🎨 Art Enthusiasts
You’ve seen ukiyo-e before—but have you stood beneath Hokusai’s final masterpiece? This tour is your chance to step into the artist’s world, both visually and emotionally.🍶 Sake Lovers and Curious Beginners
You’ll taste carefully selected local sake, learn the stories behind each bottle, and understand how Obuse fits into Nagano’s brewing heritage.🏯 Cultural Travelers Seeking the “Hidden Japan”
If you’re tired of tourist crowds and crave an authentic town with depth and beauty, Obuse will win you over with its quiet alleys, chestnut shops, and refined historical charm.⏳ Short-Stay Travelers
Staying in Nagano only a day or two? This half-day tour gives you art, history, local food, and sake—all without taking up your whole day.
Q: Will I be able to see original Hokusai works on this tour?
A: Yes. At the Hokusai Museum in Obuse, you’ll see a rotating collection of his original prints, sketches, and personal items. Plus, at Ganshoin Temple, you’ll stand beneath Hokusai’s stunning phoenix ceiling painting—viewable only here, in its original 19th-century location.
Q: How is this different from the Hokusai Museum in Tokyo?
A: Tokyo’s Sumida Hokusai Museum focuses on his early life and large-scale retrospective exhibits. Obuse is where Hokusai spent his final, most reflective years. The works here—including his only surviving ceiling painting—offer a more intimate look at the man behind the master. You’re not just seeing his art—you’re walking the town that shaped it.
Q: Is the tour physically demanding?
A: Not at all. We walk around 3–4 km total, with plenty of breaks and time to explore at your own pace.
Q: Are dietary restrictions accommodated?
A: Yes. Vegetarian, gluten-free, and other requests can be arranged if you let us know in advance.
Q: Can I join the tour if I’m already in Obuse?
A: The default meeting point is Nagano Station, but if you’re staying in Obuse, we can arrange to meet you locally.
Q: What kind of sake is included in the tasting?
A: You’ll enjoy a flight of premium Obuse sake, typically including both dry and fruity varieties. Our guide will walk you through the flavors and brewing methods.
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