Heritage Town, Cuisine, Sake & Art: Explore Hokusai in Obuse

Heritage Town, Cuisine, Sake & Art: Explore Hokusai in Obuse

Info
¥23,800 / person (10+)
  • 📅 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)

Trip Itinerary

10:00 / Nagano station
Greet your guide and begin the journey to the heart of Obuse. Enjoy a brief introduction to the day’s highlights.
10:55 / Visit Kozan Takai Memorial Museum
Take a short walk down the charming Chestnut Alley to the rear entrance of the Kozan Takai Memorial Museum. This former residence of Takai Kozan, a wealthy merchant and Hokusai’s patron, showcases his impressive collection of paintings and calligraphy. Explore the building’s fascinating hidden rooms and secret passages while learning about Kozan’s significant role in Obuse’s history.
11:15 / Explore Hokusai Museum (Hokusai-kan)
Discover the masterpieces of the legendary artist Hokusai, who spent his later years in Obuse. The museum houses an extensive collection of his works, including his renowned Thirty-six Views of Mount Fuji series, featuring the iconic The Great Wave off Kanagawa. Dive into the life and legacy of one of Japan’s greatest artists.
12:15 / Sake Brewery Experience
Visit a family-run sake brewery to enjoy a delightful tasting session. Learn about traditional brewing techniques and savor the distinct flavors of Obuse’s sake.
12:45 PM / Lunch at a Trendy Restaurant
Relish a set meal in a stylish restaurant with an open kitchen, offering a cozy atmosphere and delicious local cuisine.
13:30 / Visit Ganshoin Temple
Marvel at the breathtaking Phoenix Glaring in All Directions mural on the ceiling of Ganshoin Temple. This remarkable work of art was painted by Hokusai himself and remains a testament to his enduring genius.
14:30 - 15:00 / Tour Concludes
The tour concludes at Nagano Station. Your guide will bid you farewell and ensure you leave with unforgettable memories. The exact end time may vary depending on the group’s pace.
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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