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

Nagano , Japan

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

Active

(2 reviews)

4h - 5h

For a full refund, cancel at least 24 hours before the scheduled departure time.

Instant confirmation

Mobile or paper ticket accepted

About this experience

Discover the Art of Hokusai in Obuse: A Walking Tour with Sake & Local Flavors. Step into the world of ukiyo-e master Katsushika Hokusai on this walking tour in Obuse, just 30 minutes by train from Nagano City. Obuse offers a unique mix of history, art, and local culture.

・Explore Hokusai’s Legacy:
Visit the Hokusai Museum and Kozan Takai Memorial Museum to discover the life and works of the artist behind The Great Wave.

・Temple Experience:
See Hokusai’s ‘Phoenix Glaring in All Directions’ at Ganshoin Temple, a stunning ceiling painting of a phoenix that follows you.

・Sake Tasting & Local Delights:
Enjoy sake tasting at a local brewery and a delicious lunch at a trendy restaurant, showcasing Obuse’s culinary scene.

・Experience Obuse's Charm:
Wander through picturesque streets, meet local shopkeepers, and explore the town’s culture and history.

This tour blends art, history, and local flavors for an unforgettable experience in one of Japan’s most charming towns.

Available options

Start from Nagano station

Meet your guide infront of Starbucks Midori Nagano Station, get on a vehicle and heading to Obuse.

What's included

photographs taken throughout the experience to be shared with you after the tour

Hokusai Museum entrance, Takai Kozan Memorial Museum Entrance and Ganshoin Temple Entrance fees

Lunch

Private transport from Nagano Station to Obuse and back

Sake Tasting

Detailed itinerary

Meet your guide in front of Starbuck Midori Nagano station, get on a vehicle and heading to Obuse.

Meet Up with our guide at Obuse station and heading to center of Obuse

A short walk away down the narrow Chestnut Alley is the rear entrance of the Takai Kozan Memorial Museum. This was the former residence of Takai Kozan, the rich merchant who invited Hokusai to Obuse as his patron and student. The museum exhibits many of Kozan's paintings as well as some of his calligraphy works. The building itself is well known for its hidden rooms and secret passages.

Visit Hokusai-kan to see collection of Hokusai's greatest works. Hokusai spent several of the final years of his life in Obuse before he died at the age of 88. A vast collection of paintings and works from Hokusai are on display at the museum. His best known work is the woodblock print series Thirty-six Views of Mount Fuji which includes the international recognized print The Great Wave off Kanagawa.

The place is run by family business owners. A lovely experience and delicious Sake.

You have set meal in atmospheric trendy restaurant with open kitchen.

Ganshoin Temple features a ceiling painting of a phoenix by famed ukiyo-e artist Hokusai made when he was 89 years old. It’s best viewed by laying flat on the tatami mats and looking up.

The tour concludes at Nagano station or Obuse station as you like, and your guide will say good-bye here. The end time depends on the pace of groupe

What's not included

Extra drinks and food (available to purchase)

Meal for infant

Transportation fee to meeting point is not included.

There are no mandatory in-destination costs.

Available languages

Guide guide

Reviews breakdown

Viator 5.0

1 reviews

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1★

Tripadvisor 5.0

1 reviews

5★

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Important information

Public transportation options are available nearby

Infants are required to sit on an adult’s lap

Not recommended for travelers with spinal injuries

Not recommended for pregnant travelers

Not recommended for travelers with poor cardiovascular health

Travelers should have at least a moderate level of physical fitness

Walking shoes are recommended

In case of late arrival, the tour cannot be extended.

Please do not eat or drink coffee inside the vehicle to keep it clean for everyone. Bottled water and small pets in carriers are okay.

Meeting point

Your guide will meet you in front of Starbucks Midori Nagano station

About Nagano

Nagano, the capital of Nagano Prefecture, is a city rich in history and natural beauty. Known for its role in the 1998 Winter Olympics, Nagano offers a blend of traditional Japanese culture, stunning mountain landscapes, and world-class ski resorts. The city is a gateway to some of Japan's most famous hot springs and ancient temples.

Top Attractions

Zenko-ji Temple

Zenko-ji is one of Japan's most important Buddhist temples, dating back to the 7th century. It is a significant pilgrimage site and a symbol of Nagano's spiritual heritage.

Religious 1-2 hours Free (donations appreciated)

Snow Monkeys of Jigokudani

The Snow Monkeys of Jigokudani are a famous attraction, known for their unique behavior of bathing in hot springs during the winter months.

Nature Half day to full day ¥800 (adults) or ¥400 (children)

Nagano Olympic Museum

This museum commemorates the 1998 Winter Olympics held in Nagano. It features exhibits on the history of the Olympics, the events held in Nagano, and the athletes who participated.

Historical 1-2 hours ¥500 (adults) or ¥200 (children)

Togakushi Shrine

Togakushi Shrine is a complex of three shrines dedicated to the Shinto goddess of archery. It is a popular destination for both spiritual and cultural tourism.

Religious Half day Free (donations appreciated)

Shiga Kogen

Shiga Kogen is one of Japan's largest and most popular ski resorts, known for its extensive ski runs, modern facilities, and beautiful mountain scenery.

Adventure Full day or overnight ¥4,000 - ¥6,000 (lift tickets)

Must-Try Local Dishes

Soba Noodles

Soba noodles are made from buckwheat flour and are a staple of Nagano's cuisine. They can be served hot or cold, with various toppings and dipping sauces.

Dish Vegetarian (if no meat or fish toppings are added)

Oyaki

Oyaki are dumplings filled with various ingredients, such as vegetables, meat, or cheese. They are a popular snack in Nagano and are often served with meals.

Dish Vegetarian options available

Sake

Nagano is known for its high-quality sake, made from locally grown rice. The region has numerous sake breweries, offering a variety of flavors and styles.

Drink Contains alcohol

Onsen Ryori

Onsen Ryori is a type of cuisine served in hot spring resorts. It typically consists of dishes made with local ingredients, such as vegetables, fish, and tofu, cooked in the hot spring water.

Dish Vegetarian options available

Popular Activities

Skiing Snowboarding Hiking Mountain biking Hot air ballooning Hot spring bathing Temple visiting Shopping

Best Time to Visit

Winter (December to February)

Winter is the peak season for skiing, snowboarding, and other winter sports. The city hosts numerous winter festivals and events. Expect heavy snowfall and cold temperatures.

-2°C to 5°C (28°F to 41°F) 28°F to 41°F

Practical Information

Language

Official: Japanese
Widely spoken: English (limited)
English: Limited

Currency

Japanese Yen (JPY)

Time Zone

GMT+9

Electricity

100VV, 50/60HzHz

Safety Information

Overall Safety Rating: Generally safe

Nagano is a generally safe destination for travelers. Violent crime is rare, and petty crime, such as pickpocketing, is uncommon. However, travelers should still take precautions to protect their belongings and be aware of their surroundings.

Important Precautions:

• Keep valuables secure and out of sight.
• Be cautious of your surroundings, especially at night.
• Use reputable taxis and tour services.

Getting there

By air

Nagano Airport • 10 km (6 miles) from the city center
Chubu Centrair International Airport • 200 km (124 miles) from the city center

By train

Nagano Station

By bus

Nagano Station Bus Terminal, Zenko-ji Temple Bus Stop

Getting around

Public transport

The city bus system is the primary mode of public transport in Nagano, covering most areas of the city and connecting to major attractions. Buses are frequent and affordable.

Taxis

Available • Apps: JapanTaxi, DiDi

Rentals

Car, Bike, Scooter

Neighborhoods

Central Nagano Togakushi Shiga Kogen

Day trips

Shiga Kogen

50 km (31 miles) from Nagano • Full day or overnight

Shiga Kogen is one of Japan's largest and most popular ski resorts, offering a wide range of winter and summer activities. It is a great destination for outdoor enthusiasts and nature lovers.

Togakushi

20 km (12 miles) from Nagano • Half day

Togakushi is a rural area known for its ancient shrines, soba noodles, and hiking trails. It is a popular destination for both spiritual and cultural tourism.

Jigokudani Monkey Park

60 km (37 miles) from Nagano • Half day to full day

Jigokudani Monkey Park is a popular destination for observing wild Japanese macaques, known as snow monkeys, in their natural habitat. The park is especially famous for the monkeys' unique behavior of bathing in hot springs during the winter months.

Festivals

Nagano Winter Festival • February Nagano Summer Festival • August Togakushi Fire Festival • February 3rd

Pro tips

Visit Zenko-ji Temple early in the morning to avoid crowds and experience the temple's serene atmosphere.
Try Togakushi's famous soba noodles at a local restaurant, such as Soba Koenji or Soba Nagano.
Take a day trip to Shiga Kogen for skiing, snowboarding, or hiking, depending on the season.
Experience the Nagano Winter Festival in February for a unique and memorable cultural event.
Visit the Snow Monkeys of Jigokudani in winter to see the monkeys bathing in the hot springs.