Half Day Walking Tour in Obuse Hokusai Local Specialties
Active
4h
For a full refund, cancel at least 24 hours before the scheduled departure time.
Manual confirmation
Mobile or paper ticket accepted
About this experience
Visiting Zenkoji Temple, Togakushi Shrine, Nozawa Onsen, or the Jigokudani Snow Monkey Park? Stop by Obuse, an enchanting town in Nagano prefecture, renowned for its connection to the legendary artist Katsushika Hokusai.
Stroll through the charming streets, admiring the beautiful gardens and inviting walking paths.
Visit the Hokusai-kan Museum and uncover the fascinating story of why Hokusai journeyed from Edo (modern-day Tokyo) to Obuse in his 80s.
Enjoy culinary delights that have been savored since Hokusai's time, including local sake and miso (including a bonus miso souvenir!).
We offer start times from 9:00am and 1:00pm. If you’d like to enjoy lunch in Obuse after the morning tour or begin the afternoon tour a bit earlier (such as around 12:00pm), we’re happy to adjust the schedule to suit your plans. Just let us know your preferred time when booking.
Available options
Self-Guided Tour
Self-Guided Tour: A staff member will give you an orientation at the start of the tour, but after that, you will be free to explore on your own
Guided Tour: Obuse Stn. Start
English guided tour<br/>Start at Obuse Station
Guided Tour: Nagano Stn. Start
English guided tour<br/>Start at Nagano Station
What's included
Tour & tasting at the Kokuhei Miso Brewery
Tour & tasting at the Matsubaya Sake Brewery
Miso souvenir
Admission to the Hokusai-kan Museum
English-speaking guide (unlicensed)
Detailed itinerary
1
Wander through the charming streets of Obuse, guided by your expert. Uncover the secrets of Hokusai's inspiration and the town's rich history.
2
Dive into the world of Hokusai at this dedicated museum. Marvel at his ukiyo-e prints and original paintings, most notably the panels that adorn the ceiling of the Higashimachi and Kanmachi festival floats.
3
Obuse has been known for its chestnuts for over 300 years. Enjoy delectable chestnut sweets at one of Obuse's many chestnut confectioneries. Please note that food & drink purchased here is not included in the tour price.
4
Discover the heart of sake-making at Matsubaya Brewery. Tour the historic brewery and savor the delicate flavors of sake, a timeless treasure.
5
Kokuhei Miso Brewery: Step back in time and explore a miso brewery dating back to the Edo period. Tour the historic warehouse and savor the traditional taste of miso. The miso tasting fee is included in the tour price.
What's not included
Sweets and drinks
Personal expenses
Available languages
Guide guide
EN
Important information
Public transportation options are available nearby
Not recommended for travelers with spinal injuries
Not recommended for pregnant travelers
Not recommended for travelers with poor cardiovascular health
Suitable for all physical fitness levels
Not recommended for travelers who are allergic to soy
Not recommended for travelers who have low tolerance to alcohol
Not recommended for travelers over 75 years old. This tour does not allow strollers, so children who can walk on their own can participate. Travelers should have a moderate physical fitness level.
Meeting point
Our stuff will be standing outside the station, holding a sign.
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.
From $25
per person
Price varies by option
Secure booking
Free cancellation available
