Our Selection: Hokusai-kan Museum 50th Anniversary & Historic Obuse Stroll
Season
Year-round
Duration
6 to 8 hours
Participants
Up to 6 guests per group
Wide-Area Pick-up
Private door-to-door service available from Hakuba, Nozawa Onsen, Nagano, Azumino, and Matsumoto
English Curator Guide
Specialized English guidance by a museum curator is available with advanced booking
The Spirit of Hokusai: Discovering Late-Life Masterpieces in Historic Obuse
As one of Japan’s most famous and influential artists, Katsushika Hokusai is celebrated worldwide for his iconic “Great Wave” prints. However, some of his most profound and mature works—his late-life masterpieces—were painted right here in the scenic town of Obuse. At the age of 80 and beyond, Hokusai reached a new spiritual height, leaving behind vibrant hand-painted works that radiate an energy you can only experience in person. On this tour, we will visit the Hokusai-kan Museum, where the master’s soul lives on in the breathtaking ceiling paintings of the traditional festival floats. We will also visit Ganshō-in Temple to stand beneath his largest remaining work: the “Great Phoenix.” Painted when he was 89 years old, this massive ceiling painting remains a testament to his relentless pursuit of perfection as an artist.
Beyond the art, Obuse is a town that feels like a living museum. Wander along the Chestnut Wood-Block Streets, where the scent of roasting chestnuts fills the air and historic sake breweries invite you to taste centuries of tradition. As you explore, you will also discover a variety of charming boutiques offering exquisite Japanese stationery and traditional crafts—perfect for finding a unique memento of your journey. A unique highlight of Obuse is the “Open Garden” culture. Some private residences and historic estates generously open parts of their beautiful, manicured gardens to the public, marked by welcoming signs. This culture of hospitality allows for an intimate and refined glimpse into the local lifestyle, as long as the quiet harmony of these shared spaces is respected. From the artistic intensity of Hokusai to the tranquil beauty of the townscape, this tour is a deep dive into the cultural soul and enduring heritage of Nagano.
Before You Book
Our goal is to provide a seamless and all-inclusive experience. For your convenience and transparency, please note the key details:
- How to Book:
1. Please select “Sightseeing” from the tour options on our booking page.
2. After booking, you will receive a confirmation email containing a link to a Google Form.
3. In the “Destination” section of the form, please specify “Hokusai-kan Museum & Obuse Stroll” to secure your workshop.
- Pick-up & Plan Options: We provide private door-to-door service from Hakuba, Nozawa Onsen, Nagano City, Azumino, and Matsumoto. You can choose between a 6-hour or 8-hour plan to suit your pace and interests
- Curator Availability: Curator guides require advanced booking. Availability is not guaranteed for last-minute requests
- Duration & Surcharges: The standard duration for this tour is 6 or 8 hours. If you wish to extend a 6-hour tour to an 8-hour tour, the price difference will apply. For any extension beyond 8 hours, a surcharge of ¥10,000 will be applied for every 30 minutes
- Excluded Expenses: The tour price does not cover admission fees (e.g., Hokusai-kan Museum, Ganshō-in Temple), or the cost of meals for you and your guide. Guests are requested to pay for these expenses directly on-site
- Special Discount: Guests visiting the Hokusai-kan Museum in Japanese kimono will receive a 50% discount on the admission fee
- Temple Etiquette: At Ganshō-in Temple, photography of the “Great Phoenix” ceiling painting is strictly prohibited to preserve the artwork. We ask for your cooperation in maintaining a quiet and respectful environment during our visit
- Insurance: For your peace of mind, we strongly recommend that all guests obtain comprehensive travel insurance prior to the tour
- Personal Belongings: LOCAL GUIDE JAPAN is not responsible for the loss, theft, or damage of personal items during the tour
- Weather Policy: In the case of severe weather, the tour itinerary may be adjusted or certain locations changed for your safety and comfort
- Tax Information: All listed prices are inclusive of 10% consumption tax
The Peak of Hokusai’s Genius
Witness the vibrant energy of the master’s final works, including the breathtaking “Great Phoenix.” Experience art that can only be seen here in Obuse.
Timeless Townscape & Culture
Wander through historic chestnut-lined lanes, discover charming boutiques offering traditional crafts, and experience the unique “Open Garden” culture where local hospitality meets Edo-period elegance.
Seamless Door-to-Door Travel
Relax with private transport from Hakuba, Nozawa Onsen, Nagano City, Azumino, or Matsumoto. We ensure a comfortable, refined journey focused entirely on your discovery.
Sample Schedule
Hakuba Departure (8 hours)
| 08:30 | Private Guide Meets You & Seamless Pickup |
|---|---|
| 09:50 | Insightful Visit to Hokusai-kan Museum |
| 11:30 | Ganshō-in Temple: Witness the "Great Phoenix" |
| 12:10 | Quick Stop at "Milgreen" for Fresh Jersey Gelato |
| 12:45 | Relaxing Lunch Experience |
| 14:00 | Kaminari-daki Waterfall: Experience the "Urami-no-taki" |
| 14:50 | Stroll Through Chestnut Wood-Block Streets & Museum of Obuse-Akari |
| 15:30 | Begin Return Journey |
| 16:50 | Comfortable Drop-off |
Nozawa Onsen Departure (6 hours)
| 09:30 | Private Guide Meets You & Seamless Pickup |
|---|---|
| 10:15 | Insightful Visit to Hokusai-kan Museum |
| 11:30 | Ganshō-in Temple: Witness the "Great Phoenix" |
| 12:00 | Spring Season Special: Cherry Blossoms at Chikuma River Park |
| 12:45 | Relaxing Lunch Experience |
| 13:45 | Historic Town Center Stroll & Sake Tasting at a Local Brewery |
| 14:45 | Refined Tea Time at a Charming Local Cafe |
| 15:45 | Begin Return Journey |
| 16:30 | Comfortable Drop-off |