Hokusai Museum, Lunch & Sake Walking Tour in Obuse, Nagano

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Summary
Highlights
Experience Details
Experience Location
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Duration
4 hours
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Number of Guests
2 - 10 guests
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Language
English

Immerse yourself in the world of ukiyo-e master Katsushika Hokusai in this walking tour in Obuse, Nagano. Visit two museums and a temple housing one of his paintings. Sake tasting and lunch included!

Highlights

  • Take part in this walking tour of Obuse, a cozy town only 30 minutes by train from Nagano City, midway to the Jigokudani Monkey Park!

  • Immerse yourself in the fascinating world of Katsushika Hokusai, the master behind the famous woodblock painting The Great Wave! Visit the Hokusai Museum and the Kozan Takai Memorial Museum

  • Enjoy a sake-tasting experience at a local brewery and a scrumptious lunch at a trendy restaurant, and talk to local business owners to learn more about the town

  • Visit the Ganshoin Temple and see the 'Phoenix Glaring in All Directions', Hokusai’s depiction of a phoenix on the ceiling of a temple that seems to be staring at you no matter where you stand!

  • Our team will be on hand to capture happy moments on camera, and these photos will be shared with you after the tour for lasting memories.

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For each guest that attends this experience, byFood will donate
10 meals

Experience Details

Think of a Japanese woodblock print, and the Great Wave off Kanagawa will inevitably come to mind. The man behind the masterwork is Katsushika Hokusai, perhaps Japan's most famous ukiyo-e painter and printmaker. Apart from his renowned series Thirty-six Views of Mount Fuji, this master left behind a rich and prolific legacy, some of which can be enjoyed in Obuse, a town midway between Nagano City and the Jigokudani Monkey Park. Hokusai spent time in Obuse under the patronage of a local merchant, Kozan Takai, and was charmed by the town's whimsical atmosphere.


Take part in this walking tour of Obuse to learn about the fascinating artistic world of Hokusai. Upon arriving at Obuse, you will see what inspired the woodblock master: with chestnut tree-lined roads and quiet forests, the town is cozy and welcoming. In this idyllic setting, you will visit the Hokusai Museum, which houses many of his works, and another museum honoring his patron, Kozan Takai. You will try a sake-tasting experience and enjoy a local lunch, and then visit Ganshoin Temple, where Hokusai painted a picture of a phoenix that seems to be staring at you no matter where you stand, a testimony of his incredible skill. By the time the tour ends, you will have learned about the ukiyo-e master and his influences, and can continue exploring this town on your own!


Itinerary:

-Meet your host at Obuse Station and walk for a few minutes to reach the town center.

-Walk down Chestnut Alley to the Kozan Takai Memorial Museum. The museum exhibits Kozan’s paintings and calligraphy works.

-Visit the Hokusai Museum, where you will see a collection of paintings and woodblocks by Katsushika Hokusai.

-Visit a local sake brewery and enjoy a sake-tasting experience.

-Have lunch at a beautiful restaurant with an open kitchen.

-Visit the Ganshoin Temple to see the 'Phoenix Glaring in All Directions', Hokusai’s painting of a phoenix on the temple ceiling.

-The tour will finish at Obuse Station.

What You Get

Entrance fees to the Hokusai Museum, Takai Kozan Memorial Museum, and the Ganshoin Temple
English-speaking guide
Sake tasting
Extra drinks and alcohol (available for purchase)
Bullet train tickets and other transportation fees to and from the meeting point

Good To Know

  • Please wear appropriate clothes and shoes

Meeting Point and Meeting Time

  • The meeting point will be Obuse Station (approx. 30 min from Nagano City). A Google Maps link will be provided upon booking.

Cancellation Policy

Cancel your booking at least 48 hours before the experience start time to receive a full refund minus a 3.2% transaction fee.

Read more

Experience Location

Home to several of Japan’s highest mountains, discover the many secrets of Nagano; from world-class pistes to villages frozen in time, and even a troop of hot-tub loving monkeys!

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Earliest available date: April 24, 2025
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Please note that the time is in Japan Standard Time.
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Free cancellation (48 hours notice)
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For each guest that attends this experience, byFood will donate
10 meals
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