1 Day Historic Obuse and Hokusai Mad Man of Art Tour in Japan

Overview

Available languages

English

6 hours 50 minutes

Mobile ticket

Walk in the footsteps of Japan’s most celebrated artist, Hokusai Katsushika, on this engaging one-day tour in the quaint, historic town of Obuse. Starting from Nagano Station, you will visit Hokusai’s original studio in Obuse, view his original work at the Obuse Hokusai-kan Museum and finally, view his last and largest remaining ‘in-situ’ artwork – the giant phoenix of Gansho-in Temple. Including plenty of time to explore Obuse for yourself, this tour is designed to introduce you to or further your understanding of Japan’s greatest artist in the very place he walked, worked and produced his final masterpiece.

Additional Info

Wheelchair accessible

Public transportation options are available nearby

Transportation options are wheelchair accessible

All areas and surfaces are wheelchair accessible

Suitable for all physical fitness levels

Cancellation Policy

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

What To Expect

Kozan Takai Memorial Museum

Led by your guide, you will visit the Takai Kozan Museum including Hokusai’s studio where he worked and taught while in Obuse.

1 hour 15 minutes • Admission Included

Hokusai-kan

Arrive at the Obuse Hokusai-kan Museum to view the artist's original works. The small museum rotates its exhibitions to highlight different stages of Hokusai’s prolific life including his early focus on ‘ukiyo-e’ to later mastery of styles including ‘surimono’, ‘manga’ and ‘kakemono’.

1 hour 30 minutes • Admission Included

What‘s Included

Total Tour Duration inclusive from start to each leg of the tour to end.

Entry fee for Takai Kozan Museum, Hokusai-kan Museum and Gansho-in Temple

Transportation fee from Nagano to/from Obuse and all listed destinations

English-speaking guide

Lunch (vegetarian options are available)

Additional food, snacks & drinks

Shinkansen / ‘Bullet Train’ tickets to/from Nagano - pricing available online

Accommodation

Options

1 Day Historic Obuse and Hokusai Mad Man of Art Tour in Japan

Reviews

5.00

6 reviews

Total reviews and rating from Viator & Tripadvisor

Great Experience
Justin S,,Dec 16, 2025
- Review from Tripadvisor
5.00
Nadine was a fantastic guide. Really enjoyed her storytelling and she gave us some great recommendations for the evening and the next day that were fantastic!
One of the best tours of my life
Q5923RVandrewo,,Jun 20, 2025
- Review from Tripadvisor
5.00
My college-aged son is interested in Japanese woodblock printing generally, and Hokusai specifically. This tour exceeded our greatest expectations. Devin was an exceptional tour guide. He had a knowledge and love of woodblock printing that was impressive. He put what we were seeing in context, and gave us a true appreciation of the development of this art over the 18th and 19th centuries. Just by way of background, I lived in Japan for two years, and elsewhere in Asia for 25 (with many trips to Japan). So I know the country reasonably well. And I studied art history at an Ivy League university, so I have some knowledge there.
Nice paced tour of Obuse and bHokusai art and history.
cindygH9911AJ,,Nov 30, 2024
- Review from Tripadvisor
5.00
Lovely day exploring Obuse with Dai. He met us at the train station closest to our hotel. The trip was well paced giving us time to explore town, learn about and see the art and final studio of Hokusai. Would recommend if you have time to explore. Bonus for us was the autumn colors
Great experience with the Obuse Tour
X2464GOgloriam,,Oct 28, 2024
- Review from Tripadvisor
5.00
We thoroughly enjoyed our tour of Obuse with Kevin. We benefited from his knowledge of Hokusai and the region. The sites chosen were influential and valuable to experience. The food scene was fantastic with opportunities to experience local specialties. The extra attention getting us to our next train was greatly appreciated. Consider this tour if you love food and art.
Beautiful Obuse
Kerrie C,,Oct 18, 2024
- Review from Tripadvisor
5.00
Obuse is an elegant small town absolutely not to be missed. And our guide Joyce Aiko brought its history and culture to life for us. Aiko met us at Nagano station and travelled with us to Obuse where we enjoyed a leisurely stroll through the streets to the beautiful Hokusai Museum. If you like art this is very special. There were options for our small group and we never felt hurried or busied. So there was time to pursue particular interests or moments that presented such as watching the artistry of noodle making and exploring the craft shops. Aiko was very knowledgeable and generously informative as our curiosity grew. Would thoroughly recommend this tour with Aiko.
4 friends October visit with Aiko
Ronald Q,,Oct 15, 2024
- Review from Tripadvisor
5.00
We had a 2 day tour of Nagano, Snow Monkey Park, Obense with an overnight stay in a ryokan. The art of Hokusai was fascinating, including the ceiling painting. Soba noodles and a sake tasting were highlights. Aiko was a wonderful guide, very knowledgeable and flexible when we wanted to take longer at certain places.