Explore Obuse

Explore Obuse

Home of the Hokusai Museum

Key features

Hokusai Museum
Takai Kozan Museum
Restaurants
Cafes
Shopping
Sake Breweries
Ganshoin Temple
Nearby Onsen
Tours

Public Transport

Obuse Station	10-15 min walk
Nagano Station	40 min train/walk

Nearby Attractions

Ganshoin Temple	20 min walk
Jigokudani Monkey Park	35 min train/bus
Zenko-ji Temple	45 min train/walk

Home of the Hokusai Museum

Key features

Hokusai Museum
Takai Kozan Museum
Restaurants
Cafes
Shopping
Sake Breweries
Ganshoin Temple
Nearby Onsen
Tours

Once an important Edo Period (1603-1868) trading town, Obuse is a small historic town accessible using the Nagano Dentetsu (Nagaden) train line. Now known for its chestnut confectionaries, sake and miso breweries, Obuse is most famous as home to the Hokusai Museum. Dedicated to the life and work of Japan’s most renowned artists, Katsushika Hokusai, the small museum regularly rotates its large collection in an effort the breadth and significance of his lifetimes work. Having spent some of his final years in Obuse under the patronage of a wealthy local merchant called Takai Kozan, Hokusai’s last great masterpiece adorns the ceiling of Ganshoin Temple, while the Takai Kozan Museum retains Hokusai’s work studio.

Located near the midpoint of the line between Nagano Station and Yudanaka Station, Obuse has enough to keep you entertained for a morning or afternoon. A long with the museum, it is home to many chestnut confectionaries, cafes and restaurants, along with miso and sake breweries. As such, Obuse is a great destination with the Jigokudani Monkey Park or activities in Nagano City.

Show detailed description Show less

Recommended Highlights from Snow Monkey Resorts

Enjoy Historic Obuse

A popular destination for Japanese, Obuse is known for its confectionaries, sake and as home to the Hokusai Museum.

Things to do in Obuse

Accessible using the Nagaden train line, Obuse offers a range of activities and attractions for visitors.

The Hokusai Museum

Profiling the life and work of Japan’s most important artist, the Hokusai Museum draws visitors from all over the world.

Book a Private Tour

Want to turn your visit into an experience? Book a private tour of Obuse and discover more!

News / Info

How to Get to Obuse

Accessible on the Nagaden train line via Obuse Station, the town is easy to reach from Nagano City or the monkey park.

Snow Monkey Pass

Take advantage of Nagaden’s 2-day Snow Monkey Pass to enjoy the monkeys, Obuse, and more!

Ganshoin Temple

Witness Hokusai’s last great masterpiece – a painted phoenix that graces the ceiling of this local temple.

Accommodation Nearby Obuse

Hotels are limited in the Obuse area but plentiful in nearby Yudanaka & Shibu Onsen.

Nearby Destinations

Jigokudani Monkey Park

Visit Nagano's Famous Monkeys

Combine your visit to the monkeys with a morning or afternoon in Obuse.

Snow Monkey Resorts Info & Gfit Shop

Official Merchandise & English Information

Located just outside the monkey park, the Info & Gift Shop has you covered for all your monkey needs.

Shiga Kogen

Japan's Largest Ski Resort

Easily accessible from Obuse using the Nagaden train and local buses.

Shibu Onsen

Visit One of Nagano’s Oldest Hot Spring Towns

Boasting a 1300-year history, this unassuming but cute little town has a lot to offer!

Zenko-ji Temple

Nagano's Spiritual Heart

With a near-1400 year history, Zenko-ji is the heart of the region.

Cultural Experiences in Nagano City

Try Your Hand at Origami, Calligraphy and More!

Located nearby Zenko-ji Temple, workshops include many traditional crafts.

Cherry Blossoms in Nagano

Experience Spring in Japan

Blooming each April, Nagano’s cherry blossom season is truly beautiful.

Autumn Colours of Nagano

Enjoy Nagano at its Most Colourful

Through October and November each year, the world turns amber and gold, red and yellow.