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.

The venue is an old private house in a wonderful location in Matsumoto City, Nagano Prefecture, with Matsumoto Castle in front of it. No matter what time of year you visit, you can experience the Japanese art of calligraphy while viewing the beautiful Japanese garden. A master calligrapher will carefully teach you how to use the tools and manners, so that even beginners can enjoy writing. You can write your favorite characters on colored paper to create a beautiful, one-of-a-kind work of art. It is a great way to display them at home as a memento of your trip or as a souvenir.

Near the famous Zenkoji Temple, Togakushi Shrine, Nozawa Onsen, and the Jigokudani Snow Monkey Park, Obuse offers a perfect cultural stop before or after your visit! Savor a delicious bowl of ramen featuring locally-made miso (vegan ramen available) before stepping back in time at a 240-year-old miso brewery. Learn traditional miso making techniques and create your own 1kg batch of miso to take home. (Your miso will require several months of fermentation before it's ready to enjoy.) This unforgettable experience is a must for miso lovers and anyone interested in exploring Obuse's rich cultural traditions. We are happy to accommodate earlier or later start times upon request. If you'd like to further customize the itinerary, please let us know! Note: Children under 12 make miso with an adult (child price excludes the miso-making fee).

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.

Discover the charm of Obuse through art, history, and sake on this unique Hokusai-inspired Paint & Sip tour. Starting at Obuse Station, enjoy a leisurely walk through the picturesque town before visiting the historic Matsubaya Sake Brewery for a guided tour and tasting of local sake (note: the legal drinking age in Japan is 20 years old). Next, explore the Hokusai-kan Museum, home to masterpieces by the legendary ukiyo-e artist who spent his final years in Obuse. The highlight of the tour is a guided Paint & Sip session, where you’ll create your own version of The Great Wave off Kanagawa while sipping sake made just steps away (note: on-alcoholic beverages also available). Whether you're an art lover, sake fan, or curious traveler, this hands-on experience blends creativity, culture, and fun. The tour ends back at Obuse Station, leaving you with unforgettable memories and your own wave to take home.

Our private custom tour offers a refined cultural experience in historic Obuse. Key features of your service include: - Seamless Door-to-Door Luxury Transport with In-Car Wi-Fi: Private service available from Hakuba, Nozawa Onsen, Nagano City, Azumino, and Matsumoto. - Specialized Guidance: Include expert English insights by a museum curator. Ideally, booking at least one month in advance is recommended, but it is always subject to the curator's availability. - Profound Art Discovery: Witness Hokusai’s some of his late-life masterpieces, including the "Great Phoenix" at Ganshō-in Temple. - Authentic Townscape Stroll: Explore chestnut-lined streets and discover the unique "Open Garden" culture with your guide. - Flexible Planning: Choose between 6-hour or 8-hour plans tailored to your interests and pace.

Around Zenkoji Temple, one of Japan's most important Buddhist centers, the temple approaches have seen samurai, monks, pilgrims and townspeople pass through for centuries. The dojo where this experience takes place sits in a traditional Japanese house in this historic area, offering an authentic setting that connects samurai practice with the everyday life of a regional temple city. Samurai valued matcha not only for its health benefits but also for the brief moment of reflection it provided. After intense training or between conflicts, preparing and drinking tea offered a structured pause: a way to calm the spirit, center the mind, and return to composure. This simple act balanced the warrior's outward discipline with inner stillness. The matcha moment itself is simple and unscripted. This brief pause lets you experience how samurai used tea in daily life: not as performance or ritual, but as a moment to settle the mind and restore calm.

This tour is not just a visit to two museums. It tells the story of why Katsushika Hokusai, one of Japan’s most famous artists, came to the small town of Obuse during his later years and left important works there. By beginning at the former residence of Takai Kozan, Hokusai’s patron, student, and cultural supporter, you will first discover the people and atmosphere that made Obuse a creative refuge for Hokusai. Then, at the Hokusai Museum, you will see how his imagination continued to develop through works connected to the town, including the powerful festival float ceiling paintings. With a guide, Obuse becomes more than a charming town of chestnuts and old streets. It becomes the place where Hokusai’s final creative chapter comes to life.

Rather than simply visiting attractions, this cultural journey reveals how faith, commerce, scholarship, and art became interconnected in northern Nagano. The tour also explores the relationship between Hokusai and Takai Kozan, the patron who welcomed artists and intellectuals to Obuse during the late Edo period. Visits to the Hokusai Museum, Takai Kozan Memorial Museum, and Ganshoin Temple provide insight into the cultural environment that inspired some of Hokusai’s most remarkable late-life works. Ideal for travelers interested in Japanese history, religion, art, and local culture, this experience offers a meaningful journey through the traditions that shaped northern Nagano. This tour is a tour by public transportation. If you prefer to use a car, please choose car option.

Explore the scenic Echigo-Tsumari Art Field and the renowned Tunnel of Light at Kiyotsu Gorge on this engaging one-day tour. Begin your journey from Nagano Station or two meeting points in Nozawa Onsen, then travel to contemporary art installations like The Last Classroom and the Matsudai Nohbutai, and enjoy a locally sourced lunch at a unique restaurant. The tour culminates in the stunning Kiyotsu Gorge, where you can capture breathtaking reflections of nature. Perfect for art lovers and nature enthusiasts alike, this guided tour promises a memorable day. - Visit the immersive installation “The Last Classroom” in a repurposed abandoned school. - Explore outdoor art by famous artists at Matsudai Nohbutai and enjoy locally sourced cuisine. - Discover contemporary exhibits that will make you contemplate and wonder at MonET, the Museum on Echigo-Tsumari. - Walk through the scenic Tunnel of Light at Kiyotsu Gorge's that integrates into nature for stunning photo opportunities.

1. "Edo Soul" and "Alpine Freedom" Experience the ultimate contrast: the historic, dark-wood streets of Narai-juku and the breathtaking 360° views of the 2,000m Utsukushigahara plateau. Explore Japan’s authentic history and wild nature in one seamless day. 2. Authentic Local Immersion and Private Access Go beyond the guidebook. Meet local artisans and taste regional flavors while we handle the logistics. Your private vehicle connects these remote "hidden gems" that are nearly impossible to reach by public transport. 3. Hands-Free Travel and Memory Gift Enjoy the journey completely unburdened. Leave your luggage in the car and put your phone away—your guide will snap photos of your group throughout the day, providing the data as a free gift so you can stay fully present.

Discover the serene countryside of northern Nagano on this private full-day tour, blending wildlife encounters, art, and culinary experiences. Start with a visit to Jigokudani Snow Monkey Park to see the famous snow monkeys bathing in hot springs. Next, wander through the historic town of Obuse, known for its Edo-period charm and the Hokusai Museum. Conclude your day at a local miso brewery, where you'll delve into Nagano's fermented food culture with a guided tasting experience. This tailored tour promises an authentic taste of Japanese culture, ideal for nature lovers and food enthusiasts alike. - Private pickup and drop-off from your hotel in Nagano - Visit Jigokudani to see snow monkeys in their natural habitat - Explore the charming streets of Obuse and visit art galleries - Enjoy a tasting session at a local miso brewery, sampling various miso types

This tour takes you beyond simple sightseeing and into the rich world of Kiso lacquerware, one of Nagano’s traditional crafts. Lacquerware is not only beautiful to look at; it is also a craft made for daily life, shaped by wood, refined through layers of urushi lacquer, and finished with techniques that create depth, shine, texture, and warmth. At the Kiso Lacquerware Museum, you will learn about the tools, materials, and traditional methods behind each piece, including how different techniques create different expressions. After this background, you will walk through Kiso-Hirasawa, a historic craft town where lacquerware is still part of local life. With your guide, you will visit local shops, compare bowls, trays, chopsticks, cups, and handcrafted items, and learn to appreciate subtle differences in finish, feel, and use. Ideal for travelers who want to understand Japanese craftsmanship not only as art, but as everyday beauty shaped by local history and skilled makers.

Explore Obuse's cultural and rural charms on a leisurely, half-day self-guided cycling tour. This tour is self-guided, but if you'd prefer a guide, book a guided tour through the options. This tour is seasonal, available from April to November. After walking around the town, rent a bicycle and go cycling. Visit the Gansho-in Temple, home to Hokusai’s awe-inspiring Phoenix ceiling painting, and enjoy a picnic lunch under the apple trees at Kobayashi Farm—an unforgettable way to experience Obuse’s orchard culture. (Note: if you join us for the afternoon tour, we will have the picnic lunch first.) The tour ends back at the station with plenty of scenic memories in tow. This tour is perfect for travelers looking to combine gentle activity, cultural discovery, and fresh air in a beautiful countryside setting. Caution: Obuse experiences intense summers, so always carry water to prevent dehydration, as well as a pair of sunglasses.

10:00 Departure from Nagano Station 10:45 Arrival in Obuse 11:00- Visit 北斎館 (Hokusai Museum) 12:20-Lunch at a local restaurant in Obuse 13:30- Visit 岩松院 (Gansho-in Temple) 14:30-Local Café time 15:15 Departure from Obuse 16:00 Arrival at Nagano Station This tour was made with one simple wish: we want you to feel the real charm of Japan. First, we’ll visit the Hokusai Museum in Obuse. It’s a great place to learn about Hokusai’s life and artwork, and the charming streets around the museum are perfect for a slow and enjoyable walk. After that, we’ll enjoy a local lunch in Obuse, featuring seasonal and regional flavors. In the afternoon, we’ll head to Gansho-in Temple in Obuse, where you can see Hokusai’s impressive ceiling painting, created in his final years. After visiting the temple, we’ll take a relaxing café break in Obuse. Enjoy a cup of coffee or a local sweet while soaking in the peaceful atmosphere of this historic town. Finally, we return to Nagano Station.