1 Day Historic Obuse and Hokusai Mad Man of Art Tour in Japan
Description
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.
Tour Options
Itinerary
Led by your guide, you will visit the Takai Kozan Museum including Hokusai’s studio where he worked and taught while in Obuse.
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’.
Enjoy lunch at Kurabu. Please note, should Kurabu not be available, we will arrange lunch at a similar restaurant.
Free-time to explore Obuse. Your guide will explain what's on offer and show you were to go or should you wish, stay with you during this time.
Head to Gansho-in Temple to see Hokusai's final masterpiece, the painted phoenix on the temple ceiling.
Highlights
What's included
Traveller Ratings
Important Information
- 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
Reviews(6)
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!
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.
Dear Andrew, Thank you for your glowing review! We are glad Devin could make the art and history come to life as you examined Hokusai's work. Most of all, it's wonderful to know you and your son had a memorable experience. We hope to see you again! Snow Monkey Resorts
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
Dear Cindy, Thank you for your 5-star review! It makes our day to know that you had a great time exploring Obuse with Dai. You certainly chose a great time to visit - autumn foliage season. We hope you visit us again! Snow Monkey Resorts
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.
Dear Gloria, Thank you for your fantastic feedback! We're delighted to hear that Kevin's guidance, the food scene, and art were particular highlights of the tour. We hope to see you again on your next trip to Japan! Snow Monkey Resorts
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.
Dear Kerrie, Thank you so much for your terrific feedback! We are delighted to know that your group found Obuse to be an elegant town full of interesting sights and history. I'm glad I could show you around one of my favorite places in Nagano! Your kind words mean a lot to me as I strive to make every guest experience special. We look forward to welcoming you back in the future! Aiko
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.
Dear Ronald, Thank you so much for sharing your positive feedback! It was my pleasure to guide your group around some of my favorite places in Nagano. We're glad to hear that the art of Hokusai, sake tasting, and soba noodles were highlights of your eventful 2-day tour. We hope to make your next visit just as positive! Aiko
