Obuse is a charming small town northeast of Nagano City, best known as the place where the great ukiyo-e artist Katsushika Hokusai spent his final years, producing works now displayed at the town’s dedicated Hokusai Museum, including painted ceiling panels for local festival floats. Beyond its artistic heritage, Obuse is famous for chestnuts, with shops selling chestnut sweets and rice, alongside sake breweries and beautifully kept lanes and gardens, making it an ideal spot for a relaxed half-day of walking, art and food.
🗓️ At a Glance
| Location | Obuse, Nagano |
| Hours | Town always accessible; museum ~9:00–17:00 |
| Admission | Town free; Hokusai Museum around ¥1,000 |
| Time needed | Half day |
| Best time | Autumn for chestnut season and foliage |
What to See
- The Hokusai Museum, displaying the artist’s late works.
- Chestnut sweets and chestnut rice, an Obuse specialty.
- Sake breweries offering tastings.
- Beautifully kept lanes and gardens ideal for a relaxed walk.
Combine Your Visit
- Combine with Zenkoji Temple in nearby Nagano City.
- Pair with Jigokudani Snow Monkeys further north.
- Read our Nagano overview .
Getting There
- By train: Nagaden line from Nagano to Obuse Station, roughly 30 minutes.
- By car: roughly 30 minutes from Nagano City.
Tips
Autumn is the ideal time to visit for fresh chestnut season, when the town’s famous chestnut sweets are at their best and the surrounding foliage colours. The town is compact and best explored on foot, so allow time to wander the lanes rather than rushing between the main sights.
