Obuse

Obuse is a delightful small town that punches well above its weight in culture and charm. Its main draw is the Hokusai Museum, housing works by the legendary ukiyo-e artist Katsushika Hokusai who spent his final years here, including his stunning ceiling paintings at Ganshoin Temple. The town is equally famous for its chestnut culture — Obuse chestnuts have been prized since the Muromachi period, and today multiple shops compete to create the finest kurigohan (chestnut rice), mont blanc cakes, and kuri-kanoko sweets. The town's 'Open Garden' program invites visitors to stroll through residents' private gardens, and the compact walkable center features sake breweries, art galleries, and beautifully designed public spaces. Obuse makes an excellent half-day trip from Nagano city, just 30 minutes by Nagano Dentetsu railway.