# Obuse

> A charming small town in northern Nagano famous for the Hokusai Museum, beautifully landscaped streets, and exquisite chestnut sweets made from locally grown chestnuts.

- Prefecture: Nagano
- Type: City
- Address: Obuse, Nagano, Japan
- Official site: https://www.obusekanko.jp/

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 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.

## FAQ

### How do I get to Obuse?

Take the Nagano Dentetsu (Nagaden) line from Nagano Station to Obuse, a trip of about 25 to 35 minutes for around 700 yen. Nagano itself is roughly 1.5 hours from Tokyo on the Hokuriku Shinkansen.

### What is Obuse famous for?

This small town is known for its connection to the artist Hokusai, with the Hokusai Museum and a ceiling painting by him at Ganshoin temple. It is also known for chestnut sweets such as kuri kinton from shops like Obusedo and Chikufudo, as well as sake breweries including Masuichi-Ichimura.

### How much does the Hokusai Museum cost?

Admission to the Hokusai Museum is around 1,000 yen. Obuse is compact and walkable, so you can comfortably combine the museum with the Ganshoin ceiling painting, chestnut sweet shops, and a sake brewery in a single relaxed day trip.

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Source: Obuse — Japan Voyage