Obuse holds an important place in the annals of Japanese art. The ukiyo-e master Hokusai Katsushika had a studio in this quiet little town. Museums abound throughout the city, which is also renowned for its chestnuts and flowering gardens. Here's an excellent option for a day excursion, not far from Nagano, departing from Tokyo during your trip to Japan.

History

Obuse nestles in the mountains of Nagano Prefecture, along the Chikuma River, which allowed it to flourish as an economic and cultural center of Shinano Province during the Edo period. It was in Obuse that Takai Kozan, a wealthy merchant and Confucianist ukiyo-e painter, formed a deep friendship and honed his craft with the renowned artist Hokusai Katsushika, creator of the internationally celebrated work "The Great Wave off Kanagawa". The patron built a studio for his idol in the village, and Hokusai in turn bequeathed several works to the locality.

Discovering Obuse

Obuse is an excellent base for finding peace in the serenity of the Japanese countryside. The town is easily accessible from Nagano, just 30 minutes by train, and from Tokyo, the capital, in just over 2.5 hours. Leave behind the chain stores and tourist crowds. What awaits you here: traditional houses, chestnut tree-lined alleys, flowering gardens and art galleries. That's all.

Obuse, a land of art

Galleries are scattered throughout the charming town. The essential visit, the Hokusai Museum exhibits around thirty prints, ink drawings and hanging scrolls created by the great artist throughout his 90-year life. Two colorful floats and ceiling panels are also on display. Next, head to the Takai Kozan Memorial Museum housed in the artist's former residence. Here, the paintings mostly depict scenes of Japanese ghosts and goblins. There are also calligraphy works and a sketch of the "Hekiiken" studio that Kozan gifted to Hokusai. The residence features several rooms and secret passages.

Near the town center, the Obuse Museum hosts temporary contemporary art exhibitions, including works by local artists. Five floats from the local festival are preserved in this institution. The Nakajima Chinami Gallery is dedicated to the work of Nihonga painter Nakajima Chinami, a native of Obuse, nicknamed "the Chinami of Blooming Sakura" for his masterful and intricately detailed cherry blossom compositions.

Other museums are less well-known, but equally fascinating: the Japanese Lantern Museum (lighting and historical lighting elements from the Edo to Taisho periods), the Obuse Museum of Chinese Art, the Museum of Contemporary Chinese Art, the Ryoan Antique China Collection (ancient ceramics from Japan and China), the Obuse Folk and History Museum, the Chikumagawa Road Museum, the Little Chestnut Museum and the Sari-An Kyusu Collection (Japanese ceramic teapots and tea cups).

The town of Obuse itself is pleasant to behold, with the brown and white wooden architecture that characterizes most of its buildings. Shops and residences are still covered with tile roofs, but it is especially the temples that remain representative icons of architectural style from the Edo period. Gensho-ji and Ganshoin Temple stand out in particular.

Land of the chestnut trees

Obuse and the chestnut share a story spanning over 600 years. During the Muromachi period (1338-1573), a wealthy merchant brought a chestnut tree from Tamba, near Kyoto, to the village. The region's climate was perfectly suited to the tree's growth, and a thriving activity developed around it.

Stroll along Kurinokomichi alley, which is paved with chestnut wood and lined with traditional houses and trees. It's the must-see spot for memorable photos in Obuse. Delight in chestnut specialties in the town's restaurants and pastry shops. Taste chestnut rice at the Chikufudo confectionery store. Try kuri-yokan, a Japanese pastry made with chestnut fruit paste, at Sakurai kanseido. Finally, don't miss the Suzaku Mont Blanc that is the pride of Obusedo restaurant. Each autumn, tourists and Japanese rush to Obuse to savor this delicacy.

Obuse, a blooming village

As you wander through Obuse's streets, you'll notice flowers everywhere, carefully maintained. If you spot a sign reading "Welcome to My Garden," it means the owner is inviting you to access their private oasis to appreciate their work. Open gardens in Obuse come in many styles: vast or small, traditional Japanese or Western gardens, walks, and more. Visit Floral Garden Obuse to discover its 15,000 m² greenhouse and park dotted with flowers throughout all four seasons.

When to visit Obuse?

The harvest season, from mid-September to mid-October, is a wonderful time to enjoy the festivities and culinary specialties in Obuse.

Departing from Tokyo Station, the Shinkansen takes approximately 1 hour and 20 minutes to reach Nagano Station. From there, allow about 30 minutes of travel on a local Dentetsu-Nagano line to reach Obuse Station.

Bicycling is an excellent option for exploring Obuse. The roads are mostly peaceful, winding between traditional houses and fields. There are many places throughout town that rent bicycles, but for the most convenient and economical option, inquire at the Obuse Tourist Information Center right next to the station.

What to do in Obuse?

• Discover the work and observe in detail the techniques of master Hokusai Katsushika at the Hokusai Museum in Obuse
• Stroll through Kurinokomichi alley
• Visit Ganshoin Temple
• Savor a chestnut pastry
• Walk through Floral Garden Obuse, etc.