Obuse (Obuse Town, Nagano Prefecture)

Overview (history, characteristics, attractions)

Obuse Town in Nagano Prefecture is a small town in northern Shinano known for its chestnut-based Japanese sweets, Edo-period merchant culture, and ties to the ukiyo-e artist Katsushika Hokusai. The townscape of the wealthy merchants that flourished from the Edo to Meiji periods has been preserved, and walking down the streets with their earthen storehouses and lattice doors creates a calm, retro atmosphere. Its specialty chestnut products (such as chestnut rice and Japanese chestnut sweets) are known nationwide, and the town bustles with tourists during the chestnut season in autumn. The town also boasts a wealth of arts and culture attractions, including the Hokusai Museum, which houses and exhibits works by Hokusai during his stays, and Ganshoin Temple, where Hokusai is said to have painted the ceiling painting.

Highlights

• Hokusai Museum: A museum that exhibits works and related materials by Katsushika Hokusai. You can see works and prints made during his stay in Obuse.
• Ganshoin Temple: It is known for masterpieces such as Hokusai's "Phoenix and Dragon" painted on the ceiling of the main hall, and the view from the temple grounds is also excellent.
• Chestnut confectionery shop tour: You can enjoy chestnut sweets and chestnut rice at long-established Japanese sweets shops such as Chikufudo. Many of the products are seasonal and make great souvenirs.
• A stroll through the old town: A compact area where you can leisurely stroll through rows of merchant houses and storehouses, and alleys with lattice windows. Galleries and local craft shops are scattered throughout.
• Masuichi Ichimura Sake Brewery and other sake breweries and cafes: Some places offer local sake tastings, shops, and cafes, making them a great place to take a break.
• Seasonal scenery: The scenery changes with the seasons, with spring flowers (cherry blossoms), autumn leaves, and winter snowscapes. The chestnut season in autumn is a particular highlight.

Access (nearest station, transportation, etc.)

• By trainFrom Tokyo, take the Shinkansen to Nagano Station (approximately 1 hour 30 minutes), then take the Nagano Electric Railway (Nagaden) Nagano Line to Obuse Station (approximately 20-30 minutes). From Obuse Station, the town center is within walking distance.
• By car: Approximately 30-40 minutes from the Nagano Expressway, Suzaka Nagano Higashi IC or Shinshu Nakano IC (depending on road conditions). As some roads within the town are narrow, we recommend using public transportation or walking.
• Bus Tours: You can also use local buses or tourist buses departing from Nagano Station. Please note that there may be special buses during peak seasons, so please check in advance.
• Walking and rental bicyclesThe town is compact, making it easy to get around on foot, and renting a bicycle makes it easy to access nearby spots.

Estimated stay (estimated time required)

• Short walk (half day): 2-4 hours including Hokusai Museum, Ganshoin Temple, and shopping on the main street. This is enough time to get a feel for the main attractions.
• Relaxed sightseeing (1 day)The tour lasts 4-8 hours, including museums, eating at various Japanese sweet shops, visiting sake breweries and galleries. Meals and breaks are also included.
• stay: If you want to combine the town's relaxed nighttime atmosphere with the surrounding hot springs, we recommend staying one night.

Nearby spots

• Nagano City (Zenkoji Temple): Accessible by train or car from Obuse. A large, historic temple and a popular tourist spot.
• Togakushi: Famous for Togakushi Shrine and Togakushi soba. Enjoy nature walks and trekking (approximately 40-60 minutes by car).
• Mountain resorts such as Shiga Kogen and Nozawa OnsenDepending on the season, you can enjoy hiking, hot springs, skiing, etc. (Travel time varies depending on location).
• Small towns in the surrounding area, such as Suzaka and Takayama Village: You can enjoy local gourmet food and visit historical sites.

Things to be aware of (crowds, manners, seasonal precautions, etc.)

• congestion: The chestnut harvest and sales season (mainly September to November) is particularly busy. On weekends and holidays, there may be long lines at parking lots and popular stores, so we recommend leaving early or visiting on a weekday.
• Business hours and closing days: Small stores and museums may close early or have fixed holidays. Please check the opening hours of the facility you are planning to visit in advance.
• Cash and cashless payments: Although cashless transactions have become more common in recent years, some private shops and street stalls only accept cash. It's a good idea to have some cash on hand.
• Traffic and alley width: There are narrow roads and pedestrian-only streets in the town. If you are visiting by car, please be careful about where you park and when backing up. Also, street parking may be strictly regulated during busy times.
• Manners: As there are many historical buildings and private homes remaining, please be considerate of private property and open businesses when taking photos or viewing the area. Please take your food and drink trash home with you or dispose of it at the designated area.
• Seasonal precautionsIn winter, road conditions change due to snow and ice. Be sure to dress warmly and prepare winter tires and chains. In summer, there are days with high temperatures and humidity, so be sure to bring plenty of drinking water.

Obuse is a compact, easy-to-walk town with a perfect blend of food culture and art. If you're visiting for the first time, we recommend a one-day plan that centers around the Hokusai Museum and Gansho-in Temple, and includes a leisurely stroll around the local shops selling chestnut sweets. We hope you have a wonderful trip.