Hokusai Museum

What to know

Hokusai (1760–1849) is one of the most celebrated painters of the Edo period, renowned for his ukiyo-e woodblock print series "Thirty-six Views of Mount Fuji," which includes the iconic "The Great Wave off Kanagawa."

In his later years, Hokusai stayed in Obuse as a guest of Takai Kozan, a wealthy merchant who was both his patron and student. The Hokusai Museum, located in the town center, displays a collection of his works, including two festival floats whose ceilings Hokusai decorated with a dragon, a phoenix, and his signature waves. The museum offers some English descriptions and a short English video about the artist.

Another of Hokusai's paintings can be seen at Ganshoin Temple, situated in the mountains a short distance from the town center. During his final year in Obuse, Hokusai painted a large mural of a phoenix on the temple hall's ceiling. The impressive red bird is meticulously detailed and is one of the last major artworks he completed before his death.

The Hokusai Museum is in the town center, about a ten-minute walk from Obuse Station. Ganshoin Temple is about a 30-minute walk from central Obuse. Alternatively, the Obuse Town Bus runs on select days from central Obuse to the temple (20 minutes, 500 yen for a one-day pass).