Obuse is a small town in Nagano Prefecture known for its chestnut sweets, elegant streets, and deep connection to the legendary artist Hokusai. It's compact, walkable, and full of character - with a peaceful atmosphere that feels more like a slow-paced neighborhood than a sightseeing spot. You’ll find beautifully preserved storehouses, quiet temples, a unique museum or two, and some of the best chestnut treats in Japan.

While Obuse is often visited as a quick stopover, I recommend spending a full day here. Take your time, explore beyond the main street, and enjoy everything from Hokusai’s incredible artwork to a relaxed café break between temple visits.

Recommended arrival time at the first location: 9:00 AM

Quick summary of the day:

• Visit the Hokusai Museum and historical temples

• Walk through Obuse’s most scenic streets and alleys

• Try famous chestnut sweets and a chestnut-themed lunch

• Stop by peaceful cafés and well-curated local shops

*Assuming you are staying in central Nagano

By train:
🗾 Travel route from Nagano Station to Obuse Station

By car:
If you will be traveling by car, head straight to the parking lot that I find the most convenient for this day
📍 parking lot (google maps)

A small and charming shrine tucked into the center of Obuse. There’s nothing particularly famous about it, but if you’re passing by, it’s a peaceful spot worth a quick stop.

A picturesque stone-paved path lined with traditional buildings, cafés, and chestnut trees—Obuse’s signature touch. It connects several key spots in town and is one of the most scenic areas to stroll through, especially if you enjoy charming streets and local sweets.
📍 Entry point A / Entry point B

A peaceful museum dedicated to the final years of Hokusai’s life, when he spent time creating art in Obuse. The exhibits focus on his later works—mostly prints and sketches—along with two short films (10–15 minutes each, with English subtitles) about his life, shown on a rotating schedule. One of the highlights is at the end: two magnificent festival carts, partly painted by Hokusai himself, blending his signature style with local tradition.

* The museum also has a small gift shop, and you don’t need a ticket to visit it. Just pick up a visitor badge from the table near the entrance (in front of the ticket counter), wear it while browsing, and return it on your way out.

The preserved home and studio of Takai Kozan—a wealthy merchant, scholar, and close friend of Hokusai. This traditional house offers a quiet look into the cultural life of Obuse in the Edo period, with displays of Kozan’s calligraphy and personal items. A peaceful stop for those interested in history and art.

Chikufūdō is a popular Japanese confectionery shop in Obuse known for its delicious chestnut snacks, desserts, ice cream, and cookies. Highly recommend their traditional treats wafer-shaped chestnuts filled with chestnut paste. They also have a great restaurant where you can enjoy delicious Japanese cuisine with sets featuring the famous chestnut rice and savory sides or fish options.

Obuse City is famous for its chestnuts, and this little café serves an amazing chestnut Mont Blanc. It’s the only thing they serve there, and in Japan, places that focus on just one dish often make it unbelievably good. You order it as a set, with one drink included (check out the 7th photo).

You can go in through the gorgeous main entrance (check out the last photo), but what makes this place even more special is its hidden entrance through the back gates. To find it, check photos 2-5.

Hidden entrance starting point: https://maps.app.goo.gl/9qhsNyWEtcArW9Vx5?g_st=com.google.maps.preview.copy

A quiet, lesser-known temple built in 1408 during the early Muromachi period. It has deep local roots and traditional wooden architecture. The stone stairway leading up to the temple is especially beautiful—lined with towering sugi (Japanese cedar) trees, it feels a lot like the famous approach to Togakushi Shrine in Nagano, but without the crowds. A peaceful spot to enjoy some calm while exploring Obuse.

This is also an extremely beautiful sakura spot.

Comfortable shoes recommended.

A cozy tofu-focused restaurant serving traditional Japanese meals and sweets made from fresh, house-made tofu. Set in a lovely old building with a peaceful vibe, it’s a great place to try something light, healthy, and local.

The menu has several course options. Some of the more basic ones don’t include a main dish, which you’d need to order separately. I’d recommend choosing a course that already includes a main dish—you can pick any from the selection.

IMPORTANT: This restaurant does not have an English menu. I’ve attached photos of the menu with translations using Google Translate Lens to help you out. Please keep in mind that automatic translations can sometimes be inaccurate, so it’s best to double-check anything important—especially related to food allergies or dietary restrictions—with a staff member at the restaurant.

A peaceful Buddhist temple best known for its stunning ceiling painting of a giant phoenix, created by the legendary artist Hokusai in his 80s. With its vibrant colors and intricate detail, it’s considered one of his final masterpieces—and a must-see in Obuse.

Inside, you’ll also find various statues and artworks that reflect the temple’s long history. Near the entrance, don’t miss the beautifully designed goshuincho (a dedicated book where visitors to Japanese shrines and temples collect goshuin) featuring the same phoenix artwork as the ceiling, along with soft covers to protect them—definitely worth checking out.

A peaceful Buddhist temple known for its breathtaking ceiling painting of a giant phoenix, created by the legendary artist Hokusai in his 80s. With its vibrant colors and fine details, it’s one of his final masterpieces and a must-see in Obuse.

Inside, you’ll also find various statues and artworks worth checking out.

This is also one of the most beautiful sakura spots in Nagano—and not many people know about it.

Note that photos and videos inside aren’t allowed.

• There’s a short explanation about the phoenix painting every 30 minutes (Japanese only).

• Before entering, you’ll need to take off your shoes, buy a ticket from the machine at the entrance, and hand it to the staff inside.

A stylish little café known for beautifully presented fruit desserts and seasonal cakes. They use fresh, locally sourced fruit—especially Obuse’s famous chestnuts when in season. The café has a modern, cozy feel and is a great stop for a treat while exploring the town. They also offer a lunch menu during lunchtime.

If you’re curious to see what a real farmers market looks like in Japan and want to try some local fruit - this one’s definitely worth a visit. It’s right in the middle of fields and orchards, so from late spring to late autumn you’ll find here seasonal fruits straight from nearby farms.

Strawberries in spring, apricots, cherry, plums, and peaches in summer, grapes and apples in autumn.

They’re usually much tastier (and more affordable) than supermarket ones.

They also sell regional specialties like sweets, juices, and sometimes even local cheese if you’re in the mood to try something different.

Heads up: check the last photo - these plums aren’t for eating raw! They’re used for making umeboshi (pickled plums), so don’t buy them and don’t eat them 😄

In general, if you see something unfamiliar at a farmers market, it’s a good idea to ask the cashier if it can be eaten raw (Use Google Translate!). For example, there are often wild berries that are only meant for jam or cooking - and lots of other things that aren’t meant to be eaten raw either.

The Masuichi-Ichimura Sake Brewery in Obuse, is a historic sake maker dating back to 1755. It is actually one of the best breweries in Nagano Prefecture. Set in a historic warehouse, it offers authentic flavors, regional sake, and a relaxed atmosphere where you can enjoy tastings and buy a bottle for yourself or someone else as a gift.

A cozy spot known for serving up delicious oyaki. These veggie-stuffed dumplings are a must-try, with fillings like pumpkin, radish, and more.

Cozy cafe in Obuse known for its mouthwatering mont-blanc desserts and chestnut cream puffs.

A small, traditional miso brewery where you can browse and buy handmade miso products crafted using age-old methods. The shop has a great local feel, and if you’re interested in Japanese food culture, it’s a nice place to stop by.

Located right next to another popular onsen in Obuse, Akebi-no-Yu is my personal favorite between the two—mainly because it’s more spacious, and its rotenburo (open-air bath) definitely wins when it comes to atmosphere and overall vibes.

The layout feels more open, and the outdoor area has a calm, relaxing feel that’s perfect for a longer soak. There’s also an indoor bath and sauna, and the entry fee is similar—around ¥700.

Just like the nearby onsen, the natural hot spring water here is very concentrated and has a strong sulfur smell. If you’re not a fan of that classic “rotten egg” onsen scent, you might want to skip this one. The smell can linger on your skin and clothes, even after a rinse, so I wouldn’t recommend wearing anything fancy—bringing a change of clothes is a good idea.

Note: Tattoos are NOT allowed.