Hokusai-kan (Hokusai Museum)

The Ukiyoe print artist in Edo Period, Katsushika Hokusai is world-renowned for Thirty-Six Views of Mount Fuji. When he was over 80, Takaki kozan, a wealthy farmer, invited him to Obuse. During a number of visits, Hokusai created brilliant and dynamic art, many of which are curated here.

Paintings by his own hand, prints and books of woodblock prints are exhibited. Hanging scrolls and folding screens are hand-painted originals in beautiful hues and vigor. Big festival floats have ceilings painted by Hokusai. Each of the Higashimachi and Uemachi floats is intriguing to see with a dragon/phoenix and masculine/feminine “angry waves.” They are both designated as treasures of Nagano Prefecture.

The museum has different theme exhibitions throughout the year. You may want to visit a few times in different seasons.

There is a shop within the museum that offers handkerchiefs, T-shirts, postcards, etc. with Hokusai’s art on them. Get the mementos of your trip.