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Paint & Sip Experience in Hokusai’s Town: Sake and Art Join-In Tour

Paint & Sip Experience in Hokusai’s Town: Sake and Art Join-In Tour

How to get to Obuse

  • From Nagano: 35 minutes by local train on the Nagano Dentetsu line (25 minutes by express train).
  • From Yudanaka: 33 minutes by local train on the Nagano Dentetsu line (22 minutes by express train)

Click here for transit instructions from Tokyo, Kanazawa, and Nagoya.

¥20,000 JPY
¥20,000 JPY
Sale Sold out
Taxes included.
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Discover the charm of Obuse through art, history, and sake on this unique Hokusai-inspired Paint & Sip tour.

Starting at Obuse Station, enjoy a leisurely walk through the picturesque town before visiting the historic Matsubaya Sake Brewery for a guided tour and tasting of local sake (note: the legal drinking age in Japan is 20 years old).

Next, explore the Hokusai-kan Museum, home to masterpieces by the legendary ukiyo-e artist who spent his final years in Obuse.

The highlight of the tour is a guided Paint & Sip session, where you’ll create your own version of The Great Wave off Kanagawa while sipping sake made just steps away (note: on-alcoholic beverages also available).

Whether you're an art lover, sake fan, or curious traveler, this hands-on experience blends creativity, culture, and fun. The tour ends back at Obuse Station, leaving you with unforgettable memories and your own wave to take home.

We offer start times from 9:00am and 1:00pm.

Note: The minimum number of participants is 3.

Itinerary

  • 9:00 AM or 1:00 PM | Obuse Station

    Meet your guide at Obuse Station. Your guide will be standing outside the station, holding a sign.

  • 9:00 AM or 1:00 PM | Obuse Town Walk

    Wander through the charming streets of Obuse, guided by your expert. Uncover the secrets of Hokusai's inspiration and the town's rich history.

    Learn more about Obuse 

  • 9:20 AM or 1:10 PM | Matsubaya Sake Brewery

    Discover the heart of sake-making at Matsubaya Brewery. Tour the historic brewery and savor the delicate flavors of sake, a timeless treasure.

  • 10:00 AM or 2:00 PM | Hokusai-kan Museum

    Dive into the world of Hokusai at this dedicated museum. Marvel at his original paintings, most notably the panels that adorn the ceiling of the Higashimachi and Kanmachi festival floats.

  • 10:50 AM or 2:55 PM | Paint & Sip Experience at Garari Cafe

    Channel your inner Hokusai as you sip local sake (non-alcoholic drinks available) and paint your own version of The Great Wave. A relaxed, artful experience inspired by Obuse’s rich culture.

  • 1:35 PM or 5:40 PM | Obuse Station

    We will bid farewell at Obuse Station.

Meeting and Dismissal

  • Your tour begins and ends at Obuse Station.

What's Included

  • English-speaking guide (unlicensed)
  • Admission to: a tour and sake tasting at Matsubaya Sake Brewery
  • Admission to: Hokusai-kan Museum
  • Admission to: Paint & Sip experience at Garari Cafe
  • Drinks (alcoholic and non-alcoholic) and snacks at the Paint & Sip experience
  • Your own painting on canvas to take home

What's Not Included

  • Transportation to Obuse Station
  • Meals & drinks
  • Personal expenses

Options

Tour Times

  • 9:00 AM ~ 1:35 PM (approx.)
  • 1:00 PM ~ 5:40 PM (approx.)

If you wish to adjust the start time of your tour, please let us know when you book.

Tour Start Location

If you would like to start your tour at Nagano Station instead of Obuse Station, please let us know.

Tour Conclusion Location

If you would like to conclude your tour in central Obuse (for lunch or dinner), please let us know.

Cancellation Policy

The cancellation fee is as follows:

  • 20 days prior or more: no charge
  • 19-8 days prior: 20% of the total tour cost
  • 7-2 days prior: 30% of the total tour cost
  • 1 day prior: 40% of the total tour cost
  • The day of the tour before the tour start time: 50% of the total tour cost
  • After the tour start time / no-show: 100% of the total tour cost

Inclement Weather

  • Can be changed to a walking + car version at no extra charge. We will notify you by 7:00 p.m. the day before the event
  • No cancellation fee will be charged for cancellations due to inclement weather.

Points of Attention

  • Tour routes will be adjusted as needed.
  • We recommend purchasing travel insurance for added peace of mind. Minimum coverage is included.
  • Please wear comfortable walking shoes. Please wear socks for smooth entry at the Gansho-in Temple.
  • In rare cases, if we cannot secure a guide, the tour may be canceled with a full refund. You will be notified at least one day in advance.
  • Participants are responsible for any damage to their personal belongings during the tour or any additional activities.
  • We cannot be held responsible for any accidents or issues that may arise during the tour.