This museum is the starting point to any visit to Obuse which is why I decided to add it to the map (even though it might seem like an obvious attraction). This is what brings most people to the town but I want to emphasis that there is so much more to this picturesque town!

Firstly, let's talk about the museum. I think it's nice that there is a lot more information available to learn more about the artist Hokusai who created possibly Japan's most iconic artwork. It's believed that he made more that 30,000 pieces during his lifetime and there is a whole lot more to see! Head up, The Great Wave off Kanagawa isn't always on display here although they do have a detailed breakdown as to how the original art was created and it's very interesting.

Personally, I like the ceiling paintings displayed on the festival cart which makes the museum worth a visit on its own.

Fun fact about The Great Wave Off Kanagawa art!

The Great Wave off Kanagawa is one of the most iconic artworks in the world. You see it on posters, T-shirts, and even emojis 🌊. But here's the twist—it’s arguably more famous outside Japan than within it. Why?

Back in the 19th century, ukiyo-e prints like Hokusai’s were considered everyday, commercial art in Japan—more like advertisements or collectibles than 'fine art.' But when Japan opened up to international trade, Western artists and collectors went wild for it.

The Impressionists, like Van Gogh and Monet, were obsessed with ukiyo-e. They called it Japonisme and borrowed Hokusai’s bold lines, flat colors, and dramatic compositions for their own masterpieces. In fact, some say Hokusai's wave influenced the entire Art Nouveau movement.

Meanwhile, in Japan, ukiyo-e fell out of fashion, and Hokusai was forgotten for decades. His reputation as a genius only started to rebound in Japan after his work became world-famous. Today, museums like the Hokusai Museum in Nagano celebrate his legacy, but globally, The Great Wave is still more iconic than ever.