Paint & Sip in Hokusai’s Town: Sake and Art Tour

Nagano, Japan
Duration4h 30m
Free cancellationFull refund up to 24 hours before
TicketMobile or paper ticket accepted
LanguagesEnglish
Private tourOnly your group will participate

Overview

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.

Options

Meet at Nagano Station

Starting point: Nagano Station: Start your tour at Nagano Station instead of Obuse Station

Paint & Sip in Hokusai’s Town: Sake and Art Tour

What's included

  • Paint & Sip experience (drinks & snacks included)
  • Sake brewery tour and tasting
  • English-speaking guide (unlicensed)
  • Admission to Hokusai-kan
  • Meals and drinks (other than specified in the Include section)
  • Personal expenses

What to expect

  1. Obuse-machi
    40m
    Wander through the charming streets of Obuse, guided by your expert. Uncover the secrets of Hokusai's inspiration and the town's rich history.
  2. Hokusai-kan
    50m · Admission ticket included
    Dive into the world of Hokusai at this dedicated museum. Marvel at his ukiyo-e prints and original paintings, most notably the panels that adorn the ceiling of the Higashimachi and Kanmachi festival floats.
  3. Matsubaya Honten
    30m · Admission ticket included
    Discover the heart of sake-making at Matsubaya Brewery. Tour the historic brewery and savor the delicate flavors of sake, a timeless treasure.
  4. Garari
    2h 30m · Admission ticket included
    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.

Meeting and pickup

Meeting point

Your guide will be standing outside the station, holding a sign.

End point

Your guide will be standing outside the station, holding a sign.

Additional information

  • Public transportation options are available nearby
  • Not recommended for travelers with spinal injuries
  • Not recommended for pregnant travelers
  • Not recommended for travelers with poor cardiovascular health
  • Suitable for all physical fitness levels
  • Not recommended for travelers over 75 years old. This tour does not allow strollers, so children who can walk on their own can participate. Travelers should have a moderate physical fitness level.

Cancellation policy

For a full refund, cancel at least 24 hours before the scheduled departure time.
From
20,000.00 JPY per person
Check availability & book
  • Free cancellation up to 24 hours before the experience starts
  • You'll choose your date and travelers and pay on viator.com. Prices vary by date, group size and option.
More activities in Nagano
From
20,000.00 JPY per person
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