What other travelers are saying about Nakajo Hokusaikan
Great museum for Hokusai lovers (the giant wave 🌊 near Mt Fuji artist). Showcases his history and the wide range of work beyond the Mt Fuji Ukiyoe. The building is modern and nice. Tickets ¥1200 or ¥1500 for a combo with 3 other local attractions. It was quiet on a December weekday. Parking ¥300. No cafe but lots of restaurants around.
Great inside Hokusai themed playground for kids up to 6. My tip: put your kids in there and one parent does a quick look for half an hour and then swaps.
Nice store with some authentic prints as well.
Other reviews that complain that there's only a few original pieces by Hokusai are maybe not understanding that he was a commercial woodcut artist and that 99% of his work was prints.
I would have liked more information on the process of printing in pre Meiji Japan, but there was some.
Unfortunately, two halls of the museum were closed for technical reasons, but I was still able to see the rooms dedicated to Hokusai’s manga. I had not known about this body of work before, and I was truly amazed by the level of detail and the beauty of these pieces.
I was especially struck by a quote from Hokusai in the film shown at the museum - words he reportedly said on his deathbed: “If I had another five years of life, only then would I be able to become a true artist.”
Beautiful and awesome comes to mind. The reproduction is impeccably done. The originals are superb and we were lucky to see some of those exhibited here. Enough said. Do come and be amazed.
Should a museum be called the “Hokusai Museum “ and only have one or two minor works by the artist displayed?
There were works by other artists displayed, a couple of minor Hokusai works, and two 15 minute videos about Hokusai. I was disappointed to say the least especially when you consider that Hokusai is said to have created over 30,000 works over his lifetime.
If you plan to visit, make sure to check the website beforehand so you are aware of what’s available. For a much better experience, I recommend the Hokusai museum in Asakusa, Tokyo.
On a positive note, the restroom was clean and the air conditioning was a welcome relief from the hot summer weather.
Building work going as of writing this review. 2 out of 5 rooms are closed to the public due to AC update work. They reduced the ticket price to 800 yen because of the limited display.
Don’t be confused by the lanyard at the front. You only need them if you just want to use the toilet of visit the shop. Tickets are bought at the reception desk close to the entrance inside.
The museum is open from 9:00 AM to 5:00 PM daily, with last admission 30 minutes before closing. On New Year's Day only, the hours are reduced to 10:00 AM to 3:00 PM. The museum closes on December 31 while exhibitions are being changed. It's advisable to check the official website before visiting, as temporary closures may occur during exhibition transitions.
Flash photography is prohibited. Non-flash photography for personal use may be permitted in certain areas. Check with staff or signage for specific restrictions, particularly around the festival floats and ceiling paintings.
Plan for 1 to 2 hours. This includes two audiovisual presentations at the start about Japonism and Hokusai's connection to Obuse, plus time to view the festival floats and rotating exhibitions.
A children's room is available for ages 1 year to preschool at ¥300 per child. Coin lockers cost ¥100 (refundable). Elementary and junior high school students pay ¥300 for museum admission, and younger children enter free.
Absolutely. About 2 kilometers from the museum, Ganshoin Temple displays another Hokusai masterpiece—a large phoenix ceiling mural painted during his final years. The Takai Kozan Memorial Museum is also nearby, showcasing the work of Hokusai's patron and the historical Yuzenro building where artists held discussions. A special ¥1,300 combo ticket grants admission to all three museums: Hokusaikan, Takai Kozan Memorial Museum, and Obuse Museum, providing good value for visitors interested in exploring Obuse's rich artistic heritage.
