Hokusai Museum — Master's Final Years in Obuse

The Hokusai-kan Museum (北斎館) in Obuse displays works by ukiyo-e master Katsushika Hokusai (1760–1849) created during the final years of his life, when he lived in Obuse under the patronage of wealthy merchant Takai Kozan. Hokusai visited Obuse four times between ages 83 and 88, producing some of his most dynamic late-period paintings and ceiling murals for local temples.

The museum's highlight is two original festival floats (dashi) featuring Hokusai's painted ceiling panels — one depicting a phoenix (鳳凰図), the other depicting masculine and feminine waves (男浪・女浪図). These large-format works showcase Hokusai's mastery of composition and energy despite his advanced age. The museum also exhibits rare illustrated books and sketches. For Hokusai scholars, this collection reveals an often-overlooked chapter of his artistic evolution.