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AsiaJapanNagano

Obuse

Nagano, Japan · Asia

About Obuse

Obuse works well as a base: 10 minutes from Nakayama, 14km from Jigokudani Monkey Park.

Obuse is a town located in Nagano, Japan. With a population of 10,660, it is an important destination in Asia.

On a road trip, Obuse sits in Japan, where you drive on the left. It's in the Asia/Tokyo time zone. Below you'll find where to stay, things to do nearby, and everything you need to add Obuse to your route.

About Obuse

Obuse (小布施町, Obuse-machi) is a town located in Nagano Prefecture, Japan. As of 1 April 2019, the town had an estimated population of 10,999 in 3832 households, and a population density of 580 persons per km2. The total area of the town is 19.12 square kilometres (7.38 sq mi).

Read more on Wikipedia

Where to Stay in Obuse

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Frequently Asked Questions

What are the best things to do in Obuse?

Obuse offers many attractions including tourist sites, museums, parks, and local restaurants. Explore famous landmarks, scenic roads, and natural wonders on our interactive map and plan your visit.

How do I plan a road trip to Obuse?

Plan your road trip to Obuse with Plan Your Road Trips! Add Obuse as a destination, and we'll help you find the best route and discover more amazing places along the way.

Where is Obuse located?

Obuse is located in Nagano, Japan, Asia. The coordinates are 36.6960 latitude, 138.3140 longitude.

What is the population of Obuse?

Obuse has a population of approximately 10,660 people, making it a town in Japan.

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Quick Information

Population
10,660
Continent
Asia
Country
Japan
Region
Nagano
Timezone
Asia/Tokyo
Coordinates
36.6960, 138.3140

Emergency & Services

Essential numbers in Japan

Police
110
Ambulance
119
Fire
119
Driving side
left

Japan Helpline (24h English assistance): 0570-000-911. An International Driving Permit (1949 convention) is required to drive.

Full driving guide for Japan

Tags

AsiaJapanNaganoTown

Worth the detour from Obuse

8 notable places within an hour's drive.

landmark

Shibu Onsen

A cobbled onsen village of wooden inns where guests in yukata and geta make a circuit of nine small public bathhouses. It is the road-end village below the snow monkey valley.

11 km · about 20 min drive

natural wonder

Jigokudani Monkey Park

A unique hot spring area where wild Japanese macaques famously bathe in steaming thermal pools surrounded by snow.

14 km · about 25 min drive

mountain pass

Shibu Pass

At 2,172 m this is the highest point on any Japanese national highway, on Route 292 between Nagano and Gunma. In spring the road is cut through snow walls several metres high.

20 km · about 25 min drive

photogenic

Kusatsu Yubatake

The steaming timber sluice at the centre of Kusatsu, where 4,000 litres a minute of highly acidic spring water is cooled across wooden channels before reaching the baths. Floodlit and clouded in steam after dark.

26 km · about 30 min drive

landmark

Nozawa Onsen

A steep village of thirteen free communal bathhouses maintained by residents, plus an open hot-spring cooking pool where locals blanch vegetables. The Oyu bathhouse is a wooden temple-roofed landmark at the centre.

28 km · about 30 min drive

landmark

Bessho Onsen

A thousand-year-old spa at the foot of the Nagano hills, ringed by ancient temples including a rare octagonal three-storey pagoda. Three small public baths still serve the village for a few coins.

41 km · about 45 min drive

mountain pass

Usui Pass

Historic pass on the old Nakasendo route between Gunma and Karuizawa, packed with 180-plus corners and the brick Megane-bashi viaduct. Another Initial D battleground beloved by drivers and rail historians alike.

49 km · about 55 min drive

famous road

Mount Haruna Touge

The winding climb to Lake Haruna in Gunma, immortalised as 'Mount Akina' in Initial D. Gentle hairpins, a crater lake at the top, and constant pilgrimages by fans of Japan's street-racing manga.

55 km · about 65 min drive

Driving roads near Obuse

  • 20 kmShibu PassAt 2,172 m this is the highest point on any Japanese national highway, on Route 292 between Nagano and Gunma. In spring the road is cut through snow walls several metres high.
  • 49 kmUsui PassHistoric pass on the old Nakasendo route between Gunma and Karuizawa, packed with 180-plus corners and the brick Megane-bashi viaduct. Another Initial D battleground beloved by drivers and rail historians alike.
  • 55 kmMount Haruna TougeThe winding climb to Lake Haruna in Gunma, immortalised as 'Mount Akina' in Initial D. Gentle hairpins, a crater lake at the top, and constant pilgrimages by fans of Japan's street-racing manga.
  • 65 kmTateyama Kurobe Alpine RouteA spectacular mountain traversal through the Japanese Alps using cable cars, buses, and ropeways past towering snow walls and dams.
  • 67 kmVenus LineA 76 km free touring road across Nagano's Kirigamine and Utsukushigahara highlands, rolling over open alpine meadows at up to 1,959 m. One of Japan's best-loved drives for bikers and grand tourers.

Nearby Destinations

Other places to explore near Obuse.

Nakayama

🇯🇵 Japan

5 km awayPop. 6,617

Suzaka

🇯🇵 Japan

5 km awayPop. 54,022

Nakano

🇯🇵 Japan

8 km awayPop. 42,664

Mure

🇯🇵 Japan

9 km awayPop. 10,296

Hirao

🇯🇵 Japan

11 km awayPop. 11,352

Nagano

🇯🇵 Japan

13 km awayPop. 372,760

Kashiwabara

🇯🇵 Japan

16 km awayPop. 7,739

Kamikijima

🇯🇵 Japan

18 km awayPop. 4,375

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Data sources:GeoNames (CC BY 4.0)•Wikimedia Commons (CC BY-SA)•Mapbox•Photography: George Lawrence