Kozan Takai was a wealthy merchant of Obuse who made a fortune in the rice business (in those days, rice dominated the Japanese economy). He is known for beings Hokusai’s benefactor as well as being his apprentice. The Kozan Takai museum is Takai’s former residence. The museum exhibits Takai’s paintings and calligraphy work. The building is remarkable for the many secret passages that would have allowed the wealthy merchant and his family to escape in case of an attack from burglars or a rival faction.

Area : Chubu area
Prefecture : Nagano-ken
City : Obuse-machi
District : Obuse