Gansho-in Temple is located in Obuse, Nagano. If you're coming from Nagano City, you can take the train to Obuse Station and then enjoy a pleasant walk or a short taxi ride. Many visitors combine their trip with the nearby Hokusai Museum, which is about a 30-minute walk away.

Yes, the temple is accessible by car, and it's often mentioned as a convenient stop for those driving through the area. Parking information should be available upon arrival.

A popular combination is visiting the Hokusai Museum first, then walking to Gansho-in Temple. This allows you to fully appreciate Hokusai's work and then see his final masterpiece in its original setting.

While specific pricing can vary, entry to Gansho-in Temple is generally very affordable, often around a few hundred yen. It's considered a worthwhile expense for the unique artwork.

Opening hours can vary seasonally, but the temple is typically open during daylight hours. It's advisable to check the most current hours before your visit, especially if traveling during holidays.

Advance booking is generally not required for Gansho-in Temple. Entry is usually on a walk-in basis, making it easy to incorporate into your itinerary.

While the main draw is Hokusai's phoenix, the temple grounds may host seasonal displays, such as the Iris Japonica mentioned by visitors. Check local listings for any special events during your visit.

No, photography is strictly prohibited inside the main hall of Gansho-in Temple to protect Hokusai's delicate ceiling painting. This is a common rule in many Japanese temples to preserve historical art.

Since photos are not allowed inside, the best way to remember the phoenix is by purchasing a postcard from the temple's gift shop. This allows you to have a memento without violating the rules.

Yes, the temple grounds, including the area around the Frog-Fighting Pond and the temple's exterior architecture, offer pleasant photo opportunities.

Katsushika Hokusai was a prolific Japanese ukiyo-e artist who lived from 1760 to 1849. He is most famous for his woodblock print series 'Thirty-six Views of Mount Fuji,' which includes the iconic 'The Great Wave off Kanagawa.' His work significantly influenced Western art.

The phoenix painting on the ceiling of Gansho-in Temple is considered Hokusai's final great work, created when he was 88 or 89 years old. It's a testament to his enduring artistic skill and vision late in life.

The painting is renowned for its vibrant colors and the unique effect where the pigments appear to change from black to silver depending on the viewing angle and light. Guides often explain these fascinating details.

Besides the phoenix painting, the temple may display other statues and artifacts, and a small museum-like area might showcase the pigments and dyes used in traditional Japanese art.