Relax and Unwind in Kusatsu City, Shiga! 9 Recommended Tourist Spots

Kusatsu City in Shiga Prefecture is the second most populous city after Otsu, the prefectural capital. It is a popular tourist destination for those who want to spend an enjoyable and lively time. This time, we introduce nine recommended sightseeing spots that are not only lively but also perfect for those who wish to spend a relaxing holiday. Take this opportunity to refresh yourself from your daily fatigue!

1. Enjoy a full day with extensive exhibits at Lake Biwa Museum

The Lake Biwa Museum provides insights into the history, water quality, and topography of Lake Biwa. If you want to learn more about the town, visiting this museum will undoubtedly enhance your knowledge of Kusatsu. One of the highlights of the museum is its freshwater aquarium and a mirage phenomenon exhibit. It's an enjoyable spot for both children and adults.

With its rich collection of exhibits, visitors can explore without getting bored. If you're interested in the city's history and culture or want to take your time sightseeing, the Lake Biwa Museum is the perfect place to spend a relaxing day.

2. A fun place for kids too – Yabasekihantou Park

Kusatsu City offers a variety of sightseeing spots, from scenic lake views to historical sites like museums and shrines. However, for those traveling with children, Yabasekihantou Park is a great place to enjoy active playtime.

This park features a massive jungle gym made of ropes and other large playground equipment. While younger children may need adult supervision, this makes it a great spot for parent-child interaction. The spacious setting allows for a leisurely and fun experience, making it an excellent choice for families looking to spend energetic time together.

One of the best aspects of the park is free parking, making it convenient for those visiting by car. The park also offers rental bicycles, sports fields, and a swimming pool, making it a perfect destination for those who want to engage in physical activities. Since weekends tend to get crowded, arriving a little earlier is recommended.

3. Admire Aquatic Plants from Lake Biwa at "Mizunomori Water Botanical Garden"

The Mizunomori Water Botanical Garden is a park in Karasuma Peninsula, Kusatsu City, that primarily features aquatic plants. Among the most popular plants in the park are water lilies and lotus flowers. During their blooming season, the beautiful flowers create a breathtaking sight. The park is quite spacious, so simply walking around to see the flowers provides a good amount of exercise.

This tourist spot offers both scenic beauty and physical activity, making it a refreshing place to visit. From the garden, visitors can also enjoy a view of Lake Biwa, making the most of the unique location. When thinking of a botanical garden, many people might assume it is a seasonal attraction.

However, Mizunomori Water Botanical Garden has a greenhouse, allowing visitors to enjoy a variety of aquatic plants even during the cold winter months. This means beautiful flowers can be admired throughout the year.

4. Explore an Edo-period Honjin at "Kusatsu-juku Honjin"

One of the most fascinating aspects of sightseeing in Kusatsu City is the many historical relics and ruins that remain. One such example is Kusatsu-juku Honjin, a historic lodging facility that was used by high-ranking officials and feudal lords during the Edo period. This attraction is within walking distance from the station, making it an excellent spot for tourists traveling by train. In addition to the architecture, visitors can also see recreations of the meals that were commonly eaten during the Edo period, which adds an interesting perspective to the experience.

Various everyday items, including bamboo buckets, are also displayed. If you take your time exploring, you'll get a real sense of what life was like in the Edo period. There are guided tours available, making it easy for first-time visitors to fully appreciate the historical significance of the site. If you have any questions, the guides can provide in-depth knowledge about Kusatsu’s history and culture.

Since Kusatsu-juku Honjin is one of the few remaining honjin in Japan, it is worth visiting for both education and sightseeing. If you have extra time, take a leisurely stroll along the Tokaido Road and imagine what Kusatsu was like in the past.

5. Experience History at "Kusatsu-juku Kaido Koryukan"

One of the charms of Kusatsu City sightseeing is that it allows visitors to deepen their understanding of history. Kusatsu-juku Kaido Koryukan is the perfect place for history enthusiasts. If you want to experience history rather than just learn about it, this is the place to visit.

What makes this facility special is its interactive exhibits. Visitors can dress in period costumes, ride in a traditional palanquin (kago) for a photo, and even try printing ukiyo-e (woodblock prints) using traditional techniques. The museum is designed to be engaging for both adults and children, making it a great destination for families.

Located just a 10-minute walk from Kusatsu Station, this museum is situated along the Tokaido Road heading toward Otsu. If you visit Kusatsu-juku Honjin as well, you can receive a discount on the entrance fee. The first-floor area is free to enter and offers local souvenirs for purchase, ensuring a fulfilling visit.

6. A Rest Stop for Sightseeing in Kusatsu – "Michi-no-Eki Kusatsu"

If you're planning a trip around Kusatsu City, one of the most important things to consider is having designated rest stops. Since you’ve come all this way, you’ll want to fully enjoy all the amazing attractions in the area, right?

To make the most of your trip, it’s a good idea to plan rest breaks in advance. Michi-no-Eki Kusatsu is highly recommended for this purpose. It’s the perfect spot for a quick break while driving and offers fresh local vegetables, specialty products, and souvenirs—a delight for tourists. Be mindful that the shops close at 6:00 PM, so if you plan to stop by, make sure to visit during daylight hours.

7. Recommended Spot for Sightseeing in Kusatsu City by Train – "Niwatasu"

If you're planning to explore Kusatsu City by train, Niwatasu is a great stop to include in your itinerary.

Located at the east exit of Kusatsu Station, diagonally across from Kintetsu Department Store, Niwatasu is a natural garden and shopping area. The space is stylish and aesthetically pleasing, making it a particularly attractive spot for those who enjoy charming and cozy environments. Niwatasu features a variety of shops, including a general goods store, an Italian restaurant, a café, a bakery, and a traditional Japanese sweets shop. On the second floor, there's a terrace with relaxing stores, perfect for unwinding.

Whether you're traveling with friends or alone, Niwatasu offers a place where you can take a break from your busy daily life and enjoy a slow, relaxing moment. However, please note that there is no parking lot available at Niwatasu, so if you’re traveling by car, be sure to check nearby parking options.

8. A Famous Shrine for Traffic Safety – "Tachiki Shrine"

For those who love visiting shrines while traveling, Tachiki Shrine is one of the most famous shrines in Kusatsu City.

Located along the old Tokaido Road, Tachiki Shrine is well known for offering blessings for traffic safety. It was founded 1,200 years ago, during the reign of Empress Shotoku, making it a historical and culturally significant shrine. The intricate architectural details of the shrine are worth observing when you visit.

Tachiki Shrine is beloved not only by tourists but also by locals. While it gets crowded during New Year’s visits (Hatsumode), it is usually quiet and peaceful on normal days, allowing visitors to enjoy a serene atmosphere. Additionally, parking is available, making it convenient for those traveling by car.

9. A Famous Wisteria Spot in Kusatsu City – "Sandai Shrine"

Sandai Shrine is a famous spot for viewing wisteria in Kusatsu City. If you visit Kusatsu during wisteria season, this shrine is a must-visit destination. The blooming period for wisteria is usually from early to mid-May.

Kusatsu City is home to many historical structures, and shrines make up a large portion of them. Because of this, shrine-hopping is a popular activity for many visitors. Sandai Shrine, in particular, offers stunning wisteria displays, making it an essential stop for nature lovers.

The shrine is a 15-minute taxi ride from Kusatsu Station. During wisteria season, there is an entrance fee of 200 yen, which is quite reasonable. The wisteria trees here are old and well-maintained, fitting the historic character of Kusatsu. Their trunk size and vine length are remarkably large, making for a truly impressive sight. Many visitors have commented that the display is more breathtaking than they expected.

◎ Summary

We have introduced some of the most popular sightseeing spots in Kusatsu City. One of the city’s key attractions is its historical shrines and structures, making it a great destination for those interested in history. From bustling tourist destinations to hidden gems with fewer crowds, Kusatsu offers a variety of experiences to suit different preferences. Use this guide as a reference when planning your trip to Kusatsu City and its surroundings.

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Relax and Unwind in Kusatsu City, Shiga! 9 Recommended Tourist Spots