Kusatsu Station

Kusatsu Station (草津駅) is a JR train station in Kusatsu, Shiga Prefecture, Japan on the JR Tokaido Main Line (Biwako Line) and JR Kusatsu Line operated by West Japan Railway Company (JR West).

The station’s slanted roof lines are similar to the roof of the Kusatsu Honjin, one of Japan’s best preserved Honjin used for VIP lodging in former post towns. A traditional-looking gate (photo) and a road marker on the pedestrian deck add a nice touch.

One great thing about Kusatsu Station is the tourist information booth right outside the turnstile. As soon as you give your ticket to go out, it’s right there. When staffed during the better part of the day, they are very helpful with directions to places. Local-area tourist pamphlets are also available at all times.

When a tourist gets off the train, the first thing he/she wants is a map of the place of arrival. Usually, you have to search for the map signboard or tourist info office if there is one. But Kusatsu Station is the rare exception where the tourist info booth and local brochures are right there outside the turnstile.

Kusatsu Station is Shiga’s busiest train station with the highest daily average of boarding passengers exceeding 27,000 in 2012. The second busiest is neighboring Minami-Kusatsu Station with over 24,000 passengers daily. In comparison, Otsu Station sees over 17,000 passengers daily and Kyoto Station has over 185,000 passengers. These numbers do not include the number of people getting off the train.

Elevator: Yes | Escalator: Yes | Accessible toilet: Yes | Staffed: Yes | Lockers: Yes | Tourist info staff: Yes

JR West Timetable, Route Finder, & Operation Status | Nearby attractions

Related Articles

• Shiga Prefecture Transportation
• Top 20 train stations in Shiga