Kusatsu, Shiga: Difference between revisions

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  Island        = Honshu |
  Island        = Honshu |


  Photo = <HTML><a href="http://photoguide.jp/pix/index.php?cat=99" target="window"><img src="http://photoguide.jp/pix/albums/shiga/kusatsu/shukubamatsuri/062-IMG_4528.jpg" alt="enter" width="320" align="middle"></a></HTML> |
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  Photocaption = Kusatsu Shukuba Matsuri |
  Photocaption = Kusatsu Shukuba Matsuri |
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  pixLink      = http://photoguide.jp/pix/index.php?cat=99 |
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Adjacent to Otsu and a former post town (shukuba) at the crossroads of the [[Nakasendo Road]] and [[Tokaido Road]]. The city has a well-preserved Honjin lodge where VIPs (including Emperor Meiji) passing through town stayed  during the feudal era. The annual Shukuba Matsuri in late April celebrates this post-town history.
Adjacent to Otsu and a former post town (shukuba) at the crossroads of the [[Nakasendo Road]] and [[Tokaido Road]]. The city has a well-preserved Honjin lodge where VIPs (including Emperor Meiji) passing through town stayed  during the feudal era. The annual Shukuba Matsuri in late April celebrates this post-town history.


The city has other major attractions such as [http://photoguide.jp/pix/thumbnails.php?album=118 Lake Biwa Museum] on Karasuma Peninsula jutting into [[Lake Biwa]]. After Otsu, Kusatsu is Shiga's second most populous city.
The city has other major attractions such as [https://photoguide.jp/pix/thumbnails.php?album=118 Lake Biwa Museum] on Karasuma Peninsula jutting into [[Lake Biwa]]. After Otsu, Kusatsu is Shiga's second most populous city.


[[Kusatsu Station]] is also the terminus of the [[Kusatsu Line]] which is connected to the [[Tokaido Main Line]]/Biwako Line. The [[Kusatsu Line]] is the main train line for Ritto, Konan, and Koka cities. It is Shiga Prefecture's busiest train station in terms of ridership (people boarding trains).
[[Kusatsu Station]] is also the terminus of the [[Kusatsu Line]] which is connected to the [[Tokaido Main Line]]/Biwako Line. The [[Kusatsu Line]] is the main train line for Ritto, Konan, and Koka cities. It is Shiga Prefecture's busiest train station in terms of ridership (people boarding trains).
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</td><td><span class="plainlinks"><a href="https://photoguide.jp/pix/thumbnails.php?album=117" class="external text" title="https://photoguide.jp/pix/thumbnails.php?album=117" rel="nofollow"><img src="https://photoguide.jp/pix/albums/shiga/kusatsu/lotus/thumb_mi312-P1010643.jpg" alt="thumb_mi312-P1010643.jpg" /></a></span>
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<td><a href="http://photoguide.jp/pix/thumbnails.php?album=177" class="external text" title="http://photoguide.jp/pix/thumbnails.php?album=177" rel="nofollow">Kusatsu-juku Honjin</a>
<td><a href="https://photoguide.jp/pix/thumbnails.php?album=177" class="external text" title="https://photoguide.jp/pix/thumbnails.php?album=177" rel="nofollow">Kusatsu-juku Honjin</a>
</td><td><a href="http://photoguide.jp/pix/thumbnails.php?album=359" class="external text" title="http://photoguide.jp/pix/thumbnails.php?album=359" rel="nofollow">Shukuba Matsuri</a>
</td><td><a href="https://photoguide.jp/pix/thumbnails.php?album=359" class="external text" title="https://photoguide.jp/pix/thumbnails.php?album=359" rel="nofollow">Shukuba Matsuri</a>
</td><td><a href="http://photoguide.jp/pix/thumbnails.php?album=31" class="external text" title="http://photoguide.jp/pix/thumbnails.php?album=31" rel="nofollow">Karasumasan Lotus (no longer growing)</a>
</td><td><a href="https://photoguide.jp/pix/thumbnails.php?album=31" class="external text" title="https://photoguide.jp/pix/thumbnails.php?album=31" rel="nofollow">Karasumasan Lotus (no longer growing)</a>
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<td><a href="http://photoguide.jp/pix/thumbnails.php?album=177" class="external text" title="http://photoguide.jp/pix/thumbnails.php?album=177" rel="nofollow">Yabase lakeside park</a>
<td><a href="https://photoguide.jp/pix/thumbnails.php?album=177" class="external text" title="https://photoguide.jp/pix/thumbnails.php?album=177" rel="nofollow">Yabase lakeside park</a>
</td><td><a href="http://photoguide.jp/pix/thumbnails.php?album=359" class="external text" title="http://photoguide.jp/pix/thumbnails.php?album=359" rel="nofollow">Ubaga mochi</a>
</td><td><a href="https://photoguide.jp/pix/thumbnails.php?album=359" class="external text" title="https://photoguide.jp/pix/thumbnails.php?album=359" rel="nofollow">Ubaga mochi</a>
</td><td><a href="http://youtu.be/WKvSP9zmnb8" class="external text" title="http://youtu.be/WKvSP9zmnb8" rel="nofollow">Lake Biwa Museum</a>
</td><td><a href="http://youtu.be/WKvSP9zmnb8" class="external text" title="http://youtu.be/WKvSP9zmnb8" rel="nofollow">Lake Biwa Museum</a>
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* [http://photoguide.jp/pix/thumbnails.php?album=118 Lake Biwa Museum] - Shiga's best museum and lake aquarium when you can learn about the lake's history, environmental sociology, and aquatic life. The museum restaurant also serves Biwa salmon (tastes like salmon) and invasive species black bass. On Karasuma Peninsula (accessible by bus from [[Kusatsu Station]]). See video below. [http://goo.gl/maps/I1PPr Map]
* [https://photoguide.jp/pix/thumbnails.php?album=118 Lake Biwa Museum] - Shiga's best museum and lake aquarium when you can learn about the lake's history, environmental sociology, and aquatic life. The museum restaurant also serves Biwa salmon (tastes like salmon) and invasive species black bass. On Karasuma Peninsula (accessible by bus from [[Kusatsu Station]]). See video below. [http://goo.gl/maps/I1PPr Map]


* [http://photoguide.jp/pix/thumbnails.php?album=177 Kusatsu-juku 草津宿] - Being the crossroads of both the Nakasendo and Tokaido Roads, Kusatsu was a busy place in the old days. The Honjin was the VIP lodge for feudal lords, emperors, etc. It has been magnificently preserved for all to see. It is Japan's largest remaining Honjin. [http://goo.gl/maps/glEhn Map]
* [https://photoguide.jp/pix/thumbnails.php?album=177 Kusatsu-juku 草津宿] - Being the crossroads of both the Nakasendo and Tokaido Roads, Kusatsu was a busy place in the old days. The Honjin was the VIP lodge for feudal lords, emperors, etc. It has been magnificently preserved for all to see. It is Japan's largest remaining Honjin. [http://goo.gl/maps/glEhn Map]


* [http://photoguide.jp/pix/thumbnails.php?album=177 Kusatsu-juku Kaido Koryu-kan 草津宿街道交流館] - History museum with various exhibits showing Kusatsu's post town history. Admission 200 yen. You can buy a set ticket good for both the Honjin and this history museum. [http://goo.gl/maps/fdqQ4 Map]
* [https://photoguide.jp/pix/thumbnails.php?album=177 Kusatsu-juku Kaido Koryu-kan 草津宿街道交流館] - History museum with various exhibits showing Kusatsu's post town history. Admission 200 yen. You can buy a set ticket good for both the Honjin and this history museum. [http://goo.gl/maps/fdqQ4 Map]


* [http://photoguide.jp/pix/thumbnails.php?album=177 Oiwake Guidepost road marker 追分道標] - Old road marker at the intersection of the Tokaido and Nakasendo Roads. The left side says "Left for Nakasendo Road" and the right side says "Right for Tokaido Road." [http://goo.gl/maps/0DfjL Map]
* [https://photoguide.jp/pix/thumbnails.php?album=177 Oiwake Guidepost road marker 追分道標] - Old road marker at the intersection of the Tokaido and Nakasendo Roads. The left side says "Left for Nakasendo Road" and the right side says "Right for Tokaido Road." [http://goo.gl/maps/0DfjL Map]


* [http://photoguide.jp/pix/thumbnails.php?album=117 Mizunomori Water Botanical Garden 水生植物公園みずの森] Until 2015, there was a breathtakingly huge lotus pond at Karasuma Peninsula blooming in July-Aug. Sadly by summer 2016, the lotus field was decimated by sandy soil and an increase of methane gas. Water lilies and other aquatic plants are displayed inside the greenhouse. Adjacent to Lake Biwa Museum. [http://goo.gl/maps/P8n3z Map]
* [https://photoguide.jp/pix/thumbnails.php?album=117 Mizunomori Water Botanical Garden 水生植物公園みずの森] Until 2015, there was a breathtakingly huge lotus pond at Karasuma Peninsula blooming in July-Aug. Sadly by summer 2016, the lotus field was decimated by sandy soil and an increase of methane gas. Water lilies and other aquatic plants are displayed inside the greenhouse. Adjacent to Lake Biwa Museum. [http://goo.gl/maps/P8n3z Map]


* [http://photoguide.jp/pix/thumbnails.php?album=151 Yabase Port 矢橋港跡] - Site of the old Yabase Port where sail boats would return, as depicted by Hiroshige's woodblock print of Boats Returning to Yabase from his "Omi Hakkei" (Eight Views of Omi) series. [http://goo.gl/maps/ZUfNX Map]
* [https://photoguide.jp/pix/thumbnails.php?album=151 Yabase Port 矢橋港跡] - Site of the old Yabase Port where sail boats would return, as depicted by Hiroshige's woodblock print of Boats Returning to Yabase from his "Omi Hakkei" (Eight Views of Omi) series. [http://goo.gl/maps/ZUfNX Map]


=== Event Calendar ===
=== Event Calendar ===
*April 29 - [http://photoguide.jp/pix/thumbnails.php?album=359 Kusatsu Shukuba Festival 草津宿場まつり] - Annual festival held on April 29 to celebrate Kusatsu's history as a stage town on the Nakasendo and Tokaido Roads. Numerous events and activities are held such as flea markets, street & stage performances, and Japanese dances. The main highlight is the Kusatsu Jidai Gyoretsu procession of people dressed in historical costumes such as samurai and kimono ladies. [http://goo.gl/maps/glEhn Map]
*April 29 - [https://photoguide.jp/pix/thumbnails.php?album=359 Kusatsu Shukuba Festival 草津宿場まつり] - Annual festival held on April 29 to celebrate Kusatsu's history as a stage town on the Nakasendo and Tokaido Roads. Numerous events and activities are held such as flea markets, street & stage performances, and Japanese dances. The main highlight is the Kusatsu Jidai Gyoretsu procession of people dressed in historical costumes such as samurai and kimono ladies. [http://goo.gl/maps/glEhn Map]


=== Travel Tips ===
=== Travel Tips ===
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'''JR Tokaido Line'''
'''JR Tokaido Line'''
*[[Kusatsu Station]] (草津駅) - A former stage town on the Nakasendo Road. The [http://photoguide.jp/pix/thumbnails.php?album=177 Kusatsu-juku Honjin] is a marvelous example of the luxury accomodations used by feudal lords and emperors when they traveled in the old days. Tourist info booth near turnstile. Bicycle rental (phone: 077−565-9052) at east exit street level.
*[[Kusatsu Station]] (草津駅) - A former stage town on the Nakasendo Road. The [https://photoguide.jp/pix/thumbnails.php?album=177 Kusatsu-juku Honjin] is a marvelous example of the luxury accomodations used by feudal lords and emperors when they traveled in the old days. Tourist info booth near turnstile. Bicycle rental (phone: 077−565-9052) at east exit street level.
*[[Minami-Kusatsu Station]] (南草津駅) -  
*[[Minami-Kusatsu Station]] (南草津駅) -  


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<td><a href="http://photoguide.jp/pix/thumbnails.php?album=151" class="external text" title="http://photoguide.jp/pix/thumbnails.php?album=151" rel="nofollow">Kusatsu as seen from Mt. Hiei. Karasuma Peninsula (windmill) on the left.</a>
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''More photos at [http://photoguide.jp/pix/index.php?cat=99 Kusatsu Photos]. More [http://photoguide.jp/pix/index.php?cat=3 Shiga Photos here.]''
''More photos at [https://photoguide.jp/pix/index.php?cat=99 Kusatsu Photos]. More [https://photoguide.jp/pix/index.php?cat=3 Shiga Photos here.]''


== Videos ==
== Videos ==
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<blockquote class="twitter-tweet" data-lang="en"><p lang="en" dir="ltr">Huge lotus pond at Karasuma in Kusatsu decimated since summer 2016. Expert says, &quot;Sandy soil is bad, very little chance of recovery.&quot; Sad! <a href="https://t.co/HVEdRB1ohq">pic.twitter.com/HVEdRB1ohq</a></p>&mdash; Shiga Headlines (@ShigaHeadlines) <a href="https://twitter.com/ShigaHeadlines/status/869877346299330560?ref_src=twsrc%5Etfw">May 31, 2017</a></blockquote> <script async src="https://platform.twitter.com/widgets.js" charset="utf-8"></script>  
<blockquote class="twitter-tweet" data-lang="en"><p lang="en" dir="ltr">Huge lotus pond at Karasuma in Kusatsu decimated since summer 2016. Expert says, &quot;Sandy soil is bad, very little chance of recovery.&quot; Sad! <a href="https://t.co/HVEdRB1ohq">pic.twitter.com/HVEdRB1ohq</a></p>&mdash; Shiga Headlines (@ShigaHeadlines) <a href="https://twitter.com/ShigaHeadlines/status/869877346299330560?ref_src=twsrc%5Etfw">May 31, 2017</a></blockquote> <script async src="https://platform.twitter.com/widgets.js" charset="utf-8"></script>  
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*[http://shiga-ken.com/blog/2014/01/lake-biwa-museum-video/ Lake Biwa Museum] - January 12, 2014
*[https://shiga-ken.com/blog/2014/01/lake-biwa-museum-video/ Lake Biwa Museum] - January 12, 2014
*[http://shiga-ken.com/blog/2009/04/failed-karasuma-peninsula-resort-development-creates-big-losses/ Failed Karasuma Peninsula resort development] - April 23, 2009
*[https://shiga-ken.com/blog/2009/04/failed-karasuma-peninsula-resort-development-creates-big-losses/ Failed Karasuma Peninsula resort development] - April 23, 2009
[http://shiga-ken.com/blog/category/kusatsu/ ''More Kusatsu news here.'']
[https://shiga-ken.com/blog/category/kusatsu/ ''More Kusatsu news here.'']


== Miscellaneous ==
== Miscellaneous ==

Revision as of 07:13, 7 May 2019

Kusatsu, Shiga (草津市; Kusatsu-shi)
enter Kusatsu Shukuba Matsuri More Kusatsu photos here.
Map of Shiga with Kusatsu highlighted
Location Shiga Prefecture, Kinki region, Honshu island, JAPAN  
Population 136,826 (1,879 foreigners) (2014-06-01)
Area 48.22 km²
City Centers Kusatsu Station 
Major Sights Kusatsu-juku Honjin 
Major Gateways JR Kusatsu Station 
Train Stations JR Tokaido Line Kusatsu Station, Minami-Kusatsu Station 
Claim to Fame Crossroad stage town on Tokaido and Nakasendo Roads
Products Ubaga mochi
Neighbors Otsu, Moriyama, Ritto 
Old Name(s) Kusatsu-juku
Keywords Tokaido Road, Nakasendo Road
Historical Persons
Links Kusatsu Articles | Kusatsu Photos
Kusatsu Tourist Information
Location 草津市観光物産協会 〒525-8588草津市草津3-13-30

JR Kusatsu Station

Phone 077-566-3219 
Tourist Links Tourism Ass.  
Int'l Association Web site

Tel: 077-561-2322 FAX:077-561-2482  

Volunteer Guides Tel: 077-566-3219  
Kusatsu City Hall 草津市役所
Address 〒525-8588 滋賀県草津市草津3丁目13番30号

Kusatsu 3-13-30, Kusatsu-shi, Shiga 525-8588 JAPAN

Phone/Fax 077-561-2327 Fax: 077-561-2483 
Official Site Japanese | English  
Symbols Flower:  オオボウシバナ
Tree:  Fragrant orange-colored olive
Bird:  None
Others:  Road markers for Tokaido/Nakasendo
Logo:  [[Image:|50px|]]
Sister Cities Pontiac, Michigan; Xuhui District, Shanghai, China; Kan'onji, Kagawa; Kusatsu-machi, Gunma

by Philbert Ono

Tokaido and Nakasendo Crossroads

Kusatsu (草津市; -shi) is a city in southeastern Shiga Prefecture.

Adjacent to Otsu and a former post town (shukuba) at the crossroads of the Nakasendo Road and Tokaido Road. The city has a well-preserved Honjin lodge where VIPs (including Emperor Meiji) passing through town stayed during the feudal era. The annual Shukuba Matsuri in late April celebrates this post-town history.

The city has other major attractions such as Lake Biwa Museum on Karasuma Peninsula jutting into Lake Biwa. After Otsu, Kusatsu is Shiga's second most populous city.

Kusatsu Station is also the terminus of the Kusatsu Line which is connected to the Tokaido Main Line/Biwako Line. The Kusatsu Line is the main train line for Ritto, Konan, and Koka cities. It is Shiga Prefecture's busiest train station in terms of ridership (people boarding trains).

Sights

thumb_10-IMG_3499.jpg thumb_028-IMG_0866.jpg thumb_mi312-P1010643.jpg
Kusatsu-juku Honjin Shukuba Matsuri Karasumasan Lotus (no longer growing)
thumb_026-IMG_9653.jpg thumb_IMG_3722.jpg
Yabase lakeside park Ubaga mochi Lake Biwa Museum

  • Lake Biwa Museum - Shiga's best museum and lake aquarium when you can learn about the lake's history, environmental sociology, and aquatic life. The museum restaurant also serves Biwa salmon (tastes like salmon) and invasive species black bass. On Karasuma Peninsula (accessible by bus from Kusatsu Station). See video below. Map
  • Kusatsu-juku 草津宿 - Being the crossroads of both the Nakasendo and Tokaido Roads, Kusatsu was a busy place in the old days. The Honjin was the VIP lodge for feudal lords, emperors, etc. It has been magnificently preserved for all to see. It is Japan's largest remaining Honjin. Map
  • Mizunomori Water Botanical Garden 水生植物公園みずの森 Until 2015, there was a breathtakingly huge lotus pond at Karasuma Peninsula blooming in July-Aug. Sadly by summer 2016, the lotus field was decimated by sandy soil and an increase of methane gas. Water lilies and other aquatic plants are displayed inside the greenhouse. Adjacent to Lake Biwa Museum. Map
  • Yabase Port 矢橋港跡 - Site of the old Yabase Port where sail boats would return, as depicted by Hiroshige's woodblock print of Boats Returning to Yabase from his "Omi Hakkei" (Eight Views of Omi) series. Map

Event Calendar

  • April 29 - Kusatsu Shukuba Festival 草津宿場まつり - Annual festival held on April 29 to celebrate Kusatsu's history as a stage town on the Nakasendo and Tokaido Roads. Numerous events and activities are held such as flea markets, street & stage performances, and Japanese dances. The main highlight is the Kusatsu Jidai Gyoretsu procession of people dressed in historical costumes such as samurai and kimono ladies. Map

Travel Tips

  • Kusatsu Station is where you can get to most all places of interest, either on foot or by bus (to Karasuma Peninsula, etc.)

Getting There

By Train

The city's main train station is JR Kusatsu Station which is on the JR Tokaido/Biwako Line and JR Kusatsu Line, making it a transfer point between the two train lines.

Train Lines & Stations

Travel Time

Nearest Airports

Getting Around

The major sights and facilties along the train lines are as follows:

JR Tokaido Line

  • Kusatsu Station (草津駅) - A former stage town on the Nakasendo Road. The Kusatsu-juku Honjin is a marvelous example of the luxury accomodations used by feudal lords and emperors when they traveled in the old days. Tourist info booth near turnstile. Bicycle rental (phone: 077−565-9052) at east exit street level.
  • Minami-Kusatsu Station (南草津駅) -

JR Kusatsu Line (草津線)

  • Kusatsu Station (草津駅) - Same station as on the Tokaido Line/Biwako Line.

Buses from Kusatsu Station also go toward Lake Biwa (Karasuma Peninsula) and neighboring city Ritto.

Rental bicycles are available at Kusatsu Station.

Maps

Click on upper right icon to enlarge.

Photos

IMG_6661a.jpg
Kusatsu as seen from Mt. Hiei. Karasuma Peninsula (windmill) on the left.

More photos at Kusatsu Photos. More Shiga Photos here.

Videos

Click on the video image to start playing the video. More Shiga videos here.


History

  • 1954 City founded upon the merging of Kusatsu-cho town and neighboring villages.

Additional Reading

More Kusatsu news here.

Miscellaneous

Trivia

Famous People

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Side Trips

Other sights in neighboring cities/towns within easy reach from Kusatsu.

  • Ritto - JRA Training Center for racehorses accessible by bus from Kusatsu Station, taking 30 min.
  • Otsu - Capital of Shiga.

External Links

Municipalities of Shiga Prefecture 滋賀県
Cities & Towns: Aisho-cho | Higashi-Omi | Hikone | Hino-cho | Koka | Konan | Kora-cho | Kusatsu | Maibara | Moriyama | Nagahama | Omi-Hachiman | Otsu | Ritto | Ryuo-cho | Taga-cho | Takashima | Toyosato-cho | Yasu
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