Last reviewed: · Prices are approximate and for orientation only.
Overview & City Profile
Kusatsu (草津市, Kusatsu-shi) is a city located in Shiga Prefecture, Japan. The city lies on Lake Biwa, Japan's largest freshwater lake. As of 31 January 2024, the city had an estimated population of 139,913 in 63,942 households and a population density of 2100 persons per km2. The total area of the city is 67.82 square kilometres (26.19 sq mi).
Within Shiga Prefecture (Kansai region), Kusatsu (草津市) serves as a city in shiga prefecture. Travelers exploring Shiga often combine a stop in Kusatsu with regional highlights such as Lake Biwa (Japan's largest freshwater lake), original National Treasure Hikone Castle, Mount Hiei Enryaku-ji UNESCO monastery, Omihachiman canal merchant town, and Shirahige Shrine's floating torii.
| Fact | Details for Kusatsu (草津市) |
|---|---|
| Japanese Name | 草津市 (Kusatsu) |
| Administrative Status | City in Shiga Prefecture |
| Prefecture & Capital | Shiga Prefecture (Capital: Otsu) |
| Region of Japan | Kansai |
| Population | 123,512 residents |
| Total Area / Density | 67.92 km² · 1,818 people per km² |
| Municipal Incorporation | 1954-10-15 |
| Coordinates | 35.0167°N, 135.9667°E |
Getting to Kusatsu & Getting Around
Via the regional hub (Otsu, Hikone & Maibara Stations (JR Biwako Line & Tokaido Shinkansen)): Just 10m from Kyoto Station to Otsu (or 48m to Hikone) on the JR Biwako Special Rapid line; Maibara is a direct Tokaido Shinkansen stop.
- Local rail & IC cards: Once in Shiga Prefecture, JR regional lines and local private railways connect Otsu with Kusatsu. Nationwide IC cards (Suica, Pasmo, Icoca) work on major urban and JR commuter gates; for rural branch lines or local buses, keep ¥1,000 bills and ¥100 coins handy for the onboard fare box.
- Luggage & station lockers: Main stations in Shiga have coin lockers for day-trippers. If you are stopping in Kusatsu en route between larger bases, check your suitcase dimensions in our Luggage & Locker Checker or forward big bags ahead with Takkyubin.
- Driving & car rental: While city centers around Kusatsu are accessible by train and taxi, renting a car from a major Shinkansen station or airport in Shiga can be rewarding for reaching mountain gorges, coastal viewpoints, and countryside onsen. Read our Renting a Car in Japan Guide.
What to Eat in Kusatsu & Shiga
Kusatsu shares the culinary traditions of Shiga Prefecture and the wider Kansai region. Don't miss these local specialties during your visit:
- Omi wagyu beef (Japan's oldest branded wagyu) — a signature specialty across Shiga Prefecture.
- Funazushi (traditional fermented Lake Biwa fish) — a signature specialty across Shiga Prefecture.
- Biwa trout (Biwamasu) — a signature specialty across Shiga Prefecture.
- Kamo nabe (duck hotpot in Nagahama) — a signature specialty across Shiga Prefecture.
For dietary restrictions or food allergies, open our Japanese Phrasebook & Show-to-Staff Cards to display clear Japanese dietary explanations at restaurants in Kusatsu.
Best Time to Visit & Seasonal Highlights
Early–mid April for Hikone Castle moat & Kaizu Osaki cherry blossoms; summer for cycling the Biwaichi loop around Lake Biwa; November for Enryaku-ji & Lake Biwa temples.
Regional highlights across Shiga Prefecture that pair well with a visit to Kusatsu include: Lake Biwa (Japan's largest freshwater lake), original National Treasure Hikone Castle, Mount Hiei Enryaku-ji UNESCO monastery, Omihachiman canal merchant town, and Shirahige Shrine's floating torii.
Practical Travel Tips for Kusatsu
- Tourist information center (観光案内所): Look for the Kankō Annaijo counter inside or right outside the main train station in Kusatsu (or at Otsu, Hikone & Maibara Stations (JR Biwako Line & Tokaido Shinkansen)) for free walking maps, bus timetables, and festival calendars.
- Cash & ATMs: While hotels, chain stores, and convenience stores in Kusatsu accept international cards and IC payment, smaller family-run restaurants, shrines, and rural buses often prefer cash. 7-Eleven (Seven Bank) and Japan Post ATMs accept foreign debit cards reliably.
- Dining hours: Outside major metropolitan hubs, lunch typically runs 11:30 AM–2:00 PM and dinner spots open around 5:30 PM, with earlier last orders (around 8:00–9:00 PM) in smaller cities.
Frequently asked questions
Where is Kusatsu (草津市) located in Japan?
Kusatsu (草津市) is a city located in Shiga Prefecture in the Kansai region of Japan (coordinates: 35.0167°N, 135.9667°E). It has a population of approximately 123,512 across an area of 67.92 km².
How do I get to Kusatsu by train?
Most visitors reach Kusatsu via the main prefectural gateway of Otsu, Hikone & Maibara Stations (JR Biwako Line & Tokaido Shinkansen). Just 10m from Kyoto Station to Otsu (or 48m to Hikone) on the JR Biwako Special Rapid line; Maibara is a direct Tokaido Shinkansen stop. From the regional hub, connect by JR local/rapid lines, private commuter railways, or local bus to Kusatsu. You can estimate long-distance rail costs using our Shinkansen Fare Calculator.
What local food is Kusatsu and Shiga known for?
In Kusatsu and across Shiga Prefecture, top local dishes include Omi wagyu beef (Japan's oldest branded wagyu), Funazushi (traditional fermented Lake Biwa fish), Biwa trout (Biwamasu), as well as Kamo nabe (duck hotpot in Nagahama). Look for local ekiben (station bento boxes), morning markets, and family-run shokudo near the main station.
When is the best time of year to visit Kusatsu?
Early–mid April for Hikone Castle moat & Kaizu Osaki cherry blossoms; summer for cycling the Biwaichi loop around Lake Biwa; November for Enryaku-ji & Lake Biwa temples. Check our Japan Seasonal Calendar to compare month-by-month weather and crowd levels.
Official sources & further reading
Rules, prices and schedules change. Confirm details here before you travel: