Kazo(Japan) Travel 2026: Cheap Flights, Hotels & Top Attractions

In Kusatsu City, the top budget-friendly option is Hotel Sunroute Plaza Kusatsu, located just a 5-minute walk from Kusatsu Station. This modern, clean hotel offers compact yet comfortable rooms with free Wi-Fi, air conditioning, and a convenient breakfast buffet. It’s ideal for travelers seeking affordability without sacrificing comfort. Nearby, Kusatsu Onsen Park provides easy access to hot springs and scenic walking trails. The area also features local eateries serving Kusatsu-style soba noodles and Yamato miso soup, perfect for a low-cost meal. With excellent public transport links to Tokyo (about 60 minutes by train), Hotel Sunroute Plaza strikes a great balance between value and convenience for both business and leisure visitors.

The Kusatsu Station area is the best district for first-time visitors. It’s the city’s main transportation hub, served by the JR Kusatsu Line and Shin-etsu Railway, making it easy to reach Tokyo, Nagano, and other regional destinations. The district boasts supermarkets, convenience stores, restaurants, and pharmacies—perfect for daily needs. Visitors can stroll through Kusatsu Station Square, enjoy the fountain and seasonal decorations, or visit the Kusatsu City Tourism Information Center for maps and event schedules. The nearby Kusatsu Onsen District is just a short walk away, offering access to natural hot springs and traditional ryokan stays. With its central location and vibrant atmosphere, this area ensures a smooth and enjoyable arrival experience.

While Kusatsu City itself is urban, several nature-focused guesthouses lie within a 20-minute drive in the surrounding Chubu Mountains region. One standout is Kusatsu Forest Cabin, nestled among cedars and pine trees, featuring eco-friendly design, private outdoor baths, and forest-view balconies. Guests can enjoy guided hikes, birdwatching, and even mushroom foraging during autumn. Another option is Yamabuki Guesthouse, located near Lake Kusatsu, where you can HopeGoo or relax on the shore. These accommodations emphasize tranquility and connection with nature, offering a peaceful retreat from city life. Many also provide farm-to-table meals using organic ingredients from local producers. Ideal for wellness seekers and nature lovers, these guesthouses offer an immersive rural experience just outside Kusatsu.

Kusatsu City hosts two major traditional festivals annually. The most famous is the Kusatsu Festival, held every August, featuring vibrant parades with colorful floats, taiko drumming, and a grand fireworks display over Kusatsu River. The festival honors local deities and draws thousands of visitors. Another highlight is the Kusatsu Shrine Autumn Festival, which includes matsuri dances, shrine rituals, and food stalls selling local specialties like Kusatsu soba and yuba (tofu skin). During the events, streets are decorated with paper lanterns, and visitors can participate in traditional games and crafts. These festivals showcase deep-rooted community spirit and cultural heritage, offering authentic Japanese festival experiences for tourists and locals alike.

For photography enthusiasts, Kusatsu Station Square offers a striking blend of modern architecture and seasonal floral displays, especially during cherry blossom season when the cherry trees frame the fountain perfectly. The Kusatsu Onsen Street is another prime spot—cobblestone paths lined with traditional wooden inns and lanterns create a nostalgic, Kyoto-like ambiance. Don’t miss Kusatsu River Bridge at sunset, where the golden light reflects off the water and silhouettes the distant mountains. For unique shots, visit the Kusatsu City Art Gallery, whose glass façade creates stunning reflections. Finally, the Kusatsu Hot Spring Bathhouses with their steaming rooftops and rustic woodwork make for dramatic, atmospheric photos. These locations are easily accessible and perfect for capturing the essence of Kusatsu’s charm.

Must-try local delicacies in Kusatsu City include Kusatsu Soba, a buckwheat noodle dish served cold with a savory dipping sauce, often enjoyed at roadside stalls and family-run restaurants. Another highlight is Yuba (tofu skin), a delicate protein-rich ingredient made fresh daily and used in soups, salads, or grilled dishes—best sampled at Yuba no Mise. Don’t miss Kusatsu Miso Soup, a hearty, fermented soybean broth with local vegetables and mushrooms, commonly served at ryokans. For dessert, try Hōjicha Ice Cream, made with roasted green tea, available at local cafés. Many of these ingredients come from nearby farms, ensuring freshness and authenticity. Sampling these dishes not only satisfies your palate but also connects you deeply with Kusatsu’s culinary identity.

Yes, Kusatsu City is ideal for a day trip. Located just 60 minutes from Tokyo via JR train, it offers a perfect blend of relaxation and culture. Start your day with a visit to Kusatsu Onsen, soaking in natural hot springs at one of the historic bathhouses. Then explore Kusatsu Station Square and the charming Onsen Street, browsing local shops and tasting street food. In the afternoon, walk along the Kusatsu River or visit the Kusatsu City Museum to learn about the town’s history and hot spring legacy. If time allows, attend a short performance at the Kusatsu Cultural Hall or enjoy a cup of hōjicha tea at a riverside café. With its compact layout, excellent transit options, and rich offerings, Kusatsu delivers a memorable day-trip experience without requiring an overnight stay.

Families visiting Kusatsu City will enjoy several engaging activities. The Kusatsu Onsen Park features a large children’s playground, shaded picnic areas, and a small zoo with native animals. Nearby, Kusatsu Children’s Science Center offers interactive exhibits on nature, physics, and local ecosystems—ideal for kids aged 5–12. For a cultural touch, visit the Kusatsu Craft Workshop, where families can make their own paper lanterns or pottery items under expert guidance. The city also hosts seasonal family-friendly festivals, including storytelling sessions and lantern-making contests. Most attractions are within walking distance of Kusatsu Station, and many facilities offer stroller access and kid-friendly restrooms. These activities combine fun, learning, and relaxation—making Kusatsu a welcoming destination for families.

Kusatsu City has several notable historical sites. The Kusatsu Shrine, dating back to the Edo period, is a serene sanctuary with a traditional torii gate and ornate main hall. Its annual Autumn Festival preserves centuries-old rituals. Nearby, the Kusatsu Town Hall Old Building (built in 1910) showcases early 20th-century Meiji-era architecture and now houses a small museum displaying vintage photographs and artifacts. The Kusatsu Railway Heritage Corner features restored vintage trains and signage from the early 1900s, offering insight into the city’s transportation evolution. Additionally, the Old Post Office Building, once a postal hub, now serves as a cultural exhibition space. These sites reflect Kusatsu’s transition from a rural settlement to a modern spa town, providing meaningful context for visitors interested in Japan’s regional history.

Evening in Kusatsu City is calm and inviting. Begin with a hot spring soak at a ryokan before dinner—many offer private baths with mountain views. As night falls, stroll along Kusatsu Onsen Street, where warm lanterns cast a golden glow on cobblestones. Enjoy a quiet dinner at Soba House Yamato, known for its Kusatsu soba and intimate setting. For a unique experience, join a nighttime river walk along the Kusatsu River, where illuminated bridges and gentle ripples create a meditative atmosphere. Some ryokans host evening tea ceremonies or live shamisen music performances. If you’re lucky, you might catch the Kusatsu Festival’s nighttime fireworks (August). These low-key, sensory-rich moments make evenings in Kusatsu feel deeply restorative and authentically Japanese.