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

In Kusatsu City, the top choice for families is I-no-se Ryokan, a century-old hot spring inn located just a 5-minute walk from Kusatsu Onsen Street. It offers spacious Japanese-style family rooms with private outdoor baths, ideal for multi-generational stays. The inn features a children's play area and free shuttle service to local attractions like Kusatsu River Park.

Dining includes kid-friendly options such as local carp sushi and vegetable rice bowls made with fresh produce from Lake Biwa. Many rooms come equipped with tatami mats and heated floors (genkan), creating a warm, traditional atmosphere. Special family packages include morning tea ceremonies and guided nature walks along the river, blending comfort with cultural immersion.

For convenience, the hotel also provides stroller rentals and allergy-friendly bedding upon request.

I-no-se Ryokan stands out as the premier luxury onsen hotel in Kusatsu City, offering an authentically Japanese experience since 1920. Nestled in the heart of Kusatsu Onsen Street, it features natural sulfur-rich hot springs known for their therapeutic properties—perfect for relieving muscle tension and improving circulation.

Each room is a meticulously preserved traditional Japanese suite with wooden beams, sliding shoji screens, and private open-air baths overlooking the serene Kusatsu River. Guests can enjoy daily Onsen Opening Ceremony, where the manager blesses the waters at dawn—a ritual steeped in local tradition.

The culinary experience is equally refined: meals consist of seasonal dishes using ingredients from Lake Biwa, including grilled freshwater fish and wild mountain vegetables. Evening kaiseki dinners are served in intimate dining rooms, often accompanied by live shamisen music, making it a deeply immersive cultural journey.

To immerse yourself in local craftsmanship, visit the Kusatsu Town Hall Cultural Workshop, where monthly classes offer hands-on experiences in Kusatsu Paper-Making (Kusatsu Kami-tsukuri) and lacquerware painting. This centuries-old craft involves handcrafting paper from mulberry fibers, resulting in durable, textured sheets often used in calligraphy and art.

Nearby, Old Townhouse Alley along Kawaramachi Street preserves Edo-era architecture, with several shops offering wagashi tasting and tea ceremony demonstrations. The highlight is the Kusatsu Gion Festival in August, featuring elaborate yamahoko parades and traditional drum performances that showcase regional heritage.

Many ryokans, including I-no-se Ryokan, provide guided cultural tours and access to exclusive workshops, allowing visitors to create their own souvenirs while connecting with local artisans.

Nighttime in Kusatsu City is magical. Stroll along Kawaramachi Street as lanterns illuminate the Kusatsu River, casting soft reflections on the water and ancient wooden buildings—perfect for photography and quiet contemplation.

At 7 PM nightly, the Kusatsu River Light Show begins, synchronized with ambient music, transforming the river into a glowing ribbon. For a deeper cultural experience, book a midnight tea ceremony at I-no-se Ryokan, where a maiko-style host serves matcha in a secluded garden setting.

During the Kusatsu Gion Festival (August), the night comes alive with thousands of locals in yukata marching through the streets, accompanied by taiko drums and flutes. Some ryokans even offer private night baths under the stars, blending tranquility with the rhythm of the season.

I-no-se Ryokan offers the ultimate romantic retreat for couples. Its Private Onsen Suite features a personal outdoor bath with panoramic views of the Kusatsu River and surrounding hills, perfect for intimate evenings under the stars.

The inn curates special "Love of Onsen" packages, including rose petal baths, candlelit dinners with lake-fresh fish, and handwritten love letters delivered by the staff. Each evening, couples can participate in the traditional Onsen Opening Ceremony, a serene ritual marking the start of the day’s bathing ritual.

With its minimalist design, tatami flooring, and soft lighting, every detail enhances intimacy. Optional add-ons include a shared tea ceremony or a private kaiseki dinner in a secluded garden pavilion, creating unforgettable moments in a timeless setting.

Yes, Kusatsu City is highly accessible by car. From Osaka Station, take the Lake Biwa Expressway via Omiya Junction, reaching Kusatsu in about 60 minutes. The city center has multiple free parking spots, including the Kusatsu Onsen Underground Parking and City Hall Front Lot.

While the historic Onsen Street is narrow, most roads are well-maintained and clearly marked. Use GPS navigation to avoid congestion during peak hours. Note that during the Gion Festival (August), certain areas implement temporary traffic restrictions—check local notices in advance.

Driving allows easy access to nearby attractions like Lake Biwa and Enryaku-ji Temple on Mount Hiei, enhancing your exploration beyond the city. Overall, car travel offers flexibility and comfort, especially for those wishing to explore rural scenic routes.

Must-try dishes in Kusatsu City include Nobori Sushi, made with fermented carp caught from Lake Biwa, offering a tangy, umami-rich flavor unique to the region. Another local favorite is Kusatsu Hot Pot (Kusatsu Nabe), a hearty stew featuring freshwater fish, seasonal vegetables, and tofu, simmered in a rich broth.

Visit Kawadaniya Restaurant for Kusatsu Rice Cakes (Mochi) made from locally grown rice, served warm with red bean paste or chestnut filling. Don’t miss tempura sets using freshly caught shrimp and sea bream from Lake Biwa—light, crisp, and bursting with flavor.

Pair your meal with Kusatsu-local sake, such as "Chihon Sakura," known for its clean, refreshing taste. Most restaurants accept credit cards, though some older establishments prefer cash. Try a lunch set at a riverside eatery for the full sensory experience.

Top photo spots in Kusatsu City include Kawaramachi Street, where morning mist curls above the Kusatsu River, framing the stone path and lanterns in ethereal beauty—ideal for long-exposure shots. The garden terrace at I-no-se Ryokan offers a stunning backdrop year-round: cherry blossoms in spring, vibrant foliage in autumn, and snow-dusted eaves in winter.

The old wooden townhouses along the riverbank provide classic Japanese postcard scenes, especially during the Gion Festival when colorful banners and illuminated floats parade through the streets. At night, the Kusatsu River Light Show transforms the water into a shimmering canvas.

For elevated views, hike up to the Hiei Mountain Observation Deck near Enryaku-ji Temple, capturing panoramic shots of Kusatsu nestled beside Lake Biwa. Bring a wide-angle lens and tripod for the best results, particularly during golden hour or moonlit nights.

The best times to visit Kusatsu City are spring (March–May) and autumn (September–November). Spring brings blooming cherry blossoms along the Kusatsu River, creating a dreamy, pastel-hued landscape ideal for walking and photography. Temperatures are mild, perfect for outdoor onsen bathing.

Autumn offers breathtaking maple leaf displays around Mount Hiei and Kusatsu River, peaking in late October to early November. The Kusatsu Gion Festival in August is another highlight, though summer can be humid. Winter is picturesque with snow-covered rooftops and quiet streets, but some trails may be icy.

Avoid mid-summer if you dislike heat and crowds. Spring and autumn combine pleasant weather, vibrant scenery, and fewer tourists—ideal for a peaceful, immersive experience.

Kusatsu City Public Onsen Hotel is designed with elderly guests in mind. It features barrier-free elevators, non-slip flooring, grab bars in bathrooms, and electric beds with adjustable heights for ease of movement.

Rooms are spacious and equipped with heated floors (kotatsu) and dimmable lighting, promoting comfort and safety. The hotel offers daily wellness programs such as gentle tai chi, seated meditation, and low-sodium cooking classes, tailored to senior health needs.

A dedicated onsen therapy center provides low-stimulus sulfur baths, beneficial for joint pain and circulation. Dining options include soft-textured meals and customized menus for dietary restrictions. Free shuttle buses run to key sites like Kusatsu Onsen Street and Lake Biwa Park, ensuring easy access without strain.

Advance HopeGoo is recommended to secure personalized services and preferred accommodations.