Lake Biwa Half-Day Itinerary: Escape the Crowds and Enjoy the Beautiful Nature

What is Kusatsu City in Shiga Prefecture, a great place for sightseeing around Lake Biwa?

Kusatsu City in Shiga Prefecture is attracting attention for its close proximity to Kyoto and easy access. There are plenty of accommodations and restaurants, and you can enjoy sightseeing around Lake Biwa, the largest lake in Japan. It's recommended for those who want to take a little time away from the crowds and relax.

In this article, we will introduce a recommended model itinerary for touring the Lake Biwa area in half a day.

1

JR Biwako Line ・Kusatsu Line Kusatsu Station

Kusatsu Station is served by the JR Biwako Line (Tokaido Main Line) and the JR Kusatsu Line, and is one of the busiest stations in Shiga Prefecture. The station is a barrier-free bridge-type building equipped with escalators and elevators, and many local and express buses stop at the station. Rental bicycles (Eki-Rin-kun) are also available. There is a Kusatsu City Tourist Information Center on the premises, where you can get tourist brochures about the city.

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2

Lake Biwa Museum

A museum where you can enjoy learning about the origins of Lake Biwa, its surrounding environment, and its relationship with people and creatures. It boasts one of the largest aquatic exhibits of freshwater creatures in Japan. Everyone from children to adults can encounter discoveries and excitement that stimulate their intellectual curiosity.

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This is an inspiring and experiential museum that clearly introduces the 4 million year history of Lake Biwa and the relationship between the lake and people. There are plenty of encounters and discoveries that will pique your intellectual curiosity, such as an open diorama corner that introduces the origins of Lake Biwa, a Maruko ship that was once the main transport boat on Lake Biwa, and a private house from the 1950s. The Baikal seal, which was introduced as part of the renovation, is a big hit!

3

Kusatsu City Aquatic Botanical Garden Mizunomori

One of the few aquatic plant parks in Japan, located on the Karasuma Peninsula on the shores of Lake Biwa, a treasure trove of aquatic plants. Inside the park, you can enjoy a variety of plants throughout the year, and the largest collection of water lilies in Japan is a must-see. The Lotus Hall also has a greenhouse and a restaurant where you can admire water lilies all year round.

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This is a relaxing botanical garden surrounded on three sides by the lush nature of Lake Biwa. Highlights include the "Flower Garden on the Hill," with its beautiful seasonal flowers, and the fantastic "Flower Shadow Pond," with its harmonious mix of aquatic plants and flowers. The garden has the largest collection of water lilies in Japan, and you can observe aquatic plants that you won't find anywhere else.

4

GreenPlaza KARASUMA (Roadside Station Kusatsu)

At the Veggie Shop, we carry a wide selection of fresh agricultural and fishery products from the local area, as well as Omi rice and Omi beef. We also carry a wide variety of locally handcrafted specialty products such as miso, pickles, sushi, and sweets, as well as local souvenirs.

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From the Renkan Tower in the square, you can get a panoramic view of the Kusatsu Dream Windmill and the Hira and Hiei mountain ranges. There is a popular shop selling fresh and safe local vegetables and brown rice by weight, a local specialty called "Omi rice," as well as a restaurant serving a wide variety of dishes, including delicious rice balls made with Omi rice.

5

Rock Bay Garden (Roadside Station Kusatsu)

The "Rock Bay Garden" area adjacent to Kusatsu Roadside Station has many attractions, including strawberry picking and a cafe restaurant run directly by the farm!

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At Rock Bay Garden, you can experience strawberry picking and sweet potato digging. In the greenhouse, about 20,000 strawberries are grown, including five varieties, including Benihoppe, Yotsuboshi, Akihime, Moikko, and Hoshi no Kirameki, so you can enjoy comparing the taste of each variety. In addition, you can enjoy Kusatsu City's first night strawberry picking, and there are many other attractions! The strawberries are grown on elevated platforms, so you can pick them while standing.

6

JR Biwako Line ・Kusatsu Line Kusatsu Station

Arrived at JR Kusatsu Station!

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Did you enjoy your trip around Lake Biwa and the Karasuma Peninsula? In addition to the spots introduced in this sample itinerary, there are many other places of interest around Kusatsu Station , such as Kusatsujuku Honjin. Please be sure to visit them.