Exploring Kusatsu City’s Historical Charms byWalk!

Kusatsu City, Shiga Prefecture, which can be reached in 20 minutes by train from Kyoto

Kusatsu City in Shiga Prefecture is attracting attention due to its convenient proximity to Kyoto.There are plenty of accommodations and restaurants, and there are also buildings from the Edo period, so you can enjoy exploring the history. Recommended for a relaxing break from the crowds.

In March 1888, the Signpost（Ochinoi） was built at the junction of the New Tokaido and Nakasendo, but it has now been relocated to the front of Kakuzenji Gate.

The former Kusatsu River is a nationally famous Tenge River, and in Hirao it has no water, so it is also called the Sunagawa River, and temporary bridges are not built, except for large-scale traffic such as feudal lord processions, and it is usually crossed on foot. It was common to cross the river by walking.

This area, where there is a signpost engraved with the words ``Right Tokaido Isemichi, Left Middle Sendo Minoji,'' is the exact junction and confluence of the Tokaido and Nakasendo roads. In this area, which was once called Oiwake Mitsuke in Kusatsu-shuku, there are still night lights with fireboxes donated by the rulers of the various shokujo hikyaku who used to travel on the highway.

One of the largest main buildings that has been revived in modern times after major repairs in the Heisei era. Kusatsu-shuku is the confluence of the Tokaido and Nakasendo roads, and is home to many inns. Kusatsu-juku Honjin is the symbol of this area, and the place where the feudal lords and others rested.

It is a space where local residents and tourists can feel free to take a break, and there is a rest area, nursing room, and restroom. Kusatsu City tourism volunteer guides are always on hand to provide information on Kusatsu's sightseeing and history.

Kusatsu is a post town where culture and information were exchanged. The Kusatsu-Shuku Kaido Exchange Center is a historical museum of the road and post station that has revived its bustle. Models of the town are on display.

At this store, the owner (director) will tell you about the historical and cultural charm of the shopping streets along the Tokaido and Nakasendo roads while looking at the store's (museum) collection and traditional techniques.

It is located facing the old Tokaido road and has been worshiped since ancient times as a shrine for traffic safety and warding off evil spirits. In the precincts stands the oldest stone-built Oiwake Signpost(Oiwake) in the prefecture, which bears the inscription that it was erected in November 1680. The sacred tree Ujirogashi, which is designated as a natural monument by the prefecture, is a gigantic tree estimated to be 400 years old.

Did you enjoy the ``history-filled'' course in Kusatsu, Shiga Prefecture? In addition to the spots introduced in this model course, Kusatsu has many other attractions such as Lake Biwa. Please come and visit us.