![[2024 Edition] 5 Spectacular Cherry Blossom Spots in Kusatsu City, Shiga Prefecture (de Ai Hiroba, Along the Shin-Kusatsu River, Tachiki shrine, etc.)](https://resources.matcha-jp.com/resize/720x2000/2023/12/25-159712.webp)
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2025/04/14 - 2025/04/21
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Tour around Shiga with a guide who knows the area inside and out! Enjoy the gourmet food on a bicycle trip
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Cycling is also recommended in Kusatsu City, Shiga Prefecture. Around the station is a former post town where the Nakasendo and Tokaido roads intersect, and a park spreads out on the site of the Kusatsu River, with plenty of places to enjoy while touring. If you travel a little further, you'll reach Lake Biwa, where you'll find breathtaking views. Here, we introduce cycling courses recommended by a cycling guide who knows the local area inside and out, where you can enjoy Shiga's delicious gou...
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This site introduces tourist information for Kusatsu City, Shiga Prefecture. It is packed with information on attractive spots, hotels, and gourmet food, such as the nature-filled aquatic plant park Mizunomori, Lake Biwa Museum, the historic Tachiki shrine and the Sandai shrine, Kusatsujuku Honjin, and Rokuha Park, which is fun for the whole family.
Required time
About half a day
Transportation
Bicycle
My guide on this journey will be...
Mr. Tsuyoshi Ichimaru of BIWAKO TOURISM BASE
Introducing Ichimaru
In 2020, when he turned 50, he left the company he had worked for for 28 years and started his own company, wanting to work with local colleagues for Shiga, where he was born and raised.
It all started with cycling, which he started in 2015.
"Through cycling I have become aware of many of the charms of the local area and have been able to make connections with many friends," says Ichimaru, whose cycle tours, filled with love for Shiga, are always very popular.
This time, we will introduce the classic Kusatsu cycling courses recommended by Ichimaru.
Enjoy the Shiga gourmet food on a bicycle trip that will leave you speechless!
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 in terms of number of passengers. The Hashigami station building has a barrier-free structure with escalators and elevators, and is serviced by many route buses and express buses, and you can also rent bicycles (Eki Rin-kun). There is a Kusatsu City Tourist Information Center on the premises, where you can also get tourist pamphlets for the city.
The journey begins at Kusatsu Station, which is easily accessible by car or train.
There are bicycle rentals near the station. Of course, you can ask Ichimaru-san to help you rent a cool bike.
A new cycling road will be completed in 2022, running from just outside Kusatsu Station to the shores of Lake Biwa. It's a straight ride to Lake Biwa! You can ride comfortably.
2
ai Aya Plaza
This park was created by partially redeveloping the site of the old Kusatsu River, which runs from east to west for about 7.0 km. There are barbecues, cafes, strawberry picking facilities with dog runs, and more, so you can spend a relaxing time with your family and pets.
Ride your bike towards Lake Biwa and head to Aiiro Hiroba in Kusatsugawa Atochi Park. This open, grassy, multi-purpose space has barbecue facilities, a cafe, strawberry picking, and more.
The tour runs along the "Melon Highway," which connects the melon-producing cities of Kusatsu and Moriyama.
The expansive greenhouses are definitely worth a visit!
The expansive greenhouses are definitely worth a visit!
3
Kusatsu Aobanakan
As Kusatsu City's food hub, consumers can confidently enjoy fresh, cheaper, and safe ingredients such as vegetables, rice, flowers, fruits, and livestock products (Omi beef) produced with care by farmers. This is a directly managed store by JA. In addition, processed products such as special miso, traditional sushi (funazushi), and side dishes (lake fish tsukudani) that are made with the skill of craftsmen, attract gourmet fans and are loved by many repeat customers. I am.
This direct sales store is lined with delicious Kusatsu ingredients, from freshly picked vegetables and rice milled on the spot to processed foods. Stop by and enjoy shopping. The mackerel sushi made by local mothers is a masterpiece. Be sure to try it.
4
NICOLAO Coffee and Sandwich Founding Head Office
Nicolao is a shop specializing in espresso and sandwiches. We offer a wide selection of high-quality espresso drinks, including cafe lattes, and sandwiches made with luxurious fresh vegetables and fruits. Please also enjoy shopping at Kusatsu Aobanakan.
Kusatsu Aobanakan also has a cafe attached to it. The authentic coffee and sandwiches made with plenty of local ingredients are very popular. The menu changes with the seasons, so be sure to check it out.
Enjoy a pleasant cycle while taking in the spectacular views of Lake Biwa!
5
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.
Heading north along the lake shore, on the way to the Karasuma Peninsula, you will come across the Kusatsu Roadside Station. It is always bustling with cyclists and touring tourists. There are plenty of recommended delicacies to choose from, including rice balls made with Omi rice and soft serve ice cream made with Aobana, Kusatsu City's flower.
6
Rock Bay Garden (Roadside Station Kusatsu)
The "Rock Bay Garden" area attached to Kusatsu Roadside Station has many attractions such as strawberry picking and cafe restaurants!
At Rock Bay Garden, located next to Kusatsu Roadside Station, you can experience strawberry picking, potato picking, BBQ, and more.
After going around the Karasuma Peninsula, we head home.
Please enjoy the scenery of Lake Biwa as it changes with the passage of time.
Please enjoy the scenery of Lake Biwa as it changes with the passage of time.
7
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 in terms of number of passengers. The Hashigami station building has a barrier-free structure with escalators and elevators, and is serviced by many route buses and express buses, and you can also rent bicycles (Eki Rin-kun). There is a Kusatsu City Tourist Information Center on the premises, where you can also get tourist pamphlets for the city.
The goal of the journey is Kusatsu Station. Thank you for your hard work.
If you would like to request a guide from Ichimaru, please click here.
Contact Information
Biwako Tourism Base
Operating company : Wanamichi LLC (Shiga Prefecture Governor Registered Travel Agency Type 3 No. 279)
Address : 1-24-11 Ichiriyama, Otsu City, Shiga Prefecture, 520-2153
Telephone & FAX (Main) 077-532-7863 (FAX) 050-6868-4628
Email : info@eomicycling.jp
Spots introduced in this itinerary
This site introduces tourist information for Kusatsu City, Shiga Prefecture. It is packed with information on attractive spots, hotels, and gourmet food, such as the nature-filled aquatic plant park Mizunomori, Lake Biwa Museum, the historic Tachiki shrine and the Sandai shrine, Kusatsujuku Honjin, and Rokuha Park, which is fun for the whole family.
The contents on this page may partially contain automatic translation.
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