Kusatsu, Shiga: Spring Isn't Just Cherry Blossoms! 4 Top Wisteria Spots

• Table of Contents
• Enjoy the Spring Flowers in Kusatsu
• 1. Sandai Shrine
• 2. Shina Shrine
• 3. Sosha Shrine
• 4. Tachiki Shrine
• Commemorate Your Trip With Goshuin Stamps

Enjoy the Spring Flowers in Kusatsu

Kusatsu, located in southern Shiga Prefecture, is just about 20 minutes by train from Kyoto Station, making it an easily accessible area to visit. It historically prospered as a post town where the Tokaido and Nakasendo Roads intersect, and even today, the city is dotted with shrines and historic streetscapes.

When people think of spring, they often think of cherry blossoms. However, wisterias reach their peak from late April to early May, around the time when the cherry blossoms begin to fall. The long, drooping clusters of purple blossoms swaying in the breeze are very beautiful and cherished by many as a flower that marks the end of spring.

Kusatsu has many shrines with wisteria trellises within their grounds, and when they are in full bloom the gorgeous flowers welcome both worshippers and visitors who come to see the flowers. It's a perfect short trip from Kyoto and you can get around by train and bus.

In this article, we will introduce four top shrines in Kusatsu where you can enjoy wisteria flowers. Why not go out and explore the beautiful wisteria scenery unique to spring?

1. Sandai Shrine

The shrine’s old wisteria, believed to be 400 years old, is designated a prefectural natural monument. It is famous for its magnificent ancient wisteria, known as Sunazuri no Fuji (Sand-Rubbing Wisteria), because the hanging clusters grow so long that it scrapes the ground. *Please pay a contribution of 200 yen (cash only)

Address: 309 Shinacho, Kusatsu, Shiga Prefecture

2. Shina Shrine

The long approach to the shrine, lined with around 40 pine trees, has a charming atmosphere. White wisterias and double-flowered wisterias are also planted next to the shrine office.
The main hall is the oldest wooden building in Kusatsu, and was constructed during the Kamakura period judging by the ink inscriptions on the ridgepoles. It is a nationally designated Important Cultural Property.

Address: 727 Shinacho, Kusatsu, Shiga Prefecture

3. Sosha Shrine

According to the "Origin of the Sosha Wisteria" located on the shrine grounds, it is said that the tree began as an offering in prayer for Emperor Tenmu’s healing from illness, longevity, and the prosperity of Buddhism. The tree is about 500 years old and in some years has blossomed magnificently, covering the entire tree with flower clusters reaching up to five shaku (about 1.5 m) in length.

Address: 238 Shinanakacho, Kusatsu, Shiga Prefecture

4. Tachiki Shrine

One of Shiga Prefecture’s oldest and historic shrines, it is said that both feudal lords and travelers alike have prayed here. Looking out onto the former Tokaido Road, it has long been worshipped as a shrine for travel safety and protection from misfortune. Within the shrine grounds stands the prefecture's oldest stone signpost marking the fork in the road, bearing an inscription stating it was erected in November 1680.

Address: 4-1-1 Kusatsu, Kusatsu, Shiga Prefecture

Commemorate Your Trip With Goshuin Stamps

A goshuin stamp is a memento or record of a visit to a shrine or temple as well as proof of one’s connection with the divine.
Limited-time goshuin stamps will be available from April 18th to May 6th, so why not consider purchasing one as a memento of your visit? (Depending on the day, goshuin stamps for each shrine may be available at Tachiki Shrine.)
*A separate fee is required for goshuin stamps.

*Pictured is last year's goshuin stamp. This year's design may be different.