Tokyo to Kusatsu train with JR Central

Information about the Tokyo to Kusatsu train route

The train from Tokyo to Kusatsu is a rewarding journey that connects Japan's bustling capital with a quieter, lesser-known gem on the western shore of Lake Biwa in Shiga Prefecture. Departing from Tokyo Station (1-9-1 Marunouchi, Chiyoda-ku, Tokyo 100-0005) and arriving at Kusatsu Station (1-1-1 Shibukawa, Kusatsu City, Shiga Prefecture 525-0025), this route takes travelers from the heart of one of the world's most dynamic cities into a relaxed, historically layered region that most international visitors overlook entirely.

The Tokyo to Kusatsu bullet train journey runs via the Tokaido Shinkansen, typically requiring a change at Kyoto Station before boarding a JR Biwako Line local train to Kusatsu. This makes it a practical and well-connected route for travelers with a JR Pass, as both legs of the journey are covered under the pass. Kusatsu itself sits conveniently close to Kyoto and Osaka, making it an appealing stop on a broader Kansai itinerary rather than just a simple point-to-point trip.

Although Kusatsu is far less visited than its famous neighbors, the city offers a genuine window into everyday Japanese life alongside its own distinctive sights, most notably the well-preserved Kusatsu-juku post town, one of the most important stations along the historic Tokaido and Nakasendo routes. The old honjin (lodging for feudal lords) survives as a museum and is considered one of the best-preserved examples in Japan.

We recommend using the JR Pass for traveling in trains all around Japan to save more money if you plan to do many trips. You can check the correct prices for every station or shinkansen connection in Omio's JR Pass information.

Tokyo to Kusatsu by train: what to expect on board

Traveling from Tokyo to Kusatsu by train is a two-stage experience, and both legs are comfortable and straightforward to navigate. The first and most significant portion of the journey is aboard the Tokaido Shinkansen from Tokyo Station, one of Japan's most celebrated rail experiences.

The Shinkansen leg

The shinkansen from Tokyo to Kusatsu departs from the dedicated Shinkansen platforms at Tokyo Station (tracks 14–19), which are clearly marked in English and easy to find. For this route, the Hikari service is the best choice for JR Pass holders, as the faster Nozomi is not covered by the pass.

• Ordinary seating is spacious and well-cushioned, with ample legroom that exceeds most long-haul airline standards.
• Green Car (first class) offers wider seats, a quieter carriage, and a noticeably more relaxed atmosphere, a good option if you want to arrive in the Kansai region feeling refreshed.

Best seats for the view

The Tokyo to Kusatsu bullet train passes through some of Japan's most scenic landscapes. Keep an eye out for:

• Mount Fuji, visible roughly 40 to 50 minutes into the journey from Tokyo. Sit on the right-hand side of the train (D or E window seats) traveling westward for the best angle. Clear winter mornings between October and February offer the most dramatic, snow-capped views.
• As the train passes through the Shizuoka and Nagoya regions, the countryside opens into tea plantations, river valleys, and low mountain ranges, a gradual and pleasant transition from the dense urban sprawl around Tokyo.

The local train leg

After alighting at Kyoto Station, a JR Biwako Line local train completes the journey to Kusatsu Station. This second leg is a calm, low-key ride through the southern Kansai suburbs and along the edge of the Lake Biwa basin. It is a distinctly different pace from the Shinkansen, slower, quieter, and a gentle introduction to the rhythm of the region you are about to explore.

On-board tips

• Pick up an ekiben (station bento box) at Tokyo Station before departure, the selection at the station's dedicated bento shops is exceptional and far superior to the trolley service on board.
• The Shinkansen is exceptionally punctual. Arrive at the platform a few minutes early and look for the painted floor markings indicating exactly where each carriage door will stop.

Best time of year to travel

• Spring (late March to early May): Cherry blossoms are spectacular along the Biwako Line corridor and throughout Shiga Prefecture. Expect higher demand on Shinkansen services heading toward Kyoto.
• Autumn (mid-October to late November): The foliage around Lake Biwa and the historic Kusatsu-juku area is stunning. A quieter alternative to Kyoto's overcrowded autumn season.
• Winter (December to February): Crisp, clear days offer the best Mount Fuji views on the Shinkansen leg, and Kusatsu sees far fewer visitors. A peaceful time to explore.
• Summer (July to August): Hot and humid across the region. The Obon holiday period in mid-August is one of the busiest travel periods in Japan, book Shinkansen seats well in advance.

Getting to Kusatsu and beyond

Kusatsu Station is the city's main transport hub and sits on the JR Biwako Line, making onward travel across the Kansai region convenient and straightforward, particularly for JR Pass holders.

Within Kusatsu

The historic Kusatsu-juku post town, including the famous honjin museum, is a manageable walk or short taxi ride from Kusatsu Station. The city is compact enough to explore largely on foot, and cycling is a popular local option, rental bikes are available near the station for those who want to cover more ground along the Lake Biwa shoreline.

Regional connections

Kusatsu's position on the Biwako Line places it within easy reach of several major destinations:

• Kyoto, a short local train ride back along the Biwako Line, making Kusatsu a realistic and affordable base for day trips into Kyoto without the premium accommodation costs of the city center.
• Osaka, reachable with a change at Kyoto or by continuing along the JR line toward Osaka Station, placing Kusatsu within easy range of a full day in the city.
• Otsu, the prefectural capital of Shiga, just one stop toward Kyoto, offers the closest access to Lake Biwa's western shore, the historic Miidera Temple complex, and Ishiyama-dera.
• Hikone, further north along the Biwako Line, home to Hikone Castle, one of Japan's few original surviving castles and a designated National Treasure.
• Nara, accessible via Kyoto with a change to the Kintetsu Nara Line, making it a natural add-on to a Kusatsu-based itinerary.

What to expect when you arrive in Kusatsu

Kusatsu Station (1-1-1 Shibukawa, Kusatsu City, Shiga Prefecture 525-0025) is a modern, mid-sized station with a straightforward layout. It serves both the JR Biwako Line and the Biwako Line rapid services, and facilities on the ground floor include coin lockers, a convenience store, and a small selection of local shops, practical for picking up snacks or essentials before heading into the city.

Practical information at the station

• Getting your bearings: The station has east and west exits. The west exit leads more directly toward the historic center of Kusatsu and the old post town area, while the east side connects to more modern commercial development.
• Luggage storage: Coin lockers of various sizes are available inside the station, useful for leaving bags before exploring the city on foot.
• Tourist information: Local tourism materials and maps are available at the station, and English signage is present for key attractions. The Kusatsu City Tourism Association can provide further guidance for those planning to explore the wider Shiga Prefecture area.

Arriving in Kusatsu for the first time

Kusatsu tends to surprise visitors who arrive expecting a simple transit stop. The old Tokaido highway ran directly through the city, and the preserved Kusatsu-juku post town, with its original honjin, former tea houses, and atmospheric streetscape, offers one of the most authentic glimpses of Edo-period travel culture found anywhere in Japan. It is a refreshing contrast to the heavily touristed centers of Kyoto and Nara.

The proximity to Lake Biwa, Japan's largest freshwater lake, adds another dimension to a visit. The lake is a defining feature of Shiga Prefecture's landscape and identity, and the cycle path running along its southern shore is a popular route for leisure travelers arriving by train from Tokyo and beyond. For those visiting in spring, the cherry trees lining the lakefront paths are among the most scenic and least crowded in the entire Kansai region.