Kusatsu: Traces of Tōkaidō History

For a trip to Kusatsu, the history of Kusatsu-juku offers a concrete thematic starting point. The town brings together the former post station, the Edo-period Honjin, the museum, and Tachiki Shrine as distinct historical perspectives. These include a monthly program of traditional performing arts and a large tree designated as a natural monument. Depending on your interests, you can focus on transport and post-road history, the use of the Honjin, or cultural and natural themes.

Kusatsu-juku and the history of its roads

Kusatsu-juku was the 52nd post station in the Tōkaidō post-station network and a junction where the Tōkaidō and Nakasendō met and diverged. Traces of the former post station can still be seen on the streets of Kusatsu-juku. The town’s history is tangible both through the crossing of the two routes and through traces of the station in the streetscape. The Oiwake road marker stands at the point in Kusatsu-juku where the Tōkaidō and Nakasendō diverge, bringing this road junction into focus.

The Kusatsu-juku Honjin

The Kusatsu-juku Honjin retains its historic appearance and is one of the largest surviving Honjin buildings in Japan. During the Edo period, only daimyō, court nobles, shogunate officials, and other privileged people could stay or rest there. Its restricted group of users makes the Honjin’s function at the time clear: it was not a general rest stop or overnight accommodation for all travelers.

The Tanaka family is also part of the Honjin’s history. Tanaka Shichizaemon is said to have been appointed head of the Honjin in 1635; his family held this position for generations until the Honjin system was abolished in 1870. The history of the surviving building thus offers another perspective on the people and position connected with the Honjin over generations.

Performing arts and museum

On the first Saturday of every month, the Kusatsu-juku Honjin hosts “Honjin Rakuzaza,” a program of traditional performing arts. If you would like to plan your trip around this date, check the latest event details in advance.

In the “旅体験コーナー” (Travel Experience Corner) at the Kusatsu-juku Kaido Exchange Museum, visitors can put on traditional travel clothing and carry a palanquin to experience what travel was like in the Edo period. Check before your visit whether this activity is currently available. The second floor also features a 1:200 scale model depicting Kusatsu-juku in the Edo period; individual exhibits may change. The two features offer different perspectives: the model depicts the historic town, while the activity recreates the experience of traveling.

Tachiki Shrine and its grounds

Tachiki Shrine stands on the former Tōkaidō in Kusatsu and has a history of more than 1,200 years. A stone road marker stands on its grounds; its inscription gives November 1680 as the date it was erected. The grounds are also home to a ubajirogashi, a large tree designated as a natural monument by Shiga Prefecture. Its age is estimated at 400 years.

The dates refer to different points of reference: the shrine’s long history, the date on the road marker’s inscription, and the tree’s estimated age. Together, these features bring religious history, a specific historical date, and natural history together in one place.

Practical information

Kusatsu Yume Honjin has a tourist information center, a rest area, a tatami room, a nursing area, and a community FM station. Volunteer guides are also based there. This practical information point complements the town’s historical themes, bringing information and guided tours together with a range of spaces for resting and spending time.

Discover more destinations: Ōmihachiman, Nagahama, Ōtsu, Moriyama, Maibara, Hikone, Kōka, Higashiōmi.

For the broader travel overview: Shiga Prefecture.