Kusatsu Overview
Kusatsu is a city located in Shiga Prefecture, Japan. As of 31 January 2024, the city had an estimated population of 139,913 in 63,942 households and a population density of 2100 persons per km2. The total area of the city is 67.82 square kilometres (26.19 sq mi). The city is often confused with Kusatsu, Gunma Prefecture, which is a famous hot spring resort.
Kusatsu Key Statistics
Population123690
Area68 km²
Parks / Museums / Cafés171 / 6 / 71
Practical Essentials for Kusatsu
Meet-ups & Expat Community
Chat with locals tonight or join a language-exchange near the station.
Find Events ↗
Emergency Phones
Police: 110 · Fire/Ambulance: 119
Nation-wide numbers, English assistance usually available.
Safety Tips ↗
City Hall Website
Official permits, taxes, public records and all resident-services for Kusatsu.
Visit ↗Getting Around Kusatsu
Kusatsu Main Station & Rail Lines
草津 (Kusatsu)
Train Travel to Kusatsu
Kusatsu is connected via Japan Rail and local private lines.
Driving to Kusatsu
Accessible via Tomei Expressway and other national highways.
Real-Time Air Quality in Kusatsu
Cover Your Trip to Kusatsu
Flight delays, medical bills, lost gear – SafetyWing backs you up from US $45 / 4 weeks.
Get Instant Quote ↗What to Eat in Kusatsu
- Slurp a steaming bowl of ramen at a tiny shop in Kusatsu downtown.
- Walk the morning market and try ultra-fresh sushi in Kusatsu.
- Grab late-night yakitori skewers near Kusatsu Station.
- Pick up handmade mochi from a family confectioner in central Kusatsu.
- Sip a glass of small-batch sake brewed on the edge of Kusatsu.
Hungry for more?
Street-food crawls, cooking classes & sake tastings — reserve now, pay later.
Book Food Tours ↗Things to Do in Kusatsu
Book Tours Now
Walking tours, food crawls, day trips & more – reserve today, pay later.
View Tours ↗Income & Living Costs in Kusatsu
¥3,400,000*est
Median household income / year
78*est /100
Price level vs Tokyo
Moving money internationally?
Send or spend Japanese yen with mid-market FX rates via Wise.
See Wise fees ↗Best Hotels in Kusatsu
Plan & Book Your Trip
FAQ about Kusatsu
When was Kusatsu founded?
Kusatsu was founded on October 15, 1954.
How old is Kusatsu?
Kusatsu is roughly 72 years old.
What is the population of Kusatsu?
The latest estimate puts the population at about 123,690.
What is the land area of Kusatsu?
Kusatsu covers roughly 68 km².
What is the main railway station in Kusatsu?
The primary hub is 草津 (Kusatsu).
How many parks, museums and cafés are in Kusatsu?
The city has roughly 171 parks, 6 museums and 71 cafés within a 5 km radius of the center.
Is Kusatsu expensive to live?
Kusatsu is generally more affordable than Tokyo, with lower rents and food costs outside the tourist core.
Do I need travel insurance for visiting Kusatsu?
Yes — hospitals in Japan can be costly for visitors. SafetyWing covers flight delays, medical emergencies and lost gear from about US$45 / 4 weeks. Get an instant quote ↗
How can I send money internationally while in Japan?
Wise lets you hold Japanese yen, move money at the mid-market rate and spend with a debit card for a small fixed fee — popular with both expats and long-term travellers.
Where can I book food tours or cooking classes in Kusatsu?
From street-food crawls to sake tastings and hands-on cooking classes, Kusatsu has flavour for every budget. Book food tours ↗
What tours are available in Kusatsu?
Guided walking tours, cultural excursions and day-trips run year-round. Most allow free cancellation and pay-later options. Explore tours ↗
Where can I access official city services in Kusatsu?
All resident services — permits, taxes, public records — are handled by the City Hall. Visit the official site ↗
Are there expat meet-ups or language exchanges in Kusatsu?
Kusatsu hosts a friendly international community with weekly events near the main stations and cafes. Find events ↗
Where can I charge my EV in Kusatsu?
CHAdeMO and CCS-compatible chargers dot convenience-store car-parks and highway rest-areas. View stations ↗
Can I rent a bike in Kusatsu?
Yes, hire a bike by the hour or day and cruise the riverside paths. Rent a bike ↗
How can I check public-transport routes in Kusatsu?
Use the official route planner for live subway, bus and tram times. Open planner ↗
Where is Kusatsu?
Map data © OpenStreetMap contributors
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