The history of Kusatsu-juku gives a trip to Kusatsu a distinct cultural focus: the former post station stood at the meeting point of two roads, and traces of it can still be seen on the streets of Kusatsu-juku today. The honjin, museum, and Tachiki Shrine offer different insights into the history of the area. For travelers who take cultural history into account when choosing a destination, it provides a tangible starting point.
Kusatsu-juku: Post Station and Crossroads
Kusatsu-juku was the 52nd post station on the Tōkaidō route. The Tōkaidō and Nakasendō met here and then diverged again. This number places Kusatsu-juku in the sequence of stations along the Tōkaidō; at the same time, the crossroads gives the historic site a second, distinct significance. Traces of the former post station can still be seen on the streets.
An Oiwake route marker stands at the spot in Kusatsu-juku where the Tōkaidō and Nakasendō diverge. It marks a specific point along this historic route. Those interested in how the town developed can consider the post station’s established role and the course of the two roads as two connected yet distinct aspects.
The Honjin and Its Historic Role
Kusatsu-juku Honjin has preserved 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. The honjin was therefore a place to stay overnight and rest, with a clearly restricted group of users at the time. This restriction is an essential part of its history.
The history of the Tanaka Shichizaemon family is connected to the role of head of the honjin. He is said to have received the position in 1635; his family held it for generations until the honjin system was abolished in 1870. These dates mark the period associated with the position, while the building’s preserved appearance offers a separate perspective on the architectural heritage of Kusatsu-juku.
The Edo Period at the Honjin and Museum
The Kusatsu-juku Honjin hosts “Honjin Rakuzaza,” a traditional performing arts program, on the first Saturday of every month. If you would like to plan your visit around it, check the latest event details in advance.
The Kusatsu-juku Kaido Exchange Museum offers a different way to explore the history of travel. On the second floor, visitors can see a 1:200-scale model depicting Kusatsu-juku in the Edo period; individual exhibits may change. In the “Travel Experience Corner” (旅体験コーナー), visitors can put on traditional travel clothing and carry a palanquin to experience an Edo-period journey. The model provides an overview to scale, while this activity centers on trying things out for yourself. Check before your visit to see whether the activity is currently available.
Tachiki Shrine and a Natural Monument
Tachiki Shrine stands along the former Tōkaidō in Kusatsu and has a history of more than 1,200 years. A large ubajirogashi oak grows on the shrine grounds and is designated a natural monument of Shiga Prefecture. It is estimated to be 400 years old. The shrine thus combines a historic connection to the old road with a protected natural monument on its grounds.
Getting Your Bearings at Kusatsu Yume Honjin
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. These amenities add a practical dimension alongside the historical themes: information, rest, and guidance are all available alongside the local cultural history.
Discover more destinations: Higashiōmi, Nagahama, Ōtsu, Maibara, Hikone, Takashima, Ōmihachiman, Ritto
For the broader travel overview: Shiga Prefecture.
