Kawasaki to Kusatsu train with JR Central

Information about the Kawasaki to Kusatsu train route

The train from Kawasaki to Kusatsu connects two very different sides of Japan, the dense urban energy of Kawasaki, one of the most populous cities in Kanagawa Prefecture, with the quieter, lake-side charm of Kusatsu, a mid-sized city in Shiga Prefecture sitting along the southeastern shore of Lake Biwa. Kawasaki Station is located at 1-1 Ekimae Honcho, Kawasaki-ku, Kawasaki City, Kanagawa Prefecture 210-0007, while Kusatsu Station sits at 1-1-1 Shibukawa, Kusatsu City, Shiga Prefecture 525-0025.

The Kawasaki to Kusatsu train route typically involves a combination of Shinkansen and local JR services. Most travelers heading from Kawasaki to Kusatsu by train begin by taking a JR Keihin-Tohoku Line or JR Tokaido Line service to Shin-Yokohama or Tokyo Station, before boarding a Tokaido Shinkansen westbound toward Kyoto. From Kyoto, the JR Biwako Line (also known as the JR琵琶湖線) provides a direct connection to Kusatsu Station, making the overall journey a well-linked, multi-leg rail experience that passes through some of Japan's most historically and scenically significant regions.

For travelers doing multiple train journeys across Japan, this route is a strong example of how the national rail network can seamlessly connect urban hubs with regional destinations. Whether you are heading to Kusatsu as a base for exploring Shiga Prefecture, visiting Lake Biwa, the largest freshwater lake in Japan, or using it as a quieter alternative gateway to the Kyoto-Osaka area, the rail connection is reliable and well-served throughout the day.

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.

Kawasaki to Kusatsu by train: what to expect on board

The Kawasaki to Kusatsu bullet train experience centers on the Tokaido Shinkansen, one of the world's most recognized high-speed rail lines. Once you have made your way from Kawasaki Station to a Shinkansen-connected station such as Shin-Yokohama, you will board one of the most reliable and punctual train services on the planet.

Seating options on the Shinkansen

• Ordinary (Standard) Car, comfortable, well-spaced seating with reclining seats suitable for most travelers.
• Green Car (first class), wider seats, extra legroom, and a noticeably quieter carriage. A good option if you prefer a more relaxed experience on the longer Shinkansen leg of this journey.
• Gran Class, available on select services, offering premium reclining seats and onboard hospitality. Worth it for those who want the best on-board experience Japan's railways have to offer.

Best seats for the view

One of the most rewarding aspects of taking the Shinkansen on this route is the potential to spot Mount Fuji on a clear day. Here are a few tips to make the most of it:

• Sit on the right-hand side of the train (D or E window seats) when traveling westbound from the Tokyo/Shin-Yokohama area toward Kyoto.
• The clearest views of Mount Fuji typically appear around 40 to 50 minutes into the Shinkansen leg, near Shin-Fuji and Shizuoka.
• Winter mornings between October and February offer the best visibility, with the mountain's snow-capped peak most clearly defined.

Once you transfer to the JR Biwako Line at Kyoto and approach Kusatsu, the scenery shifts to the gentle flatlands and waterways of Shiga Prefecture, with glimpses of Lake Biwa's vast expanse visible on clear days depending on your seat.

On-board tips

The Shinkansen trolley service offers drinks, snacks, and hot meals, but seasoned travelers strongly recommend picking up an ekiben (station bento box) at Shin-Yokohama or Tokyo Station before departure. The selection is exceptional and far more varied than what is available on board. For the final leg on the JR Biwako Line from Kyoto to Kusatsu, the journey is shorter and best treated as a local commuter connection.

Best time of year to travel from Kawasaki to Kusatsu

• Spring (late March to early May): Cherry blossom season transforms the Shiga region beautifully. Lake Biwa's shores and the parks around Kusatsu are worth visiting during this period, though trains on the Tokaido Shinkansen fill up quickly, book ahead.
• Autumn (mid-October to late November): The foliage around Shiga Prefecture and nearby Kyoto is spectacular. Demand on all Shinkansen services rises significantly, so advance reservations are strongly advised.
• Winter (December to February): Quieter crowds across the region, reduced accommodation costs, and ideal conditions for clear Mount Fuji sightings during the Shinkansen leg of the journey.
• Summer (July to August): Hot and humid throughout the region. The Obon period in mid-August brings heavy passenger volumes on all major rail routes, plan well in advance if traveling during this window.

Getting to Kusatsu and beyond

Kusatsu Station is well-connected by the JR Biwako Line, making it a practical base for exploring Shiga Prefecture and the broader Kinki region. Once you arrive, local and regional transport options open up a wide range of destinations.

Within Kusatsu

Local buses operate from outside Kusatsu Station and provide access to key areas around the city, including the lakefront areas near Lake Biwa. For shorter distances, taxis are readily available at the station's main exit. Cycling is also a popular and practical way to explore Kusatsu, with rental options available near the station, particularly useful for reaching the lake shore and surrounding nature areas.

Day trips and regional connections from Kusatsu

Kusatsu's position on the JR Biwako Line makes it an excellent launchpad for day trips across the region:

• Kyoto, easily accessible in a short ride along the JR Biwako Line, making Kusatsu a viable and often more affordable base for exploring Kyoto without staying in the city center.
• Osaka, reachable via a change at Kyoto or a direct JR service, ideal for a full day of urban exploration.
• Otsu, Shiga Prefecture's prefectural capital sits just a few stops away and offers lakeside walks, Miidera Temple, and access to Biwako Otsu Port.
• Hikone, further along the JR Biwako Line, home to one of Japan's most celebrated original castles, Hikone Castle, set dramatically against the backdrop of Lake Biwa.
• Nara, reachable with a change at Kyoto via the Kintetsu Nara Line, roughly an hour away.

JR Pass holders will find that the majority of these onward connections are covered, making it easy to explore widely from Kusatsu without purchasing additional individual tickets.

What to expect when you arrive in Kusatsu

Kusatsu Station (1-1-1 Shibukawa, Kusatsu City, Shiga Prefecture 525-0025) is a modern, well-organized station with east and west exits that provide access to different parts of the city. While it lacks the scale of major interchange stations like Kyoto or Osaka, it is clean, clearly marked in both Japanese and English, and easy to navigate even for first-time visitors.

Practical information at the station

• Tourist information: A tourist information counter is available near the station exits, providing maps and guidance on local attractions, Lake Biwa access points, and seasonal events in Shiga Prefecture.
• Luggage storage: Coin lockers in various sizes are available at the station. For heavier luggage, consider using a luggage forwarding service (takuhaibin) from Kyoto or Tokyo to your Kusatsu accommodation ahead of arrival, a convenient option if you plan to explore before checking in.
• Currency and connectivity: ATMs accepting international cards can be found near the station, with Japan Post and convenience store ATMs offering the most reliable access for foreign cards. Wi-Fi connectivity is available in the station area and across many local cafés and public spaces.

Arriving in Kusatsu for the first time

Kusatsu is a city that rewards those who take the time to look beyond its commuter-town surface. The proximity to Lake Biwa, Japan's largest lake and a significant natural and cultural landmark, is one of the city's defining assets. The Kusatsu Aquatic Botanical Garden, which showcases rare aquatic plants including the giant lotus, is a distinctive attraction that draws visitors from across Japan.

The city also has a well-preserved section of the historic Tokaido and Nakasendo post roads, two of Japan's great Edo-period travel routes that once converged here, giving Kusatsu unexpected historical depth for a city of its size. A short walk from the station, the Kusatsu-juku Honjin, a beautifully preserved Edo-era inn that once hosted feudal lords, offers a fascinating glimpse into Japan's pre-modern travel culture.

For those using Kusatsu as a base to explore Kyoto or the wider Shiga region, the frequent and reliable JR Biwako Line services make the station a highly practical starting point each morning. Omio makes it easy to plan and book every leg of your journey, from the Kawasaki to Kusatsu shinkansen connection right through to your onward regional trains across the Kinki area.