[2025 Kusatsu Attraction] Travel Guide for Mizunomori Water Botanical Garden (Updated Mar)

If you love the poetry and tranquility of nature, then you absolutely cannot miss the Mizunomori Water Botanical Garden (Kusatsu City Mizunomori Water Botanical Garden)! Located on the shores of Lake Biwa, this stunning park is a rare natural paradise in Japan specializing in aquatic plants. It's filled with flowers year-round, but the water lilies and lotuses that bloom in summer are especially breathtaking, like a real-life version of a Monet painting, instantly immersing you in a dream world. 📸 A photographer's paradise, every shot is a masterpiece! The lake, wooden boardwalk, glass greenhouse, and seasonal flower fields at Mizunomori are all perfect photo spots! We especially recommend visiting in the early morning or evening, when the lake reflects the sunrise or sunset, turning every casual snapshot into a magazine cover-worthy image! 🌿 Ecological exploration, discover the mysterious world of Lake Biwa! This is not only a paradise for flower viewing but also an ecological learning center. You can observe rare aquatic plants up close and even see aquatic life unique to Lake Biwa. It's especially suitable for bringing children for a lively nature lesson! 🕘 Opening hours: March–November: 9:00 am–5:00 pm (last entry 4:30 pm) December–February: 9:30 am–4:00 pm (last entry 3:30 pm) Closed every Monday (postponed by one day if it falls on a public holiday) 🎫 Ticket prices: Adults: JPY 300 Children (elementary and junior high school students): JPY 150 Preschool children: Free 🚃 Access: Take a bus from JR Kusatsu Station for about 25 minutes and get off at the "Suisei Shokubutsu Koen" (Water Botanical Garden) stop. Visitors driving can navigate directly to the park; parking is approximately JPY 200. Tips for the best experience: 🌞 Best time to visit: Mornings in June–August, avoiding the midday heat, while also enjoying the freshly bloomed lotuses in the morning—the most refreshing and elegant experience! ⏳ Recommended visit duration: 2–3 hours, allowing you to stroll, take photos, and enjoy the tranquility of Lake Biwa. 📖 Must-try experiences: ✔ Lakeside stroll—Walk along the wooden boardwalk and immerse yourself in the world of water and flowers. ✔ Greenhouse exploration—Visit the tropical plant greenhouse and admire the colorful exotic flowers. ✔ Aquatic plant lesson—If you have children, we recommend participating in the park's ecological science activities, which are both educational and fun! 🍵 Recommended nearby food: There is a small teahouse in the park where you can enjoy Shiga Prefecture's specialty matcha desserts and Omi rice dumplings. It's the perfect place to take a break and experience the laid-back Japanese lifestyle.

| Unlock hidden hot spring destinations in Japan, and encounter a unique winter romance. In the northern part of Gunma Prefecture, Japan, lies a small city called Kusatsu, renowned as the "City of Hot Springs" for its famous onsen. Today, let's explore this charming city and embark on a healing hot spring journey! 1. Climate and Best Time to Travel Kusatsu City has a humid subtropical climate with four distinct seasons. The average annual temperature is around 14.0°C. Summers are warm, winters are cool, and snowfall is light or non-existent. August has the highest average temperature, around 26.0°C, making it suitable for escaping the heat and participating in various outdoor activities. January has the lowest average temperature, around 2.5°C, making it the perfect time to enjoy hot springs. Imagine soaking in warm spring water on a cold winter day, gazing at the snow outside – truly delightful. 2. Must-See Attractions 1. Kusatsu Onsen: As one of Japan's three most famous hot springs, Kusatsu Onsen boasts a natural outflow of 32,300 liters of hot spring water per minute, a seemingly endless gift from nature. The hot spring water here is of excellent quality, rich in various minerals, and greatly beneficial to human health, with effects such as sterilization and relief of muscle and joint pain. - Yubatake: The symbol of Kusatsu Onsen, Yubatake is an enclosed hot spring source with a strong sulfur smell and constantly emitting white steam, a truly spectacular sight. There are many snack bars and souvenir shops around it, creating a lively atmosphere. Don't forget to try the onsen manju (steamed buns) and onsen tamago (hot spring eggs)! At night, Yubatake becomes even more enchanting under the colorful lights. - Otaki-no-Yu: Featuring large baths and a hot spring waterfall, Otaki-no-Yu also offers mixed-gender bathing with different layouts for men and women (please note the opening hours and regulations), providing visitors with a unique hot spring experience. - Goza-no-Yu: Located in Yubatake, Goza-no-Yu is a reconstructed building from the Edo to Meiji periods. Bathing here feels like traveling through time, experiencing the charm of ancient hot spring culture. - Sai-no-Kawara Open-Air Bath: One of the largest open-air baths in Kusatsu Onsen, Sai-no-Kawara offers a spacious and open feeling, surrounded by mountains. You can enjoy the autumn leaves in fall and the snowy scenery in winter, experiencing the beauty of all four seasons from the bath. 2. Sai-no-Kawara Park: This charming park has many wild hot springs and footbaths. The Anamori Inari Shrine within the park, set against the winter snowscape, resembles a stunning painting, perfect for taking photos📸. 3. Food Recommendations 1. Hot Spring Treats: In addition to the onsen manju and onsen tamago mentioned earlier, don't miss the onsen pudding. Inspired by Kusatsu's traditional "Yu-momi" (hot water stirring) method, this pudding has a smooth, melt-in-your-mouth texture. Made with carefully selected Haruna milk from Gunma Prefecture and premium vanilla beans from Madagascar, it offers a rich aroma and is a popular dessert incorporating local flavors. 2. Local Cuisine: - Mizusawa Udon: One of Japan's three major udon varieties, Mizusawa Udon noodles are exceptionally chewy and translucent. A must-try! - Okkirikomi: A traditional local dish, okkirikomi consists of wide noodles cooked with seasonal vegetables and mushrooms. The soup base comes in soy sauce with miso or pure miso flavors. Enjoy it with tempura for an even more delicious experience. 3. Yakiniku (Grilled Meat): Gunma Prefecture's "Joshu Wagyu" beef is known for its tenderness. Savor authentic Joshu Wagyu yakiniku at "Shitazutsumi" restaurant. The perfectly grilled beef, with its rich aroma, will leave you wanting more. 4. Transportation Guide 1. From Tokyo: - Via Karuizawa: Take the Hokuriku Shinkansen from Tokyo Ueno to Karuizawa, then transfer to the Kusakaru Bus. The journey takes about 2.5 hours and costs approximately 7,700 yen. - Via Naganohara-Kusatsuguchi: Take the Kusatsu-Shima train from Tokyo Ueno to Naganohara-Kusatsuguchi, then transfer to the JR Bus. The journey takes about 3 hours and costs approximately 6,000 yen. - Via Takasaki: Take the Joetsu/Hokuriku Shinkansen from Tokyo Ueno to Takasaki, transfer to the Agatsuma Line to Naganohara-Kusatsuguchi, and then take the JR Bus. The journey takes about 2.5 hours and costs approximately 6,400 yen. - Direct from Shinjuku: Take the highway bus from Shinjuku Expressway Bus Terminal directly to Kusatsu City. The journey takes 4 hours and costs 4,000 yen. 2. From Other Cities: Travel to a nearby major city first, then choose a suitable mode of transportation to Kusatsu City based on local conditions. You can also check Japanese transportation apps for more accurate route and timetable information. 5. Accommodation Recommendations Kusatsu City is a hot spring town with numerous onsen hotels. Choose a location close to Yubatake and the bus station for convenient travel and sightseeing. If you want to experience public hot springs, opt for a hotel with breakfast only and enjoy local cuisine for other meals. If you prefer private hot springs, many hotels offer this option, but remember to book in advance! 6. Important Notes 1. Prepare Cash: Most places in Kusatsu accept PayPay but not credit cards, so bring enough cash just in case. 2. Shop Opening Hours: Many shops close at 5pm, so plan your shopping and dining accordingly. 3. Bring a Towel: Footbaths are common in Kusatsu. Carry a towel to enjoy them anytime. 4. Hot Spring Etiquette: Public hot springs in Japan are gender-segregated and require nude bathing, both indoors and outdoors. Upon entering an onsen, store your shoes, purchase a ticket, store valuables in a locker (requires a 100-yen coin), undress in the common area, and then enter the bathing area. Wash your body and lower body before entering the hot spring. Avoid splashing hot spring water into your eyes; if it happens, rinse immediately with clean water. Refrain from loud conversations, maintain quiet, and follow the onsen's rules. 5. Transportation Schedule: When traveling from Tokyo to Kusatsu Onsen, be mindful of schedules and times for certain transportation methods. For example, the last bus from Tokyo to Karuizawa departs at 3:40pm, and the earliest bus from Kusatsu Onsen to Karuizawa departs at 9:50am. There are only two direct trains per day from Naganohara-Kusatsuguchi to Ueno without transfers. Check the relevant schedules before your trip. A hot spring trip to Kusatsu City not only allows you to relax and rejuvenate but also experience Japan's unique hot spring culture and natural scenery. Come to Kusatsu City and embark on your own healing journey!

| A Dreamlike Journey through the Water Forest. 🌸Kusatsu City Water Botanical Garden | A Dreamlike Journey through the Water Forest🌸 Kusatsu City Water Botanical Garden, also known as the Water Forest 😉, is a truly beautiful place. 🌳Exquisite Surroundings Surrounded by a lake on three sides, this botanical garden offers expansive views! With the Hira and Hiei mountains as a backdrop, you can enjoy the beauty of Lake Biwa from various angles. It's incredibly romantic💕. Imagine a gentle breeze, shimmering lake waters, rolling mountains in the distance, and vast expanses of aquatic plants before your eyes—the scenery is simply breathtaking👍. The air here is also exceptionally fresh, filled with the fragrance of nature, allowing you to relax and forget all your worries. 🌼Abundant Flora This is a paradise for aquatic plants! There are over 2,000 plant species, primarily lotus and water lilies. In summer, colorful lotus and water lilies bloom in vibrant hues of red, pink, and white—their beauty is beyond words😍. There are also giant Victoria amazonica water lilies, their leaves resembling large green plates, big enough for children to sit on😜. Besides lotus and water lilies, there are various tropical plants and flower-themed pavilions. The Tulip Pavilion, with its French countryside charm, features tulips of every color and shape, making you feel like you've stepped into a fairytale. The other flower pavilions are also exquisitely decorated, each flower showcasing its unique beauty. It's a perfect spot for taking photos📷; every shot is picture-perfect. The rare lotus colony is truly spectacular. Lotus leaves densely cover the lake's surface, with lotus flowers standing gracefully among them, reminiscent of a Monet painting. It's a testament to the wonders of nature. There's also the rare flowering shorea robusta tree and three sacred Buddhist trees—the amrta tree and bodhi trees—which exude a special aura. 📌Visiting Tips The park is open from 9:00 am to 5:00 pm, so plan your visit accordingly to fully enjoy the scenery. The entrance fee is very affordable: 300 yen for adults and 150 yen for children. Access is convenient; if you're coming from Tokyo, you can take the JR. There's free parking at the park, making it easy to drive there. While visiting, please be mindful of the plants and refrain from picking them. Let's protect this beautiful botanical world together.

I've discovered a hidden gem in Japan🌳: Kusatsu City Water Botanical Garden Kusatsu City Water Botanical Garden, also known as "Mizunomori" (Water Forest), is nestled amidst natural beauty, like a forgotten paradise. The moment I stepped into the garden, I was captivated by the lush greenery and vibrant flowers. Home to over 2,000 plant species, the garden specializes in water lilies and lotus flowers. Strolling through the garden felt like stepping into a Monet painting. During summer, large patches of blooming lotus and water lilies, in shades of red, pink, and white, sway gracefully on the clear water, complementing the surrounding green trees, small bridges, and flowing streams. It's a sight to behold. The Victoria amazonica pond is a must-see! With approximately 200 Victoria amazonica plants, their large, round leaves seem sturdy enough to hold a child (though that's not allowed, of course). The diverse varieties of water lilies boast a rich array of colors, from pure white petals to delicate pinks, resembling shy maidens. Beyond the aquatic plants, the garden offers thoughtful amenities. Resting pavilions provide a welcome respite, where visitors can relax and enjoy the scenery. There's also an educational exhibit area where you can learn about the growth habits and characteristics of various plants, making it both fun and informative. Getting there is relatively easy. By public transport, take the JR Biwako Line to Kusatsu Station West Exit, then take a bus heading towards the Lake Biwa Museum and get off at "Mizunomori." The entire journey takes about 25 minutes. Renting a car is another option for more flexibility, but remember to have an international driving permit. The entrance fee is incredibly affordable! Adults pay just 300 yen (about US$2), while children pay only 150 yen, with discounts available for students. It's truly a great value!

🌸Kusatsu Aquatic Botanical Garden is like a hidden natural treasure waiting for people to explore its unique charm😉. The park is located in Kusatsu City, Shiga Prefecture, surrounded by lakes on three sides🌊. The lake water is like a huge canvas gifted by nature, adding endless vitality and softness to the park. When you step into this park, it feels like entering a dreamlike fairyland✨. The scenery in the park varies with the seasons, each with its own beauty. Summer is undoubtedly the most charming season🎈. At this time, colorful aquatic plants bloom, like a colorful painting unfolding before your eyes. The large lotus pond is like a pink ocean🌸, with lotus flowers in full bloom and lotus leaves like green umbrellas. The lotus flowers shimmer with golden light under the sunlight, like fairies dancing💃. The huge lotus leaves float on the water like green discs, giving a sense of tranquility and beauty. In addition to lotus flowers, there are many unknown wildflowers and grasses blooming in the corners, colorful and complementing the lotus flowers, creating a beautiful picture🌈. In addition to the spectacular aquatic plant landscape, there are many cute little attractions worth discovering🧐. For example, the rare sal trees in the park are tall and sturdy, like guardians of nature. The three most sacred trees - the Amida tree and the Bodhi tree - add a mysterious color to the park. They stand quietly, as if telling ancient stories, making people feel awe🙏. To allow visitors to better appreciate the beauty, the park holds various colorful activities at specific times🎉. There are different themed activities every month, such as summer flower exhibitions, allowing you to see various rare flower varieties up close; autumn poetry gatherings, where poets and painters create and feel the charm of nature. These activities not only enrich the visitors' experience but also deepen their understanding of the cultural connotation of this land🌌. In the park, there is a particularly pleasant experience, which is picnicking🍱. The flower fields in the park are like natural tablecloths laid by nature, where you can spread a picnic cloth, set up food, and enjoy nature's gifts with family and friends. In the fragrant environment, tasting delicious food and feeling the breeze, this leisurely and pleasant time is intoxicating😌. The ticket price for the park is very affordable, only 300 yen, allowing you to fully enjoy the beauty here🎫. Moreover, the parking lot is free, so you don't have to worry about parking. The park is open from 9:00 to 17:00, and it is recommended to go early to avoid the peak crowd and better enjoy this wonderful tour time📅. 🌈Kusatsu Aquatic Botanical Garden is a place where the soul is healed. Here, you can escape the hustle and bustle of the city, immerse yourself in the embrace of nature, feel the changes of the seasons, listen to the sound of flowers blooming, and enjoy the tranquility and beauty. Come here and start an intimate dialogue with nature💕.

🌳 Explore the Kusatsu Aquatic Botanical Garden, a dreamlike natural wonderland in Japan The Kusatsu Aquatic Botanical Garden in Japan is a dreamlike journey into the heart of nature. 🌳 As you step into the "Water Forest," the fresh scent of nature greets you. Tall trees stand like loyal sentinels, their lush branches intertwining, allowing sunlight to filter through in patches, creating a mosaic of light and shadow, as if nature itself has painted a puzzle🧩. The rustling leaves underfoot play a gentle welcome tune, each step accompanied by this unique rhythm, as if walking into a poetic symphony. Following the winding path, you'll encounter various rare aquatic plants. Water lilies, like shy maidens, display pink and white petals against the backdrop of green leaves, appearing especially delicate. Some are in full bloom, revealing tender yellow stamens, swaying gently in the breeze; others are still buds, waiting to burst forth like dreamlike fairies. Irises, like fairies in purple dresses, sway gracefully in the wind. They gather together, forming a vibrant sea of flowers, contrasting with the surrounding green waters and mountains, creating a stunning picture🖼️. In addition to these vibrant flowers, lively aquatic creatures add vitality to the "Water Forest." Small fish swim freely in the crystal-clear water, darting among the aquatic plants, occasionally leaping out of the water, creating sparkling splashes💧. Occasionally, you might spot frogs perched on lily pads, croaking as if showcasing their territory. Their presence infuses the tranquil forest with dynamic energy, as if nature's magical director is orchestrating a magnificent dance of life. The park also features several quaint bridges spanning babbling streams. Standing on the bridge, you can feel the gentle breeze, bringing a refreshing coolness. Looking down, the clear stream reveals stones and aquatic plants at the bottom. The stream's melodious sound seems to tell ancient stories, immersing you in this serene and beautiful atmosphere, making you forget all worries and fatigue. As evening approaches, the setting sun bathes the "Water Forest" in an orange-red glow. The trees cast long shadows, like guardians of the earth. At this time, water lilies gradually close their petals, preparing for slumber; while nocturnal creatures, hidden during the day, begin to stir. The entire "Water Forest" seems to enter another mysterious world, full of unknowns and surprises.

At the end of March this year, cherry blossoms in Kansai will bloom again. Are you still looking for a place to see beautiful cherry blossoms? In addition to the well-known places, why not consider places with fewer tourists? Here, you can enjoy the cherry blossoms in peace without worrying about crowds. Shizugawa Aquatic Plants Park Mizunomori

Soon it will be cherry blossom season again. The cherry blossoms I photographed last year seem to have just fallen yesterday, and soon new ones will bloom again. Compared to the more well-known scenic spots in Kansai, Shiga, which is also in Kansai but has fewer tourists, is really super beautiful. During cherry blossom season every year, Shiga not only has cherry blossoms as a tourist attraction, but also walking along the road, there are often large areas of blooming cherry blossoms by the small river. Shizugawa Aquatic Plants Park Mizunomori