Begin your evening journey into the heart of Kusatsu, a city that has flourished for centuries as a key post town on the historic Tōkaidō route linking Kyoto and Edo. Today, it remains one of Shiga Prefecture’s most vibrant cultural hubs.

While Kusatsu is often known for its bustling train stations and role as a gateway to Lake Biwa, Japan’s largest freshwater lake, few visitors realize how lively and diverse its nightlife truly is. This bar hopping tour invites you to step off the beaten path and into the places where locals gather, guided by an experienced local host who knows the city’s hidden corners, culinary traditions, and drinking culture like no other.

Over the course of the evening, visit two unique establishments, each with its own character and atmosphere, where a food and drink allowance of 1,500 yen per bar is included so you can relax and savor specialties without hesitation. Your guide will introduce recommended dishes, explain the flavors of local sake and craft beer, and translate the cultural nuances of an izakaya evening, ensuring you feel at home even in an unfamiliar setting.

Choose from two distinctive options that highlight the different personalities of Kusatsu. The first is the Kusatsu Station area, historically the center of the city since the Edo period when weary travelers stopped at its post town inns. Today, the district remains lively with long-standing izakaya run by families across generations, standing bars buzzing with energy, and modern venues catering to commuters returning from Kyoto or Osaka.

Sample charcoal-grilled skewers, hearty stews, or seasonal delicacies while sipping regional sake, immersing yourself in the authentic bustle of a working Japanese city. The second option is the Minami-Kusatsu Station area, known for its proximity to Ritsumeikan University and its youthful, international atmosphere. The streets here are lined with casual pubs, stylish craft beer houses, and welcoming bars that attract students, young professionals, and curious travelers alike.

Strike up a conversation with locals or fellow guests, share toasts across cultures, and feel the laid-back charm of a university town that blends Japanese tradition with global influences. Beyond the food and drink, what makes this tour special is the presence of your knowledgeable guide, a local expert who not only leads you from bar to bar but also shares stories about Kusatsu’s unique role in Japanese history, its relationship with Lake Biwa, its seasonal festivals, and the warmth of its people.

Hear how the Tōkaidō shaped the city’s growth, how the area balanced tradition and modernity through centuries of change, and why the izakaya culture here continues to thrive as a social bond in the community. Each stop becomes more than just a place to eat and drink—it becomes a window into the culture and soul of Shiga.